differential diagnosis
Last reviewed 01/2018
This includes:
- spinal claudication:
- typically the pain is relieved by standing with the spine flexed
- often, a history of low back pain
- legs may be weak
- diagnosis can be confirmed by myelogram
- venous claudication:
- calf pain relieved by elevating the legs to assist venous drainage
- signs of chronic venous insufficiency e.g. swelling, lipodermatosclerosis, ulceration
- diagnosis confirmed by venogram
- rheological claudication:
- due to gross hyperviscosity of blood
- pain usually affects the whole leg, and is relieved by standing still
- sciatica:
- pain is usually accentuated by bending or twisting
- ankle arterial pressures are unchanged or increased after exercise