At Vascular Surgery Associates, our top vascular specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica provide advanced diagnosis and treatment for claudication, a condition that causes pain, cramping, or fatigue in the legs due to reduced blood flow. We offer personalized treatment plans, including lifestyle modifications, minimally invasive procedures, and surgical options, to help patients restore circulation and improve mobility.
What is Claudication?
Claudication is pain or muscle fatigue in the lower extremities caused by reduced blood flow during physical activity. It commonly affects the thighs, calves, or buttocks and typically worsens with walking but improves with rest.
This condition is a symptom of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), where arteries supplying the legs become narrowed or blocked due to atherosclerosis (plaque buildup). Without proper treatment, PAD can lead to serious complications, including chronic pain, non-healing ulcers, and in severe cases, amputation.
Recognizing the Symptoms of Claudication
Patients with claudication often experience:
- Leg pain or cramping during activity that stops with rest
- Pain that occurs at a predictable distance and worsens on inclines or stairs
- Muscle weakness or fatigue in the legs
- Cold or discolored skin on the feet or toes
- Slow-healing wounds on the lower legs or feet
Claudication is commonly confused with arthritis or nerve-related leg pain, but a vascular specialist can determine the exact cause through diagnostic testing.
Who is at Risk for Claudication?
Several factors increase the risk of developing claudication and PAD, including:
Smoking
A major cause of arterial damage and reduced circulation
Diabetes
Increases the risk of blockages in leg arteries
High Blood Pressure
Places extra stress on blood vessel walls
High Cholesterol
Contributes to plaque buildup in the arteries
Obesity
Adds stress to circulation and limits mobility
Family History of Vascular Disease
Genetic factors may increase the likelihood of developing PAD
Advanced Diagnosis for Claudication
At Vascular Surgery Associates, we use the latest vascular imaging techniques to diagnose claudication and arterial blockages. These include:
Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) Test
Measures blood pressure differences between the arms and legs to detect circulation issues
Doppler Ultrasound
Evaluates blood flow and identifies arterial blockages
CT and MR Angiography
Provides detailed images of the arteries for treatment planning
Catheter-Based Angiography
A minimally invasive procedure that maps the severity of arterial narrowing
AdvancedTreatment Options for Claudication
Our vascular specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica provide both non-surgical and surgical treatments to improve circulation and enhance mobility.
Lifestyle Modifications
Weight loss, smoking cessation, and regular exercise can significantly improve walking distance
Medications
Cilostazol (Pletal) can improve walking ability in 50-60% of patients, but requires 2-3 months to determine effectiveness
Supervised Exercise Therapy
Studies show structured exercise programs can help patients walk longer distances without pain
Minimally Invasive Procedures
Angioplasty & Stenting opens narrowed arteries and Atherectomy removes plaque buildup in the arteries
Surgical Bypass
In severe cases, a bypass procedure may be necessary to reroute blood flow around a blocked artery
Most patients do not require surgery, and treatment is based on individual lifestyle needs and symptom severity.
Frequently Asked Questions About Claudication
Claudication pain only occurs during activity and improves with rest, unlike nerve or arthritis pain, which may persist even when sitting or standing.
Yes, untreated PAD can worsen and lead to non-healing wounds, infections, and severe circulation problems. Early treatment is key.
No, most cases are managed with lifestyle changes, medications, and minimally invasive procedures before surgery is considered.
Yes, supervised exercise therapy has been proven to increase walking distance and improve circulation over time.
If pain occurs even at rest, wounds do not heal, or your leg or foot becomes cold, discolored, or numb, you should seek immediate vascular evaluation.
Dedicated to Excellence in Vascular Care Since 1963
Vascular Surgery Associates (VSA) has established itself as a cornerstone of vascular health in Southern California, combining decades of experience with cutting-edge treatment methods. Founded by visionary surgeons in 1963, our practice has grown from pioneering beginnings into one of the busiest and most respected vascular surgery groups in the Western United States.
Schedule a Consultation for Claudication Treatment in Los Angeles and Santa Monica
If you are experiencing leg pain while walking or other symptoms of claudication, our vascular specialists in Los Angeles and Santa Monica can help. At Vascular Surgery Associates, we offer expert diagnostics and advanced treatments to restore circulation and improve your mobility.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward better vascular health.