Intermittent claudication

Posted By Jo Ann Christina on October 09, 1997 at 14:44:20:









I recently posted a message concerning leg cramps due to intermittent
claudication which is a condition suffered by my 86-year-old stepfather.  
The answer I received did not address my question and indicates
some confusion, so I will try to clarify.
The article I referred to was the only one I located when searching
the library database maintained by this site.  It was written by
a Dr. Samuel Stagg of the Cardiovascular Institute of the South.  My question
was in response to Dr. Stagg's statement that leg cramps can indicate
the dangerous condition of partially (or completely) blocked arteries
in the legs, and he also stated that there are now several non-surgical
options available to help this condition.  We know that Jack is in fact
suffering from artery blockage, and his condition is quite severe.  
We are aware that quinine (may) sometimes help with leg cramps in the
elderly.  However, we are also aware that the medical literature is
split in its decision as to whether or not quinine helps.  Also,
quinine is palliative, not a cure.  My question is, "are there in fact any
non-surgical options for this condition which will help to stop its
progression?", not "how do we relieve the pain?"
Walking is the only (non-surgical) treatment that Jack's doctor suggests
as a way to slow down the progression of the disease.  It is supposed
that exercise will help with development of secondary circulation.
I know of several other rather elderly people whose doctors suggest
the same thing -- walk until it hurts, rest, and then walk some more.  Jack's
condition is such that he must rest after about 1/2 mile, or less.
We live in California and of course cannot attend the Cleveland Clinic,
but we hoped that you could mention any possible treatments, other
than walking or surgery, that might help retard the progression of
the artery blockage, or even reverse some of the damage.    As you know,
very serious conditions result in leg amputation.  We are simply looking
for outside sources of information.  We have mentioned this forum
to several other people, including a local physical therapist, who
has expressed great interest in your response.  She says that as far
as she knows, the medical opinion locally is that the only non-surgical
option to help with retarding the disease is to walk.
We realize that the informaion you provide is for general information
purposes only, and all we are asking is, "What are the other possible
treatments (if in fact you believe there are any) to which Dr. Stagg
might be referring?"  
I hope this clarifies my previous question.  If another forum would be
more appropriate, I will submit this question elsewhere; however,
the Med Help Intl. staff suggested this one.
By the way, Jack has taken quinine for several years.  It doesn't help
him any more, the pain is too severe.
Thanks again for your consideration.  We would very much appreciate
as specific, even if short, a response as you can give.