Pain While Walking
If you’re living with a vein-related health problem, you’re also likely to experience leg pain while walking. Pain while walking isn’t a condition itself, but it is a symptom of a more serious health problem. At Washington Vascular Specialists, with locations in Takoma Park, Largo, and Frederick, Maryland, Mubashar Choudry, MD, and his expert team regularly work with men and women to diagnose and treat problems that cause pain while walking. To request your appointment, call the office or use the online booking tool today.
Pain While Walking Q&A
What causes pain while walking?
Pain while walking, also known as intermittent claudication, is a common condition that occurs when your muscles don’t receive adequate blood flow during physical activity or exercise.
Pain while walking typically isn’t constant. It begins during exercise and eases with rest. As claudication worsens, however, you might also experience pain while sitting or standing.
Pain while walking isn’t a medical condition in and of itself. Instead, it’s a symptom of disease, specifically peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD causes your arteries to narrow over time, restricting blood flow to your lower extremities.
What are the symptoms of pain while walking?
The term claudication refers to muscle pain that occurs due to a lack of oxygen. Telltale signs include:
- Leg pain
- Leg aches
- Leg discomfort
- Thigh pain, calf pain, hip pain
- Pain that improves with rest
If you experience these or other similar symptoms, try and make an appointment with Dr. Choudry and the team at Washington Vascular Specialists as soon as possible.
Who is at risk of experiencing pain while walking?
Pain while walking, caused by PAD and other circulatory problems, affects people of all ages and backgrounds, but certain factors may increase your risk, including:
- Smoking
- Having high cholesterol
- Having high blood pressure
- Being older than 70
- Having diabetes
You’re also more likely to experience pain while walking if you have a family history of PAD or atherosclerosis.
How is pain while walking diagnosed?
To diagnose pain while walking, Dr. Choudry performs a physical exam, reviews your medical history, and asks about the symptoms you’re experiencing. He also conducts a series of in-office tests to pinpoint the cause of your claudication. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, he might also recommend exercise testing, Doppler ultrasound, or an MRI.
How is pain while walking treated?
Whenever possible, Dr. Choudry recommends conservative treatments to address pain while walking. For example, regularly participating in light exercise can improve your overall vascular health and circulation. If exercise doesn’t ease your symptoms, you might benefit from prescription medications for high blood pressure or high cholesterol.
If you have a severe case of PAD and your body doesn’t respond to other types of treatment, Dr. Choudry might recommend surgery. Vascular surgery or angioplasty can improve blood flow and widen damaged or narrowing arteries.
Don’t let pain that occurs while walking prevent you from living an active, mobile life. Request an appointment at Washington Vascular Specialists today by calling the office or using the online booking tool.