$Unique_ID{BRK00544}
$Pretitle{Circulatory System}
$Title{Is There Any Remedy for "Claudication" Besides Bypass Surgery?}
$Subject{claudication exercise walking pain}
$Volume{G-4}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Is There Any Remedy for "Claudication" Besides Bypass Surgery?


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QUESTION:  Would you please discuss a condition called "claudication".  I am a
sufferer, and wonder if there is any remedy to the problem other than bypass
surgery?

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ANSWER:  A symptom of intermittent claudication results from a deficient blood
supply in an exercising muscle.  After but a brief period of walking the limb
becomes "tired" or a pain, ache or cramp may be felt.  Usually it occurs in
the calf, but can also affect the foot, hips, thighs or buttocks.  After a few
moments of rest, from 1 to 5 minutes, the pain abates, and the patient can
walk on, for about as much time or distance as originally, when once again the
symptoms recur.  The distress is greater when walking rapidly or walking
uphill, and the ever diminishing distances that a person may cover during the
painless periods, indicates that the disease is progressing.  True
intermittent claudication never occurs at rest, and does not require that you
sit for the pain to disappear.  The underlying cause is the presence of
atherosclerotic plaques which develop in the arteries of the extremities, and
block the passage of blood needed to carry oxygen to the working muscles.  The
amount of pain and the distances you can cover will depend upon the extent of
the disease, and if there are other, open arteries in your legs, to help carry
the blood.  Exercise is recommended to overcome some of the restriction.  Walk
for about 60 minutes each day if possible, stopping when the pain occurs until
it disappears and then moving on again.  This can improve your condition
measurably and provided you with the ability to cover considerable distances
without pain.  A medication called pentoxyfylline (Trental) that increases
the ability of red cells to pass through narrowed arteries and capillaries,
may be used to improve the circulation in your legs and reduce the symptoms.
It is only when these techniques fail to improve your situation, that you may
have to consider surgery to bypass the blocks present in your arteries which
are the cause of your problem.
ÿ
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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
