Intermittent claudication is described as pain in a muscle that occurs with exertion and is relieved by rest.

• A. True
• B. False
• C. Sometimes
• D. Not sure

Answer: (A)

Intermittent claudication occurs when exercising muscles experience ischemia due to reduced blood flow from peripheral artery disease. During activity, the muscles demand more oxygen, but the narrowed arteries can’t supply enough, causing cramp-like pain in the involved area (often the calf). Rest lowers the muscle’s oxygen demand, allowing perfusion to catch up and the pain to fade, usually within a few minutes. This reproducible pattern of pain with exertion that is relieved by rest is the hallmark of intermittent claudication. It helps distinguish it from pains that occur at rest or due to non-ischemic causes like cramps or nerve issues.