Claudication

Pain or burning in the calf, thigh, hip or buttock is known as claudication. This discomfort, which usually occurs after walking, is primarily associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD that’s left untreated can eventually lead to claudication that occurs immediately after movement and prevent walking altogether.

As a leading provider of innovative heart and vascular care, specialists at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center use the latest technology to treat claudication. Not only do we work together to heal your claudication pain, but we create personalized treatment plans that address the underlying cause of the condition.

If you have risk factors for claudication, talk to your primary care provider about receiving one of our heart or vascular screenings. Or, if you want to talk to someone at the Heart & Vascular Center, call (574) 533-7476 to make an appointment.

Claudication symptoms

Pain or burning during physical activity is the most common symptom of claudication. Along with pain, you may also experience the following signs and symptoms in your legs and feet:

• Ulcers
• Tired sensation or weakness
• Skin discoloration
• A pale, cold leg or foot
• Shiny, hairless mottled skin

It’s common to mistake claudication pain with arthritis. Always tell your doctor if you experience pain, burning or discomfort while walking. With advanced heart diagnostics, including exercise ankle brachial indices and vascular ultrasound, we can diagnose claudication to begin an early treatment plan.

What causes claudication?

PAD, a condition marked by fatty buildup on arterial walls, is the primary cause of claudication. When you walk or exercise, oxygen fuels your muscles. If you have narrowed, stiffened or blocked arteries, it may be difficult for adequate oxygen and blood to reach your muscles during exercise, which leads to pain.

Other conditions can mimic the symptoms of claudication. Deep vein thrombosis, spinal stenosis, peripheral neuropathy and other musculoskeletal conditions can cause leg pain and burning during exercise.

Claudication treatment at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center

Some cases of claudication can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Your care team at Goshen Heart & Vascular Center will be there to coach you through making any necessary changes to treat your claudication.

If you need advanced treatment, our team is trained and experienced in performing minimally invasive claudication treatment, including stents, atherectomy and other techniques, to allow blood flow to your limbs.

We can help

You don't have to let claudication pain interfere with your favorite activities. Talk to your doctor about beginning treatment with our award-winning Heart & Vascular team.