question-icon

Is There A Cure For Claudication Pain?

default
Posted on Wed, 7 Jan 2015
Twitter Wed, 7 Jan 2015 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 27 Jan 2015 Last reviewed on
Question : Is there a cure for claudication pain? When I walk 50-60 steps pain kicks in starting in my butt and then down the back of my leg and part of my hip. x ray shows no hip problem and mri sh0ws no spineal stenosis. Pain is a '10'
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Following advice to ease claudication pain...

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

I am sorry for the situation you are in.

Claudication is a type of pain felt when you exercise. It is due to little blood flow in the extremities (legs or arms) during a physical activity.

1. The very first step for treatment include changes in lifestyle and diet regimen:
- stop smoking/drinking alcohol
- do not get heavy physical activities. Adopt only exercises that will help improve blood flow in the legs first. Then, gradually can go for moderate exercise.

2. Understanding what might cause blood flow reduction in extremities is also very important:
- high cholesterol levels : get lipid profile testing
- get Doppler ultrasound to exclude occlusion due to Deep vein thrombosis or atherosclerosis
- avoid medications that would cause constriction of your blood vessels (e.g. cold medicines).
- complete blood count is advised to exclude anemia
- checking your electrolytes levels is necessary to exclude vitamins/minerals deficiency

3. The most used medication to ease claudication pain is aspirin, however, further blood tests are needed to exclude blood thinning disorders.

Hope it was of help! Let me know if I can be of further help!
Dr.Albana


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (13 minutes later)
Please explain what Deep vein thrombosis is. thanks
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca (5 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
DVT=blood clotting inside the deep veins of the legs.....

Detailed Answer:
Hi back,

Thank you for your follow up question.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) refers to blood clots inside the deep veins (deep blood vessels) of the legs. Depending on the severity of symptoms, specific treatment will be prescribed apart blood thinning drugs like aspirin.

Doppler ultrasound of blood vessels of the legs would determine if there is:
- narrowing of arteries due to atherosclerosis
- or blood clotting due to deep vein thrombosis

Hope it was of help!
Dr.Albana
If no more query, please do not forget to close this discussion!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Albana Sejdini Greca

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 7314 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

127 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Is There A Cure For Claudication Pain?

Brief Answer: Following advice to ease claudication pain... Detailed Answer: Hi, I am sorry for the situation you are in. Claudication is a type of pain felt when you exercise. It is due to little blood flow in the extremities (legs or arms) during a physical activity. 1. The very first step for treatment include changes in lifestyle and diet regimen: - stop smoking/drinking alcohol - do not get heavy physical activities. Adopt only exercises that will help improve blood flow in the legs first. Then, gradually can go for moderate exercise. 2. Understanding what might cause blood flow reduction in extremities is also very important: - high cholesterol levels : get lipid profile testing - get Doppler ultrasound to exclude occlusion due to Deep vein thrombosis or atherosclerosis - avoid medications that would cause constriction of your blood vessels (e.g. cold medicines). - complete blood count is advised to exclude anemia - checking your electrolytes levels is necessary to exclude vitamins/minerals deficiency 3. The most used medication to ease claudication pain is aspirin, however, further blood tests are needed to exclude blood thinning disorders. Hope it was of help! Let me know if I can be of further help! Dr.Albana