Angina cruris is a medical term that refers to a type of leg pain caused by lack of blood flow to the muscles. The word "angina" is pronounced as /ænˈdʒaɪnə/, with stress on the second syllable. "Cruris" is pronounced as /ˈkruːrɪs/, with stress on the first syllable. The spelling of this term is based on its Latin roots, where "angina" means "strangling pain" and "cruris" means "of the leg." Proper spelling is important in the medical field to ensure accurate communication between healthcare professionals.
Angina cruris, also known as peripheral vascular disease or intermittent claudication, is a medical condition characterized by the presence of recurrent pain or discomfort in the muscles of the legs during physical activity. It occurs as a result of inadequate blood flow to the leg muscles due to narrowed or blocked arteries.
The term "angina cruris" is derived from the Latin words "angina" meaning tightness or strangling, and "cruris" referring to the lower limbs. The condition primarily affects the calf muscles and is often described as a cramping or squeezing pain that occurs during exercise or walking, typically disappearing with rest.
Angina cruris is caused by atherosclerosis, a condition where fatty deposits (plaques) build up in the arteries. This buildup reduces blood flow to the muscles, leading to oxygen and nutrient deprivation. Risk factors for developing angina cruris include smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol levels, and a sedentary lifestyle.
The main symptom of angina cruris is leg pain that is relieved by rest. Other symptoms may include numbness, tingling, or a feeling of weakness in the legs. The severity of the symptoms often depends on the degree of arterial blockage.
The diagnosis of angina cruris is typically made based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, physical examination, and non-invasive tests such as the ankle-brachial index (ABI) measurement and Doppler ultrasound. Treatment options may include lifestyle changes (e.g., quitting smoking, regular exercise), medications (e.g., antiplatelet drugs, vasodilators), and in severe cases, surgical intervention such as angioplasty or bypass surgery to restore normal blood flow to the affected leg.
Intermittent claudication.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "angina cruris" has its roots in Latin and Greek.
The term "angina" comes from the Latin word "angina" which means "a strangling sensation" or "choking". In medical terminology, "angina" refers to a condition characterized by chest pain or discomfort caused by insufficient blood flow to the heart muscles, often associated with coronary artery disease.
The word "cruris" is derived from the Latin word "crus" meaning "leg". It is often used in medical terms to refer to conditions or symptoms related to the legs.
Considering the etymology of the two terms, "angina cruris" can be understood as "leg angina" or "choking or strangling sensation in the leg". However, it is important to note that the term "angina cruris" is not commonly used in contemporary medical terminology.