Cramps
Another weird form of cramp is labelled “Intermittent Claudication”. This only happens when you exert yourself. You have been very happily strolling with the dog when suddenly the pain in your calf is so intense that taking another step is unthinkable – you stop and rest and the pain subsides. Take a few more steps – and the cramp strikes again! This is the sign that there is an inadequate blood flow to the lower limbs – the legs are not getting enough oxygen. Intermittent claudication is a symptom of peripheral vascular disease i.e. blocked circulation in the legs; somewhat like coronary artery disease blocks the vessels leading to the heart. Instead of reaching for the nearest pill, the advice is, “keep walking”, but it is also advisable to see your physician.
It is not clear why walking relieves claudication but it has been suggested that brisk strolls stimulates the formation of new blood vessels that naturally bypass the blocked portion of the leg artery. It is also likely that regular exercise dilates vessels, increasing blood flow to the legs. Interestingly, it is suggested that uneven terrain is best, i.e. you walk until you feel pain – rest – then begin to walk either uphill or downhill again instead of continuing along flat, even ground. High cholesterol levels are risk factors but smoking is its primary cause.
By Arlene Francois
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