Leg pain with cramping

Alternative names:

claudication in the legs; pain in the leg(s) with cramping

Definition:

An aching, tired, and sometimes burning pain in the legs caused by poor arterial circulation of blood in the legs; brought on by exercise.

Considerations:

Intermittent claudication may occur in both legs and often continues to worsen over time. However, some people complain only of weakness in the legs when walking or a feeling of "tiredness" in the buttocks. Impotence is an occasional complaint in men. Pain at rest is uncommon.

Common causes:

This condition is due to narrowing or blockage of the arteries (atherosclerosis or arteriosclerosis obliterans - peripheral vascular disease). Intermittent claudication is a form of the disorder that occurs only at certain times, such as after a period of walking. It is relieved by rest.

This is not the only cause of cramping leg pain. The list of all possible causes can be extensive and include unlikely diseases and medications. Furthermore, the list will vary based on age and gender of the individual as well as on the specific characteristics of the symptom such as location, quality, time course, aggravating factors, relieving factors, and associated complaints. Use the Symptom Analysis option to explore the possible explanations for claudication occurring alone or in combination with other problems.