What condition is generally characterized by leg pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest?

The condition characterized by leg pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest is Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD). This condition occurs due to atherosclerosis, where the arteries supplying blood to the limbs become narrowed or blocked, leading to reduced blood flow. When a person with PAD engages in physical activity, their muscles require more oxygen-rich blood. However, due to the obstruction, the reduced blood flow results in claudication, or muscle pain, particularly in the legs. This pain typically subsides when the individual stops the activity and rests, allowing blood circulation to improve temporarily.

In contrast, chronic venous insufficiency is associated with pain and swelling due to the failure of the venous valves, often leading to a feeling of heaviness rather than pain that resolves with rest. Deep vein thrombosis may present with localized pain, swelling, and redness but does not typically follow the pattern of worsening pain with activity and improving with rest. Restless leg syndrome is characterized by uncomfortable sensations in the legs that create an irresistible urge to move them, particularly at night, and does not relate to activity levels in the same manner as claudication in PAD.