Question

A patient complains of pain in his legs when he walks. It goes away after sitting. What term comes to mind for this symptom? What diagnosis is it associated with?

Answer 1

The patient is experiencing intermittent claudication, which is a symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD is the narrowing of peripheral arteries, usually in the legs, due to atherosclerosis.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient is experiencing intermittent claudication, which is a term used to describe pain in the legs that occurs during physical activity, such as walking, and improves with rest. This symptom is typically associated with peripheral artery disease (PAD).

PAD is a condition characterized by the narrowing of peripheral arteries, primarily in the legs, due to atherosclerosis. Atherosclerosis is the accumulation of plaque in the artery walls, which restricts blood flow. When blood flow is reduced during physical activity, it can cause pain in the legs.

It is important to diagnose and treat PAD to prevent further complications, such as heart attacks or strokes, as atherosclerosis can affect other arteries in the body.