Narrowing or blockage of a leg artery (intermittent claudication)

In intermittent claudication, atherosclerosis reduces blood flow to working leg muscles, causing pain or cramp after roughly the same walking distance that eases with rest. The condition also indicates increased heart and stroke risk. Pain at rest, a non-healing wound or a suddenly cold, pale, numb or weak leg needs urgent assessment.

• Cramping, aching or tired pain in the buttock, hip, thigh or calf during walking, usually easing within a few minutes of standing still.
• A shorter walking distance, slower walking or unconsciously avoiding activities without describing it as pain.
• Stop tobacco use and request medication and behavioural support; remain smoke-free after a stent or bypass as well.
• Follow the agreed walking programme on safe ground, record time and distance, and stop immediately for an unexpectedly different pain pattern, rest pain or sudden weakness.
• Arrange an appointment for predictable calf, thigh or buttock pain when walking, a clearly shorter walking distance, or differences in colour and temperature between the feet.
• For urgent GP care outside normal opening hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediately life-threatening situation.
• A suddenly painful, pale or blue, cold, numb or weak leg, or loss of a foot pulse, may be acute limb ischaemia: arrange emergency medical care immediately.