Claudication: diagnosis and treatment

Claudication is exercise-induced lower extremity pain that is caused by ischemia and relieved by rest. This underreported condition affects at least 10 percent of persons over 70 years of age and 2 percent of those 37 to 69 years of age. Claudication is usually caused by atherosclerotic narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the lower extremities. The diagnosis may be suspected based on the history and the physical examination, and it is confirmed by Doppler segmental pressures and an ankle/brachial index. Initial treatment includes vigorous risk factor modification and an exercise program. Further treatment includes pentoxifylline and, occasionally, endovascular or bypass procedures.