Intermittent Claudication: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment in Dubai
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Introduction
Intermittent claudication is the medical term for leg pain or cramping that occurs when walking and improves with rest. It is one of the earliest signs of Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), a condition caused by narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs.
This symptom should never be ignored. Intermittent claudication not only affects mobility and quality of life, but it also signals a higher risk of serious cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke.
As a UK-trained Consultant Vascular & Endovascular Surgeon, I, Dr. Soroush Sohrabi, diagnose and treat patients with intermittent claudication here in Dubai. By combining advanced diagnostic techniques with evidence-based treatments, I aim to restore mobility, prevent complications, and protect long-term vascular health.
What Is Intermittent Claudication?
The term “claudication” comes from the Latin word claudicare, meaning “to limp.” It describes muscle pain — typically in the calf, thigh, or buttock — that appears with exercise and disappears after a short rest.
This happens because narrowed arteries cannot deliver enough oxygen-rich blood to the muscles during physical activity. When you stop walking, the oxygen demand decreases, and the pain improves.
Causes of Intermittent Claudication
The most common cause is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), which results from atherosclerosis (the build-up of fatty deposits or plaque inside the arteries). Over time, this narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs.
Other less common causes include:
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Arterial entrapment syndromes (e.g., popliteal entrapment)
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Aneurysms in the iliac or popliteal arteries
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Vasculitis (inflammatory arterial disease)
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Spinal stenosis or nerve problems (can mimic claudication — called “neurogenic claudication”)
Risk Factors
The same risk factors that cause heart disease also apply to intermittent claudication:
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Smoking
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Diabetes
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High cholesterol
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High blood pressure
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Family history of vascular disease
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Age over 50
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Sedentary lifestyle and obesity
In Dubai and the UAE, where diabetes and smoking are highly prevalent, intermittent claudication is a common presentation
Symptoms of Intermittent Claudication
Patients typically report:
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Cramping, aching, or burning pain in the calf (most common), thigh, or buttock
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Pain triggered by walking a specific distance, relieved within minutes of rest
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Reduced walking distance over time (“walking tolerance”)
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Weakness, heaviness, or fatigue in the legs
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Cold feet or delayed wound healing in advanced cases
Why Intermittent Claudication Matters
Intermittent claudication is not just a leg problem — it is a marker of systemic atherosclerosis. Patients with PAD have a 3–6 times higher risk of heart attack and stroke.
Early diagnosis and treatment are essential to:
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Improve walking distance and quality of life
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Prevent progression to critical limb ischaemia (rest pain, ulcers, gangrene)
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Reduce cardiovascular risk with optimal medical therapy
Diagnosis in Dubai
I perform a detailed vascular assessment for all patients presenting with leg pain on walking. This includes:
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Clinical history and examination (location of pain, walking distance, risk factors)
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Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): a simple, non-invasive test comparing blood pressure in the ankle and arm.
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Duplex ultrasound: maps blood flow and shows narrowing or blockages in the arteries.
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CT or MR angiography: advanced imaging if intervention is being considered.
This step-by-step approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and rules out other causes such as spinal problems or venous disease.
Treatment Options for Intermittent Claudication
1. Lifestyle Modification
The foundation of treatment is risk factor control:
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Stop smoking (the most important step to slow progression).
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Regular exercise programme: Supervised walking therapy has proven benefits in improving walking distance.
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Healthy diet: Mediterranean-style diet helps improve vascular health.
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Weight management and control of diabetes, blood pressure, and cholesterol.
2. Medication
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Antiplatelet therapy (aspirin or clopidogrel) to reduce risk of heart attack and stroke.
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Statins to control cholesterol and stabilise plaques.
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Blood pressure control with ACE inhibitors or other appropriate medication.
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Cilostazol or similar medications may be prescribed to improve walking distance in selected patients.
3. Endovascular Treatments
If symptoms significantly limit lifestyle despite conservative measures, minimally invasive procedures may be recommended. These include:
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Angioplasty: A small balloon is inflated inside the artery to restore blood flow.
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Stenting: A metal mesh tube is placed to keep the artery open.
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Atherectomy: Special devices to remove plaque from the artery.
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Lithotripsy: Special device which cracks the calcium and narrowing, allowing more blood reaching the legs
These procedures are performed through a small puncture in the groin or wrist and usually require only a short hospital stay.
4. Surgical Options
In advanced or complex cases, bypass surgery may be considered to restore blood supply. However, with modern endovascular techniques, open surgery is needed far less frequently.
Living With Intermittent Claudication
Most patients improve significantly with a combination of lifestyle changes, medication, and — if required — endovascular treatment.
Key advice for patients in Dubai includes:
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Walk regularly, even if it causes some pain (it strengthens muscle efficiency).
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Monitor foot health carefully — minor injuries can progress due to poor circulation.
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Attend regular vascular follow-up appointments.
FAQs for Varicose Veins Treatment in Dubai
No. Claudication is caused by poor blood flow, not joint or nerve problems. Careful assessment is needed to distinguish between them.
No, but symptoms can improve with lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Without intervention, the condition may worsen.
If you experience consistent leg pain when walking that improves with rest, you should be evaluated promptly.
No. It is performed under local anaesthetic and sedation. Most patients are discharged the same day or next morning.
Yes — in fact, regular walking is a key part of treatment. Pain during walking is expected but improves over time.
Why Choose Dr. Soroush Sohrabi for Claudication Care in Dubai?
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International Training: Consultant vascular surgeon trained in the UK, with fellowships in the US and Australia.
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Expert Diagnostics: Full vascular work-up including ABI, ultrasound, and advanced imaging.
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Modern Techniques: Offering the latest minimally invasive endovascular therapies.
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Personalised Care: I provide continuity from diagnosis to treatment and follow-up.
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Comprehensive Risk Management: Protecting not only leg health, but also overall cardiovascular health.