[Lower limb pain of arterial origin]

With the ageing population and increasing incidence of diabetes, arterial occlusive disease will become more common as cause of lower limb pain. In the diagnosis of limb pain of arterial origin it is essential to distinguish rest pain from intermittent claudication. Rest pain is associated with high risk of amputation and is therefore an indication for examinations within specialized care. First-line treatment of intermittent claudication instead consists of the management of risk factors and guided exercise. Specialized care consultation is required only in case of intermittent claudication which is refractory to conservative treatment and threatening the ability to work and function. Acute lower limb ischemia is always an indication for emergency assessment.