Leg pain with cramping

Alternative names:

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

Home care:

A program of daily walking for short periods, and stopping for pain or cramping, may help improve function. It is essential to stop smoking.

Avoid applications of hot or cold on legs. Avoid tight shoes.

Call your health care provider if:

• there is any unexplained leg pain or cramping. Medical attention is important.

What to expect at your health care provider's office:

The medical history will be obtained and a physical examination performed.

Medical history questions documenting claudication in detail may include:

• time pattern
  • Do you have leg cramps at night (nocturnal cramps)?
  • How often does leg pain with cramping occur?
  • Is it getting worse?

• quality
  • Is the pain sharp?
  • Is there an aching pain with the cramps?

• aggravating factors
  • Is it worse after you exercise?
  • Is it worse after you are standing?
  • Do you smoke? How much?
  • Do you drink alcohol? How much?
  • Are you diabetic? How well is your blood sugar controlled?

• other
  • What other symptoms are also present?
  • Has there been impotence (men)?
  • Is there pain in the back?
  • Is there a darkening of the skin of the legs, feet, or toes?
  • Is there weakness or paralysis of the legs?

The physical examination may include evaluation of the femoral pulse (in the groin) and the other areas where the pulse can be felt in the legs.

Diagnostic tests that may be performed include:

• blood pressure measured in arms and legs for comparison
• Doppler ultrasonography on the legs
• duplex Doppler/ultrasound exam of extremity to visualize arterial blood flow
• ECG
• aortography

Intervention:
Surgical or angioplastic treatment may be indicated if claudication interferes appreciably with the patient's essential activities or work and if the diseased arteries appear likely to improve after corrective treatment.

After seeing your health care provider:
If a diagnosis was made by your health care provider related to cramping leg pain, you may want to note that diagnosis in your personal medical record.