Why is claudication important?
First, it is not uncommon. Although it can occur in any age group it is more common in the middle aged and elderly. It is estimated that around five per cent of people aged over 65 suffer the symptoms and, although it is not exclusive to men, it is certainly more common. Second, as indicated above, the symptoms in the leg may be an early warning that there is disease elsewhere and may alert the individual (or more likely his or her doctor) to this fact who can then take further steps to help with, for example, coronary artery disease. Third, a very small proportion of people with claudication get worse and need surgical treatment to help. This will usually only be necessary if the circulation deteriorates to the point of suffering pain at rest in the feet and particularly at night. It is important to realise that only one or two per cent of people per year with this condition ever deteriorate to this point and need surgery. Whilst it is true to say that there is a chance of losing a le
