claudication /klô′dikā″shən/ [L, claudicatio, a limping] , cramplike pains in the calves caused by poor circulation of the blood to the leg muscles. The condition is commonly associated with atherosclerosis. The disorder is usually manifested after walking and is relieved by rest. Claudication may require arterial bypass grafting, such as femoral popliteal bypass. Claudication must be differentiated from rest pain, a condition that requires surgical intervention and signals limb threat.
