Symptoms

Claudication refers to muscle pain due to lack of oxygen that's triggered by activity and relieved by rest. Symptoms include the following:

• Pain, ache, discomfort or fatigue in muscles every time you use those muscles
• Pain in the calves, thighs, buttocks, hips or feet
• Less often, pain in shoulders, biceps and forearms
• Pain that gets better soon after resting

The pain may become more severe over time. You may even start to have pain at rest.

Signs or symptoms of peripheral artery disease, usually in more-advanced stages, include:

• Cool skin
• Severe, constant pain that progresses to numbness
• Skin discoloration
• Wounds that don't heal

When to see a doctor

Talk to your doctor if you have pain in your legs or arms when you exercise. Claudication can lead to a cycle that results in worsening cardiovascular health. Pain may make exercise intolerable, and a lack of exercise results in poorer health.

Peripheral artery disease is a sign of poor cardiovascular health and an increased risk of heart attack and stroke.

Other conditions involving the blood, nerves, and bones can contribute to leg and arm pain during exercise. It's important to have a complete exam and appropriate tests to diagnose potential causes of pain.