Intermittent claudication (from Latin "claudicare" meaning "to limp") is a Sx that describes muscle pain (ache, cramp, numbness, or sense of fatigue), classically in the calf muscle, which occurs during exercise, e.g. walking, and is relieved by a short period of rest.

• Classically associated w/ early stage PAD
• Can progress to critical limb ischemia, unless Tx or risk factors are modified

• Occurs intermittenly, disappearing after a brief rest, and the Pt can start walking again until the painr ecurs
• General signs of atherosclerosis of the lower extremity arteries, including:
  • Cyanosis
  • Atrophic changes, e.g. loss of hair, shiny skin
  • Decreased temperature
  • Decreased pulse
  • Redness when limb is returned to a dependent position
• The 6 P's, including:
  • Pallor increase
  • Pulses decreased
  • perishing cold
  • Pain
  • Paresthesia
  • Paralysis