Problems in the blood supply of the legs can cause pain and restriction in walking. Physical therapy can be of great value here.

Claudication Intermittens / Peripheral Vascular Disease

In Claudication Intermittens, the arteries are narrowed due to arterial calcification. As a result, the leg muscles do not receive enough oxygen while walking, causing pain. By stopping walking, the narrowed blood vessels have time to supply the leg muscles with enough oxygen again and the symptoms subside.

Why physical therapy for Claudication Intermittens?

According to the latest estimates, one in five adults over the age of 50 suffers from intermittent claudication. The symptoms can be resolved by surgery at a vascular surgeon's office. However, this is a major surgery. Research shows that walking therapy, guided by a physical therapist with knowledge and experience in this area, can greatly reduce the symptoms and limitations. Often surgery is no longer necessary in the long run.

Research and treatment

Under the guidance of a physical therapist affiliated with the National Chronic Care Network, walking therapy and active exercise therapy will improve arterial blood flow, coordination and endurance of your muscles. During walking therapy , the goal is to increase pain-free walking distance. Research shows that maximum walking distance can certainly be doubled and often tripled or quadrupled. During therapy, if necessary, attention will also be paid to improving walking patterns and lifestyle factors such as quitting smoking, getting exercise and a healthy diet.

Cost

Physical therapy for Claudication Intermittens is reimbursed from the basic insurance. For this it is important that the therapist is affiliated with the national network 'Chronisch Zorgnet', otherwise the health insurance will not reimburse it. Per 12 months, 37 treatments are reimbursed.

GP/specialist referral

Treatment of Claudicatio Intermittens requires a referral. In our practice, Natascha Huls is a specialist in the field of Claudicatio Intermittens. She is affiliated with the national network 'Chronic Care Network' and is the initiator of the Eindhoven region regarding Claudicatio Intermittens. Chronic Care Network is the national network of over 2750 specialized therapists who offer exercise therapy and lifestyle guidance to people with chronic health conditions, such as Claudicatio Intermittens, COPD, asthma and heart disease.