In medical terms, what does 'claudication' refer to?

Claudication specifically refers to pain, typically in the legs, that occurs due to inadequate blood flow, often during physical activity such as walking or climbing stairs. This pain is a result of peripheral artery disease (PAD), where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the muscles. The discomfort experienced during exertion often decreases with rest, highlighting the relationship between activity and blood supply.

In contrast, swelling of the limb refers to edema, which is unrelated to the blood flow limitations seen in claudication. Inability to walk may be a severe manifestation of various medical conditions, but it does not specifically capture the essence of claudication. Numbness in the limb could be caused by multiple factors including nerve issues or circulation problems, but it, too, does not define claudication, which is primarily characterized by pain due to insufficient blood flow during activity. Hence, the definition provided aptly encompasses the essential features of claudication.