Intermittent claudication is a medical condition characterized by pain and cramping in the legs during physical activity caused by poor blood flow. The spelling of this word is complex and includes multiple syllables and unusual letter combinations. The IPA phonetic transcription of intermittent claudication is /ɪntəˌmɪtənt klɔːdɪˈkeɪʃən/. The stress falls on the third syllable of intermittent and the second syllable of claudication. The second syllable of claudication is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a "d" sound followed by a "sh" sound.
Intermittent claudication is a medical condition characterized by pain or cramping in the muscles of the legs, usually the calf muscles, during physical activity. It is typically caused by narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs, a condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).
The term "intermittent" indicates that the pain occurs sporadically, and "claudication" refers to limping or lameness. People with intermittent claudication often experience pain or discomfort when they walk, climb stairs, or engage in other physical activities that require the muscles in their legs to work harder to meet the demand for oxygenated blood. Common symptoms of intermittent claudication include aching, cramping, numbness, or a feeling of weakness in the affected leg muscles.
The main cause of intermittent claudication is atherosclerosis, a condition characterized by the buildup of plaque in the arteries that results in their narrowing and reduced blood flow. Risk factors for developing intermittent claudication include smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, and a sedentary lifestyle.
Treatment for intermittent claudication aims to alleviate symptoms, improve blood circulation, and reduce the risk of complications. This typically involves lifestyle modifications such as quitting smoking, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and managing underlying medical conditions. Medications may be prescribed to manage pain and improve blood flow, and in severe cases, surgical procedures or endovascular interventions may be necessary to restore blood flow to the affected legs.
Intermittent limping.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "intermittent claudication" has its roots in Latin and Greek. "Intermittent" comes from the Latin word "intermittens", which means "interrupted" or "occurring at intervals". "Claudication" is derived from the Latin word "claudicatio", which means "limping".
The word "claudication" itself has a Greek origin. It stems from the Greek word "klaudikos", meaning "lame" or "limping". This term was originally used to describe a limping gait or lameness caused by various leg conditions.
When combined, "intermittent claudication" refers to the symptom characterized by the cramping, pain, or weakness that occurs in the leg muscles during exercise (typically walking) due to insufficient blood supply caused by arterial blockages.