Peripheral Arterial disease- related intermittent claudication

Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral arterial disease which is pain or discomfort in the lower extremities during physical activity which usually resolves with rest. Having this condition significantly impairs the patient's quality of life by limiting their mobility and in severe cases this condition can progress to critical limb ischemia potentially leading to limb amputation. Intermittent claudication among individuals 60 years and older is seen in 5-10%. The management of intermittent claudication has the intention to relieve symptoms, improve walking distance, and prevent disease progression.  Patients with this disease should modify their lifestyle, such as exercising, quitting smoking, and dietary changes to manage weight, cholesterol, and blood pressure. Medications are usually prescribed to improve blood flow and reduce the risk of blood clots. In severe cases, patients not responding to medication will need surgery such as angioplasty or bypass to restore blood flow.  In recent years extracorporeal shockwave therapy has appeared as a promising noninvasive treatment for patients that are not candidates for surgery or who have not responded to medications. In a total of 8 studies, a total of 332 patients using Extracorporeal shockwave therapy as a treatment showed significant improvements in pain-free walking distance and maximum walking distance. Patients’ quality of life improved.  

Tang P, et al, (2025) 57:2543979, The Annals of Medicine, 

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy for peripheral arterial disease-related intermittent claudication: a systematic review and meta-analysis 

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12332995/pdf/IANN_57_2543979.pdf