An athlete may develop atypical claudication. Diagnosis may be delayed because the diagnosis is not considered. It is important to recognize since it is amenable to surgery in most cases.
Features of atypical claudication:
(1) muscle cramping in the leg brought on by exercise
(2) absence of peripheral arterial disease
(3) age younger than for typical claudication (< 50 years)
(4) poor response to medical management or physical therapy
Accompanying symptoms may include:
(1) paresthesias over the dorsal or plantar surface of the foot
(2) muscle swelling
(3) tibial bone pain over the medial aspect
Possible causes:
(1) chronic exertional compartment syndrome
(2) popliteal arterial entrapment
(3) medial tibial syndrome
Risk factors:
(1) overuse
(2) blunt trauma
(3) gait anomaly or orthopedic injury
