Which finding is most characteristic of peripheral arterial insufficiency?

• A. Cold-to-touch legs
• B. Intermittent claudication
• C. Numbness/weakness
• D. Non-healing ulcers

Answer: (B)

Peripheral arterial insufficiency usually shows an exertional limitation pattern: intermittent claudication. This is reproducible pain in the leg muscles, typically the calf, that appears with walking and is relieved by rest. It happens because exercising muscles demand more oxygen than the narrowed arteries can deliver, so ischemia occurs during activity and eases when activity stops. Other signs like cold, pale legs, numbness or weakness, or non-healing ulcers can occur with vascular insufficiency too, but the distinct, activity-related pain pattern is the hallmark feature that best differentiates PAD from other conditions.