Vaso-occlusive disease of the legs
Key points
- Blockage of leg arteries results from poor circulation of blood in the leg arteries.
- Intermittent claudication may occur in both legs, and it often continues to worsen over time.
- This condition is due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis obliterans - peripheral vascular disease).
- Talk to your doctor about the cause of your leg cramping and about what to do at home to relieve it.
Alternative names
Intermittent claudication; Blockage of leg arteries; Arterial insufficiency of the legs; Recurrent leg pain; Recurrent leg cramping; Calf pain with exercise
Definition
Blockage of leg arteries results from poor circulation of blood in the leg arteries. This produces an aching, tired, and sometimes burning pain in the legs that is brought on by exercise, and relieved by rest. Claudication refers to the limping that occurs from leg cramps.
Considerations
Intermittent claudication may occur in both legs, and it often continues to worsen over time. However, some people complain only of weakness in the legs when walking, or a feeling of "tiredness" in the buttocks. Impotence is an occasional complaint in men. Pain at rest is uncommon.
Common Causes
This condition is due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis obliterans - peripheral vascular disease). Blockage of arteries can occur anywhere in the body. If they occur in the heart, a person may experience angina or even a heart attack. If they occur in the neck or the brain, a person may have a stroke.
Intermittent claudication is when the blockage occurs in the legs, most commonly in the calf or the foot. It occurs only at certain times, such as after a period of walking and is relieved by rest.
Atherosclerosis, or blockage of arteries, can occur for many reasons such as smoking, diabetes, and high cholesterol.
Home Care
Talk to your doctor about the cause of your leg cramping and about what to do at home to relieve it. A healthy diet is important to decrease progression of atherosclerosis.
A program of daily walking for short periods, and stopping for pain or cramping, may help improve function. It is essential to stop smoking.
Avoid applications of hot or cold items on legs. Avoid tight shoes.
Call your health care provider if
There are many other causes of leg pain such as arthritis or low blood potassium. However, some causes of leg pain may be life threatening such a blood clot in the legs. Seek medical attention if you have:
- Leg pain that does not go away.
- Legs that may be red, hot or swollen.
- Any chest pain or shortness of breath accompanying leg pain.
- Diabetes.
- If you are pregnant.
The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.
Written and revised by
Gerald Hurowitz, M.D.
Our doctors write and review articles for accuracy and keep them up to date.
health.am provides general information, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified health professional about your own health.