What Is Claudication?

KYW Medical Reports Sponsored By Independence Blue Cross

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- It is called claudication, but rather than focusing on a long medical word let me describe what it means.

Do you find that when you walk a few blocks you need to sit down and rest, not because you are short of breath but because your legs hurt? This could be the result of not enough blood perfusing to your legs. As you exercise your body demands more oxygen and the blood which carries it, but if there are blockages in important vessels this may not happen like it should, thus the symptoms.

If you have claudication symptoms get it checked out. There are treatments that can make a real difference. And if you are smoking, stop now.