Claudication

Claudication is a symptom of peripheral artery disease. It's a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the foot, calf, thigh, or buttock that usually happens during exercise, like walking up a flight of stairs or steep hill. This pain usually happens with the same amount of exercise. It's usually relieved by rest.

The symptoms include pain, cramping, and aching in the foot, calf, thigh, or buttock. But people may feel symptoms in different places. Usually, pain happens during exercise and stops during rest. If claudication gets worse, symptoms include pain at rest, sores, skin changes, or cold or numb feet or toes.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health and do a physical exam. This includes checking the pulse of the arteries at your groin and in your feet and legs. If your doctor thinks you might have claudication, you may have tests to check for narrowed arteries caused by peripheral artery disease.

Claudication may improve when peripheral artery disease is treated. Treatment includes a healthy lifestyle and medicines. To help relieve symptoms, your doctor may recommend a special exercise program or medicine. Some people may choose a procedure or surgery to help improve blood flow.