What symptom is common in arterial insufficiency but not in venous insufficiency?

Calf pain with walking, often referred to as claudication, is a classic symptom associated with arterial insufficiency. This occurs because of reduced blood flow to the muscles, typically in the legs, during activities such as walking. As the demand for oxygen increases with exertion, the impaired arteries are unable to deliver sufficient blood, leading to pain or cramping in the calves.

In contrast, symptoms related to venous insufficiency are typically characterized by issues arising from the blood pooling in the veins rather than an inadequate supply of oxygenated blood. For example, swelling in the legs is common in venous insufficiency due to fluid accumulation. Other symptoms, such as skin itching or coldness in the limbs, can arise from different physiological mechanisms and are not exclusively linked to arterial insufficiency.

Thus, calf pain with walking distinctly highlights the problem of insufficient arterial blood flow, making it a hallmark of arterial insufficiency.