Physical Therapy Assistant Practice Exam

What is a clinical manifestation of intermittent claudication?

1. Weakness of the lower limbs

2. Cramping in the legs during exercise

3. Numbness in the fingers

4. Swelling in the feet

The correct answer is: Cramping in the legs during exercise

Intermittent claudication is a condition often associated with peripheral artery disease, characterized by reduced blood flow to the muscles during physical activity. The primary clinical manifestation of this condition is cramping or pain in the legs, particularly during exercise or exertion, which typically resolves with rest. This occurs due to an insufficient supply of oxygen to the muscles, leading to discomfort and cramping sensations. When the individual stops exercising, blood flow improves, and the symptoms alleviate, marking a key feature of intermittent claudication. The other manifestations listed—weakness of the lower limbs, numbness in the fingers, and swelling in the feet—do not specifically relate to intermittent claudication as they suggest different underlying issues that do not involve the characteristic cramping experienced during physical activity. Weakness may suggest neurological or muscular problems, numbness in the fingers could indicate issues higher up in the vascular or nervous systems, and swelling is often linked to venous insufficiency or heart-related problems. Thus, cramping in the legs during exercise is the most accurate representation of intermittent claudication.