Intermittent claudication is a tight, aching, or squeezing pain in the calf, foot, thigh, or buttock that occurs during exercise, such as walking up a steep hill or a flight of stairs. This pain usually occurs after the same amount of exercise and is relieved by rest.

Causes:
Intermittent claudication is caused by poor circulation. There are many things that can affect your circulation. Atherosclerosis (narrowing of the arteries from fatty deposits) is one of the most common causes of intermittent claudication. Smoking can worsen circulation and also worsen intermittent claudication symptoms. Some medicines can worsen circulation, including birth control pills. Smoking and using the birth control pill together will increase the chances of causing circulation problems.

Signs and Symptoms:
A pain or ache in your leg muscles after walking a certain distance is common with intermittent claudication. If only one extremity is involved, it will be cooler to the touch and have a different color than the extremity with good circulation. The pulses may be weak and hard to find in the affected extremity. Because of poor circulation, wounds take longer to heal. Infections are more common if you have intermittent claudication. If untreated, intermittent claudication can get worse and cause gangrene. If a clot forms, intermittent claudication can very quickly become an emergency.

Wellness Recommendations:
Do not smoke. Stopping smoking may decrease signs and symptoms of intermittent claudication or keep them from getting worse.
Exercise 3 to 4 times a week for at least 30 minutes a time.
Lose weight if you are overweight.
Control high blood pressure.
Learn to relax by deep breathing, meditating, or doing other activities when you are under stress.

If you have diabetes, try to keep your blood sugar at a steady level. Check your blood sugar often. Ask caregivers if you should make changes to your diet, exercise, or medicine.