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Leg Cramps
About Leg Pain
Some people mistakenly think that leg pain is a
natural part of getting older. You might be surprised to learn that
leg pain that develops during walking—and then goes away only with
rest—can be caused by intermittent claudication (IC), a potentially
disabling yet treatable medical condition, and is associated with
nerve root compression in the lower back.
IC affects roughly 3 million people, most of them over age 55.
Unfortunately, an estimated 75 percent of all IC sufferers fail to
seek medical help, often because they don't realize that IC is a
treatable medical condition.
IC is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease (PAD). PAD—also known
as “hardening of the arteries,” or atherosclerosis of the legs—has
been estimated to affect approximately 10 percent of people over age
55. PAD occurs when arteries in the legs become clogged with fatty
deposits.
It's not uncommon for people who have PAD to also have
atherosclerosis in other parts of the body—especially in the heart
and brain. Atherosclerosis is a serious health problem that can lead
to heart attack or stroke if left untreated.
The symptoms of IC may be felt in the:
And the symptoms may be felt as:
- Aches
- Cramps
- Heaviness
- Numbness
IC symptoms may be felt in one or both legs and
may occur during walking or exercising. The pain is characterized by
aching, cramping, tiredness, or tightness of the affected muscle
group. Once you stop walking or exercising, the symptoms subside
within minutes. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, see
your podiatric physician. He or she can diagnose your condition and
suggest treatments that may help you walk farther without leg pain. |
