Intermittent Claudication is defined as a severe pain in the calf muscles that occurs during
walking, but subsides with rest. It is a result of inadequate blood supply, which may be due
to atherosclerosis, arteriorsclerosis obliterans, arterial spasm, or an arterial blockage. Surprisingly, this is very common throughout the population. It tends to occur
more frequently in men than women, and of the population under 60 years old, almost 2% has
experienced it. In the 60-70 year old range, almost 4%, and over 70 years old, at least 5%
of the population is diagnosed. Intermittent Claudication has a favorable prognosis, as
the condition stabilizes or improves in most patients.
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Intermittent Claudication
Syndrome
Syndrome
laudication, a sudden and
severe pain in the calf muscles, is a common ailment. If the pain generally comes when
walking, and goes away when the legs are at rest, it is called intermittent claudication,
and it is caused by a blockage, or occlusion, in the arteries that bring blood to the lower
extremities. Deposits of cholesterol and other substances, called atherosclerotic plaques,
are the reason for the arterial blockage, and after gradual build-up, the passageways narrow
until a sufficient amount of oxygen-carrying blood can no longer pass through
to nourish the tissues. Exercise, especially walking, tends to exacerbate the situation.
Intermittent claudication is a painful condition,
but has a good prognosis. By lowering blood cholesterol and reducing platelets, further
damage to the arteries will be prevented.
Several herbs have a history of
traditional use.
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the
most widely known, and has been the subject of clinical research. Another traditionally
used herb is Garlic.
Ginger and Hawthorne Berry are also traditionally used. Hawthorne contains flavonoids and proanthocyanadins.
Several herbs have a history of
traditional use.
Ginkgo Biloba is one of the
most widely known, and has been the subject of clinical research. Another traditionally
used herb is Garlic.
Ginger and Hawthorne Berry are also traditionally used. Hawthorne contains flavonoids and proanthocyanadins.
Note:
This information is provided for educational purposes only
and is not intended to replace the use of a qualified
health care professional. We strongly recommend the use
of a physician for the diagnostic phase of any treatment.
With an accurate diagnosis in hand, we believe the consumer,
at that point, has a basic, unalienable right to seek out
factual information on all therapeutic approaches, both
orthodox and alternative, and choose those approach(es)
that are right for them. Nonetheless, a "good doctor"
should be considered a requisite starting point.
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None of the products mentioned on this page have been
evaluated by the U.S. Food & Drug Administration;
therefore, they are not intended to diagnose, treat,
cure, or prevent any disease.