How To Treat Intermittent Claudication

Angioplasty

Angioplasty is a medical procedure involving the insertion of a catheter into an artery. In this procedure, a tube is pushed up the artery, a dye is injected, and x-rays are taken. This procedure allows a doctor to assess where there is narrowing in the patient's arteries. The doctor can then fix the narrowed arteries with either balloons or stents. A balloon inflates to get rid of plaque buildup inside the artery, making room for blood to flow freely through the artery. The other option is a stent, which is a metal tube that holds the artery open so blood can flow through. Angioplasty is an unpleasant procedure and is usually used as a last resort for treating intermittent claudication. It is ideal for the patient to get their condition under control through other methods, such as diet, exercise, and weight loss, before the claudication gets bad enough to require medical intervention.