Muscle pain caused by reduced blood flow

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Often a symptom of atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease, claudication occurs when arteries narrow due to the buildup of plaque. Your muscles do not receive enough oxygenated blood, causing them to cramp.

Claudication often occurs during walking or exercise, and the pain typically is relieved when at rest because the muscles require less oxygen. As your condition worsens, you also may feel pain at rest, and your toes or fingers may appear bluish or feel cold to the touch.

The doctors in our Vascular and Endovascular Program are experts at diagnosing and treating complex vascular conditions. Your care team will work with you to develop a treatment plan to manage the symptoms of vascular disease and help avoid serious complications.

Vascular and Endovascular Program

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Tests

Your doctor may recommend tests that evaluate the blood flow through the vessels in your limbs.

Angiogram (Angiography)

An angiogram is a special X-ray taken as a special dye is injected through a thin, flexible tube called a catheter to detect blockages or aneurysms in blood vessels.

Cardiac Catheterization

Cardiac catheterization is a minimally invasive way to diagnose and treat a variety of heart and vascular conditions by guiding thin, flexible tubes called catheters through blood vessels to problem areas.

Computerized Tomography (CT) Scan

The cardiac computed tomography scan, or cardiac CT, uses X-rays to create three-dimensional images of your heart and blood vessels.

Fluoroscopy

A fluoroscopy is an imaging technique that uses a continuous X-ray beam passed through the body to create real-time, moving images of your internal structures.

Fractional Flow Reserve

Fractional flow reserve, also known as FFR, is a measurement of how well blood can flow through the coronary arteries. Narrowing or blockages in these arteries can lead to a heart attack without treatment.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Magnetic resonance imaging, better known as cardiac MRI, is a combination of radio waves, magnets and computer technology to create images of your heart and blood vessels.

Pulse Volume Recording

Pulse volume recording tests are used to evaluate blood flow through the arteries in your arms or legs.

Stress Tests

Stress tests are used to assess how your heart works during physical activity. There are several types of stress tests, including treadmill or bike stress tests, nuclear stress tests, stress echocardiograms and chemically induced stress tests.

Treatments

Treatment for claudication will depend on the cause and severity of your condition. The condition often is treated initially with lifestyle changes such quitting smoking, eating a healthy diet, or exercising (such as walking) to improve blood flow through the limbs. If your condition is more severe, your doctor may recommend medication or a procedure such as angioplasty to widen narrow blood vessels.

Angioplasty

Angioplasty improves blood flow through the arteries by clearing plaque buildup.

Stenting

Stenting uses a mesh tube to open narrow blood vessels and improve blood flow.

Venous Stenting

Venous stenting uses a wire mesh tube placed within a vein to widen it and improve blood flow.