Which condition is characterized by intermittent claudication?

Intermittent claudication is primarily associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD), which occurs when there is narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the limbs, particularly the legs. This condition results in reduced blood flow, leading to symptoms such as pain or cramping in the legs during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs. The pain typically resolves with rest.

Understanding the relationship between PAD and intermittent claudication is crucial for recognizing the signs of reduced arterial blood flow. Risk factors for PAD include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol, which can exacerbate the condition.

In contrast, deep vein thrombosis (DVT) involves blood clots in the veins, often in the legs, and is characterized by swelling and pain but not typically by intermittent claudication. Venous insufficiency refers to the improper functioning of the veins that return blood to the heart, leading to symptoms like swelling and varicose veins, rather than muscle pain during exertion. Raynaud's disease is a condition that affects blood flow to certain parts of the body—typically fingers and toes—triggered by cold or stress, and does not produce the kind of intermittent leg pain described in claudication.