claudikáció

Claudication refers to pain, cramping, or fatigue in the muscles that occurs during exercise and is relieved by rest. The most common type is intermittent claudication, which typically affects the legs and is caused by insufficient blood flow to the muscles. This reduced blood flow is usually due to atherosclerosis, a hardening and narrowing of the arteries.

The pain associated with claudication can vary in intensity and location, but it often occurs in the calves, thighs, or buttocks. The distance a person can walk before experiencing pain is a key indicator of the severity of the condition. When the individual stops walking, the pain typically subsides within a few minutes as blood flow is restored.

Other causes of claudication can include inflammation of blood vessels (vasculitis), nerve compression (spinal stenosis), or certain blood disorders. However, arterial insufficiency is the most frequent underlying cause. Risk factors for developing claudication include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and a sedentary lifestyle.

Diagnosis usually involves a physical examination, assessment of pulse strength, and sometimes imaging tests such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or Doppler ultrasound to evaluate blood flow. Treatment focuses on managing underlying risk factors, lifestyle modifications like exercise and smoking cessation, and in some cases, medications or surgical interventions to improve blood flow.