Many people know that smoking causes several problems including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory disease. However, there are other diseases occur because of smoking and chewing tobacco. Buerger's Disease is one such disease in which the blood vessels in legs and arms get blocked. This blockage will interfere in blood flow and results in forming blood clots. These clots will affect both legs and
hands.
Buerger's Disease is also known as Thromboangitis Obliterans. It is a type of vasculitis which causes inflammation in the blood vessels including thickening, narrowing, weakening, or scarring.
Buerger's Disease cannot be cured easily. However, by quitting the use of tobacco and smoking, one can limit the symptoms from getting worse. If a person is not able to quit smoking, he/she might end up
suffering from severe tissue damage. One can also even lose toes, fingers, or other parts of the limbs. This is why quitting all type of tobacco or smoking is the only way to treat Buerger's Disease.

What Causes Buerger's Disease?
As discussed earlier, smoking cigarettes or cigars and chewing any form of tobacco is one of the main causes of Buerger's Disease. Still, the exact cause of this disease is unknown, but in most cases of Buerger's Disease, the sufferer has consumed tobacco products. It is an assumption that chemicals present in tobacco, cigarettes, and cigars may affect the lining of blood vessels, causing them to swell. According to experts, the genes in the body may also cause this disease. It is suspected that this disease is caused by an autoimmune response in which the immune system of the body attacks healthy tissues mistakenly. According to this theory, some people are prone to this disease.

Symptoms of Buerger's Disease-
Some of the most common symptoms of Buerger's Disease are:
  Pain in the hands and feet while exercising
  Stiffness due to reduced blood flow
  Pain at Rest
  Skin ulcerations
  Gangrene of the fingers and toes in severe cases
  Numbness, coldness, or tingling of the feet and hand
  Pale, reddish, or blue-tinted hands or feet.

Diagnosis of Buerger s Disease-
There is a set of tests that can diagnose Buerger s disease. Doctors first ask a person about his/her lifestyle, use of tobacco, and symptoms. After seeing a few symptoms, doctors may perform a test to check the blood flow. He may also look for other diseases that cause similar symptoms. Some of the common test to diagnose Buerger s Disease are:


  Allen Test: The Allen test is a blood flow test. In this type of test, patients squeeze their hand into a firm fist, which pushes out blood from hand. The doctor presses the arteries to slow down the
blood flow of the hand. At this stage, the normal color of the skin gets pale. After that, patients open his/her hand and doctors release the pressure from both sides of the wrist one by one. If it takes a longer time to go back to the normal skin color, it may be an indication of Buerger s disease

  Angiogram: It is a type of X-ray that will help to check the blockage of the blood vessels in the legs and arms. In this test, doctor place catheter (thin tube) into an artery to pump the dye. After
that, he takes X-ray images. Doctors may also perform tomography (CT) or MRI scan for clear results.

  Blood Tests: The blood tests will help the doctor to check if there is any other disease that causes the same symptoms as most of the vascular diseases mimics the symptoms of Buerger s
Disease. The doctor may also perform tests to check for diseases like lupus, diabetes, and those that cause blood clots.

Treatment of Buerger' Disease-
Quitting smoking and use of tobacco will help a person to lower the symptoms of this disease. Doctors may also prescribe for pain killers or antibiotics to get rid of the pain in affected areas. If a person finds it difficult to quit smoking, doctors help him/her with the right program and rehabilitation techniques.

Take Away-
Buerger's Disease is one of the rare illness caused by intake of tobacco products, this is why quitting smoking is most important to treat this disease. It is also advisable to consult a doctor as soon as a person identify any of the above symptoms.

All You Need To Know About Peripheral Vascular Injuries!

Dialysis is a very important and life-saving procedure. It is performed to replace kidney function in case of renal failure. Wastes and extra fluids in the blood are filtered out during this process. To be able to perform Dialysis, the connection between the patient s bloodstream and the equipment for performing Dialysis (dialyzer) outside the body is established. This connection is created through Dialysis Access Surgery. It is a type of Vascular Surgery which forms the vascular opening for access during Dialysis. Thus, Dialysis Access Surgery is the lifeline for the survival of the patient.

Types of Vascular Access for Dialysis- 
There are three types of Vascular Access for Dialysis: Arteriovenous (AV) Fistula, Arteriovenous (AV) Graft, and Venous Catheter.

  Arteriovenous (AV) fistula is a surgical connection of an artery to a vein. An AV fistula is usually placed in the upper arm or in the forearm. It causes extra blood to flow into vein making it grow large. A larger vein hence provides easy access to blood vessels. An AV fistula is preferred over other methods as it lasts longer than other methods of access and provides a good flow of blood. Moreover, it is less prone to infection and blood clots than other methods. Before an AV Surgery, a Vessel Mapping Test is sometimes performed for assessing the blood vessels most suitable for Dialysis. An AV fistula is performed under local anaesthesia and requires two to three months for maturation before hemodialysis. If it fails to mature, the procedure is repeated.

  Arteriovenous (AV) graft is performed when AV fistula fails to mature. It is hence the second most preferred choice for long-lasting access to vascular tissues for Dialysis. An AV graft is a looped plastic tube which establishes a connection between an artery and a vein. Like AV fistula, AV graft is also performed under local anaesthesia. It is slightly more difficult to maintain than an AV fistula.

  A venous catheter is used for short- term hemodialysis. It is a tube which is inserted into chest, neck, leg, or near groin for vascular access. After exiting the body, the tube splits into two halves. In the case where a renal disease has made quick progression leaving little or no time for the AV fistula or AV graft to mature, a venous catheter is used to establish the required vascular connection. This procedure is also performed under local anaesthesia. It is a tool for emergencies but is not suited for long- term use. It can cause narrow vein due to an infection,
scarring, or blood clot. If long- term venous catheter is used, it is tunnelled under the skin which has fewer problems associated with it and is more comfortable. 

How to Care for a Vascular Access?
  Get checked for infections and other problems before each hemodialysis session;
  Use the operated site for access only for the intended use;
  Always keep the access clean;
  Prevent cutting or bumping the access;
  Check for thrill/ vibration in the access and inform the doctor if any;
  Do not put pressure on the access site;
  Do not put blood pressure cuff around the access arm;
  Do not wear jewellery or tight-fitting garments over the site;
  Do not lift a weight.

Take Away-
Vascular Surgery for Dialysis is performed to provide vascular access for the procedure. AV fistula is the most preferred type followed by an AV graft. A venous catheter is recommended to be used only in case of an emergency when there is not much time left for the other two options to mature.

Vascular Surgery - Can It Help For Dialysis?

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis or plaque build-up in the leg arteries. Mostly, individuals with PAD have mild or no symptoms. But with the extension of the blockages, individuals may experience disability and pain that restricts free walking. In more severe cases, individuals may develop a risk of losing their limb if the circulation is not improved. 

There are various ways to improve the flow of blood in the leg, especially for individuals with severe PAD. The objectives of improving the blood flow in the limb include improving functional ability, reducing pain, preventing amputation, and providing a better quality of life. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms of Peripheral Artery Disease may include gangrene, claudication or pain in leg muscle while walking, pain at night mainly in the feet and leg, and feet sores.

Bypass Surgery

There are a number of treating methods for PAD. Both invasive and traditional methods are used to treat Peripheral Artery Disease. 

Stenting and Angioplasty are invasive treatment methods. The traditional method includes bypass surgery. The best available treatment method for an individual depends upon various factors such as severity, location of the artery blockage in the leg, general health of the patient, history of any vascular problems, and previous treatments.

Surgical bypass in the leg or Lower Extremity Bypass Surgery is usually the last option for the patients with PAD. This method is used when all the other alternative treatment methods fail or are not suitable for the individual. During the Leg Bypass Surgery, the surgeon forms an alternative channel for blood flow to bypass or avoid the blocked area and restore the direct flow of blood to the lower leg and foot. 

The risks and benefits of the surgery are calculated prior to the surgery. For the best result of the surgery, surgeons try to use the patient s own saphenous vein, from inside the leg, to execute these grafts. Surgeons may also use veins from other leg or arms or use prosthetic or artificial graft, in case the required length of the saphenous vein cannot be achieved. 

The results of artificial and saphenous vein from other limbs are not as effective as the saphenous vein from the same leg. Thus, the availability of an appropriate vein to execute this method is an important consideration that is taken into account before the surgery. 

Takeaway

Leg Bypass Surgery is one of the medical procedures for the treatment of Peripheral Artery Disease. In PAD, the artery of the leg is blocked which can hinder the daily life of the individual. 

The symptoms can be mild or absent but, in the case, where symptoms are severe, and affecting the quality of life of the patient, treatment becomes a necessity. Bypass surgery is the last option used when other alternative methods fail to help the patient. 

Leg Bypass - Know More About It!

Swollen ankles are very common among older people. Sometimes even young people suffer from this disease. There can be many possible reasons for swollen ankles. Some of the main and most relevant causes for swollen ankles are as follows:

Trauma
Injury on ankle
Sprained ankle
Venous insufficiency
Lymph edema
Arthritis
Heart disease
Kidney disease
Liver disease
Infection
Tumor
Some medications, including calcium channel blockers, steroids or even antidepressants
Homeopathic treatment for swollen ankles
The main treatment for swollen ankles actually requires a great deal of investigation in the field of homeopathic genre. Each and every case is investigated thoroughly and also analysed to a huge depth before prescribing any kind of homeopathic medication. The swollen ankles which are caused due to injury, sprain and arthritis can be independently handled by a homeopathic treatment. But in case of any other serious organ injury, homeopathic medicines are mainly used for treatment along with other kinds of advanced medications. Homeopathic medication should be considered only after consulting a good physician. Self-medication must be strictly avoided.

Some of the homeopathic medicines for treating swollen ankles include the following:

Apis Mellifica and Apocynum: Apis Mellifica and Apocynum are considered to be the best medicines for dropsical swollen ankles, also referred to as edema. Here the swelling is caused due to excess water retention or even due to water accumulation in the tissues.
Ledum Pal: If you are experiencing swollen ankles due to arthritis, Ledum Pal is your go-to homeopathic medicine. In such cases, the affected person usually experiences painful and hot swollen ankles.
Arnica: Another medicine of all times, especially for swollen ankles, is Arnica. It is the most effective medicine for swollen ankles caused due to an injury. Arnica works in a wondrous way to reduce the pain and the swelling of the ankles from injury which are bruised and feel sore to touch.
Ruta: Ruta is primarily prescribed for swollen ankles resulting from sprain. A sprain is defined as the overstretching of the ligaments, mainly in the area of joints.
Hamamelis: This homeopathic medicine, which is highly effective in treating swollen ankles, primarily caused due to varicose veins or venous insufficiency, is Hamamelis. It is the best rated medicine among its category.
If you are suffering from a swollen ankle, neither be indifferent it to, nor delay its treatment for long. It is recommended that you consult an experienced homeopathic practitioner to get the best medicine for your condition.

Swollen Ankles - 5 Homeopathic Remedies For It!

Inflammation or soojan in the body can make it difficult for you to follow your daily routine. According to Ayurveda, this is caused by an imbalance of the pitta dosha. As the pitta dosha increases, the heat in the body also increases leading to inflammation and other issues. To reduce the pitta dosha, one must consume foods that are not hot or warm in nature and increase the consumption of foods that have a cooling effect. 

7 amazing foods that can really help:

Turmeric: Turmeric contains an important anti-inflammatory compound known as curcumin. This can help reduce inflammation associated with arthritis, arteriosclerosis, asthma, and cancer. It also reduces the effects of inflammatory oxidants such as nitric oxide. Turmeric can be used to flavor foods or steeped into a tea.
Flax: Nuts such as flax and pumpkin seeds are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids. They also help cool the body. Some other nuts and seeds that you could include in your diet are almonds that have been soaked in water overnight and peeled, sunflower seeds, coconut and popcorn without salt. Avoid nuts such as brazilian nuts, chia seeds, cashew nuts, walnuts and sesame seeds as they can increase body temperature.
Garlic: Garlic is a wonder food that is very important in a pitta pacifying diet. Along with other nutrients, garlic contains allicin that has strong anti-inflammatory properties. Consuming garlic on a regular basis can also help protect a person against heart diseases by reducing inflammation in the veins and arteries.
Ginger: According to Ayurveda, ginger is considered as an universal medicine. This herb has anti-inflammatory properties that help reduce inflammation. It also aids in digestion and promotes healthy blood circulation. The best way to consume ginger to fight inflammation is to steep it in a tea.
Whole grains: To reduce the pitta dosha, you should include plenty of dry, sweet whole grains in your diet. This includes barley, oats, quinoa, wheat and rice. These foods are good sources of fiber and proteins. They also have a low glycemic index and help maintain body temperature.
Leafy vegetables: Vegetables that reduce the pitta dosha are usually sweet and astringent. These vegetables are best eaten raw at mid-day when the digestive system is functioning at its peak. Lettuce, kale, leeks, collard greens and wheat grass are some of the vegetables that you must include in your diet. On the other hand, avoid spicy vegetables like green chillies, onions, and radishes.
Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene that helps reduce inflammation in the lungs. This vegetable can be consumed raw or juiced but when cooked, the lycopene amount increases. However, avoid raw tomatoes as they can irritate the digestive system.

Body Inflammation (Soojna) - 7 Foods That Can Help Reduce It!

Uncontrollable division of cells present in the tissue leads to the formation of a lump or mass of tissue. This mass of tissue is known as a tumor and when this condition is diagnosed in the bones of a human body, it is known as bone tumor. Most bone tumors are non-cancerous (benign) and cannot grow. However, it is still possible that the bones could be weakened and the condition could result in fractures and other such problems. The tumor replaces the normal and healthy tissue.

It is observed that cases of malignant bone tumors are much less as compared to benign tumors. Some examples of benign bone tumours include:
1. Giant Cell tumor: In this condition, the tumor affects the legs
2. Osteochondroma: This form is most common among teenagers
3. Osteoblastoma: A tumor which develops in young adults and affects the spine
4. Osteoid osteoma: A tumor that affects long bones
5. Enchondroma: Usually found in hand and feet.

As stated earlier, metastatic cancer is a form of cancer that spreads to the bone from other spots in the body. Cancers from other parts that commonly spread to the bones include breast cancer, prostate cancer and lung cancer.

It is common for bone tumors to bear no symptoms and they can only be diagnosed using an x-ray. However, a typical symptom of bone tumor is pain which:
1. Starts in the region of the bone tumor
2. Often feels achy
3. Worsens with activity

Other symptoms that might be related to bone tumors are:
1. Abnormal swelling around the bone
2. Fever
3. Limping, in rare cases

Treatment
1. Benign bone tumors can be treated by just using medications. However, the tumours might relapse even after treatment.
2. Treatment of malignant tumor might require a number of specialists. The stage of cancer plays a vital role in the treatment.

Common treatments for bone tumor are:
1. Amputation: It is the surgical removal of all or a part of the limb and is conducted only if the tumor is large.
2. Radiation therapy: High intensity X-rays are used to kill cancer cells and treat the tumors.
3. Chemotherapy: Tumor cells which have infiltrated the bloodstream are eliminated using cancer drugs.

Abnormal Swelling - Can it be a Sign of Bone Tumor

Don't wait any longer, manage your Peripheral Edema online with a Lybrate doctor today

Consult for Peripheral Edema - Online and Easy!

FilterClear All

COMMON SPECIALITIES

COMMON ISSUES