differential diagnosis
Last reviewed 05/2021
In cases where calf pain predominates, the main differential diagnosis is spinal claudication. The disorders may be distinguished by their response to rest. The pain of peripheral arterial disease is relieved by rest whereas the pain of spinal claudication may be worse on prolonged rest in an upright or seated posture. Typically flexion of the spine relieves the pain of spinal claudication caused by spinal stenosis.