Bueger’s disease is a painful disorder of the toes and feet. It is most common seen in younger adult males. Excessive smoking is the most frequent cause of this painful disease.

The patient usually complains of coldness, and tingling or burning in the feet or toes. In rare cases it may also occur in the fingers or hands. In the early stages this discomfort is usually relieved by a period of rest, but quickly returns with a mild exercise. The toes and feet appear red or dark, while the skin above may look more pale than normal. Gangrene and ulceration may then develop.

Elevating the legs relieves congestion in the legs of a patient with Buerger's disease.

Buerger’s Disease Treatment:

The patient must abstain  from the use of tobacco in any form for the rest of his life. He must also avoid extremes in temperature and any injury from poorly fitted shoes. Fungus infections of the feet should be treated, for they will always aggravate the condition. Complete rest in bed over a long enough period may allow ulcerated areas to heal.

These special exercises should be carried out as part of the patient’s general care: While he is lying down, elevate the legs about ten or fifteen degrees and keep them there for ten seconds, then lower them over the edge of the bed for three minutes. Rest for two minutes with the lying legs flat, then repeat at least ten times, after which allow the patient to rest. Do this at least four times a day.

Anticoagulant therapy may also be tried, the dosage being similar to that used for heart surgery. Again we must repeat – any patient with Buerger’s Disease pr the other leg pains should definitely give up smoking and never touch tobacco in any form for the rest of his days.

image courtest: [medscape.com]