Claudication, or intermittent claudication, is caused by narrowed blood vessels. This narrowing is caused by calcification of the arteries. This means that insufficient blood, and therefore too little oxygen, can be led to the leg muscles. Very annoying, because it causes you pain when you take a short or long walk. If you want to do something about this pain, it is nice to know which exercises for claudication are best to perform. There is certainly a solution for intermittent claudication. Our specialized physiotherapist from Fysi Tilburg is happy to help you with this.
What are intermittent claudication?
Window shopping legs (OPC) are caused by atherosclerosis in the legs. This causes insufficient blood flow to the muscles while walking, causing pain in your calves, thighs, or buttocks. The name comes from the fact that people often "stop at a window display" because they have to pause due to the pain.
At rest, blood flow is temporarily restored, which reduces the pain. This pattern repeats itself over and over again.
Problems and complaints with window legs
If you suffer from sagging legs, this will manifest itself in pain in your feet, calves, thighs or buttocks. This pain occurs while walking, because the movements do not allow enough blood and oxygen to be transported to the leg muscles. At rest, when you stand still, the muscles relax. At such a moment it is possible for the oxygen to reach your muscles. Your pain will soon diminish. The result? It is becoming less and less attractive to exercise, because it only hurts. By knowing which exercises are good to do for your sagging legs, you can counteract the pain little by little.
Symptoms of window-window legs
- Pain or cramps in the calves while walking
- Pain subsides after a few minutes of rest
- Tired feeling or heavy feeling in the legs
- Sometimes: cold feet, thin skin or reduced hair growth
- In severe cases: wounds on the feet that heal poorly
Do you have these symptoms? Then it is wise to have the cause investigated. Schedule an appointment today. an appointment in or come by during our free walk-in consultation.
Why exercise is important
When walking is painful, it's tempting to move less. But with claudication, daily exercise is crucial. By exercising regularly:
- Stimulate the formation of new blood vessels
- Improve oxygen supply to your muscles
- Increase your pain-free walking distance
- Reduce your complaints in the long term
Exercises for window legs
The exercises below will help improve blood flow in your legs. Do them daily, within your pain tolerance:
- Running training: walk until you feel pain, then stop briefly, and repeat several times (indoors or outdoors)
- Knee lifts: at a leisurely pace, 30 seconds per leg
- Stretching legs: sitting, straighten and hold your knee
- Standing on toes and sinking: 10โ15 repetitions per set
- Sitting and getting up: 10 times without using your arms
A physiotherapist will help you perform these exercises in a safe and effective manner.
Other exercise exercises for intermittent claudication
Of course you can also perform other fun and good forms of exercise. This includes cycling (e-bikes are also allowed), swimming, running, tennis, football and dancing. Above all, do what feels good for you and what works. You don't have to force anything, but keep challenging yourself. If you know which exercises you can best do for your flabby legs, you can also exercise in a more targeted manner. As long as you remember not to stop moving. As tempting as this is to do, you will only aggravate your pain complaints even more.
Work with a physio on your pain complaints
If you want to get started on combating your pain complaints, make an appointment at Fysi Tilburg. Our physiotherapists have the right knowledge and expertise to determine which exercises for claudication are best for you to perform.
Frequently asked questions about window legs
Walking training, where you train through the pain under supervision, is the most effective.
Yes. Exercise improves blood circulation in your legs, which reduces your symptoms.
In many cases, walking training for intermittent claudication (via ClaudicatioNet) is partially or fully reimbursed. Check with your health insurer.
Many people experience improvement in their walking distance and less pain during exertion within a few weeks.
Schedule your appointment immediately with one of our specialists
Please feel free to contact us and schedule an initial appointment with us physiotherapist in Tilburg. Our practice can be reached by calling or texting +31 (0)13 543 58 41 and by sending an email to info@fysi.nl. We will answer your questions as quickly as possible.