What term describes the condition of intermittent cramping in the legs due to poor circulation?

Claudication refers to a condition characterized by cramping or pain in the legs, primarily during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs, which occurs due to inadequate blood flow to the muscles. This condition is often a result of peripheral artery disease (PAD), where narrowed arteries reduce blood supply. Patients may experience relief of symptoms during rest as blood flow is restored. Understanding claudication is essential in evaluating patients with circulatory issues, as it highlights impaired circulation and can indicate more serious vascular problems that may require intervention.

In contrast, arteriosclerosis refers to the thickening and hardening of arteries and does not specifically describe cramps or symptoms during exertion. Venous stasis involves pooling of blood in the veins, usually leading to symptoms like swelling rather than cramps. Peripheral neuropathy is related to nerve damage that can cause various symptoms but is not specifically associated with circulation problems in the way claudication is.