Intermittent claudication, leg pain and cramping during exercise, is a symptom of peripheral artery disease caused by atherosclerosis. Lifestyle changes, medication, and supplements can help prevent or ease the pain. Individuals over 50 need to take extra care as 4-10% suffer from PAD.
Exercise in unhealthy individuals can cause leg pain and cramping called intermittent claudication. Rather than a disease in itself, this pain is symptomatic of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Intermittent claudication indicates circulation problems in the arteries that could lead to serious health conditions such as heart disease.
In those with atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, cholesterol builds up in the blood vessels and coats the walls in plaque. This occurs in all arteries as we age, but especially affects the extremities. Restricted blood flow causes numerous health problems. During strenuous activities, such as walking or playing sports, narrow blood vessels cannot supply enough oxygenated blood to keep muscles active, so they stiffen and cause excruciating pain. If the activity is stopped and the muscles relax, the pain will gradually lessen and disappear.
A doctor can diagnose peripheral artery disease in those with intermittent claudication. They will conduct tests that measure blood pressure during rest and exercise, as well as assess your risk for heart disease. They can rule out other causes such as arthritis. Those with diabetes, high blood pressure, or those who smoke or drink are already at higher risk for cardiovascular disease. Taken from a Latin word meaning “to limp,” intermittent claudication is often the first visible sign of declining arterial health. Individuals over the age of 50 need to take extra care as between 4-10% suffer from PAD.
Lifestyle changes, combined with medications and supplements, can help prevent or ease the pain of intermittent claudication. Naturally, a balanced, low-cholesterol diet reduces the risk of atherosclerosis. Consuming alcohol and tobacco also accelerates damage to the arteries. Mild, low-impact exercise, such as walking on level ground, strengthens muscles and increases circulation. Dietary supplements, especially vitamins E, B and C, also improve the discomfort of intermittent claudication. For those with more acute pain, several medications are available that reduce cramping and help prevent a more serious problem such as a heart attack or stroke.
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