What Is Critical Limb Ischemia?
Why Might Get Critical Limb Ischemia?
Is Critical Limb Ischemia Life-Threatening?
How Common Is Critical Limb Ischemia?
What Are the Symptoms of Critical Limb Ischemia?
What Are the Causes of Critical Limb Ischemia?
How to Diagnose Critical Limb Ischemia?
How to Treat Critical Limb Ischemia?
How to Prevent Critical Limb Ischemia?
Living with Critical Limb Ischemia
Meet Doctor Arun for Critical Limb Ischemia
What Is Critical Limb Ischemia?
Critical limb ischemia (CLI) is a debilitating condition, wherein, the blood-flow and oxygen to your extremities is severely restricted or blocked, usually due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries, which can be extremely painful. CLI is often caused by atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries. CLI is a serious condition that can be life-threatening. This severe form of peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens with a narrowing of the arteries that supply blood to the legs and feet. CLI happens when there is a severe blockage in these arteries. This can cause pain, ulcers, tissue damage, tissue death and even amputation. If you are experiencing pain or discomfort or other problems in your limbs, especially your legs, you may be suffering from CLI.
Why Might Get Critical Limb Ischemia?
People with diabetes and those who smoke are at a higher risk for developing CLI. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, diabetes, high cholesterol, and a family history of PAD or CLI. CLI can occur in anyone, but it is most common in older adults (people over the age of 65). People with diabetes or other conditions that damage blood vessels are at higher risk.
Is Critical Limb Ischemia Life-Threatening?
CLI can be life-threatening if it leads to amputation or infection. CLI can be very serious. If not treated timely, this can even lead to amputation. In some of the most severe cases, it can really be fatal!
How Common Is Critical Limb Ischemia?
CLI is relatively rare, but its incidence is increasing. This is largely due to the aging of the population and the rise in diabetes and other conditions that damage blood vessels.
What Are the Symptoms of Critical Limb Ischemia?
The most common symptom of CLI is pain in the affected limb or extremity, typically in the calf, thigh, or buttock. The pain may come and go or it may be constant, and is often worse when walking. This pain is typically worse at night and may be accompanied by cramping, numbness, or weakness. Other symptoms include skin ulcers, numbness, weakness, infections, coldness, gangrene, and tissue death in the affected limb.
What Are the Causes of Critical Limb Ischemia?
The most common cause of CLI is atherosclerosis, or hardening of the arteries, which is characterized by a buildup of plaque in the arteries. This condition narrows the arteries and can lead to a severe blockage that reduces blood flow to the legs and feet. Other conditions that can cause CLI include diabetes, peripheral artery disease, and Raynaud’s disease.
How to Diagnose Critical Limb Ischemia?
CLI is diagnosed with a combination of physical examination, medical history, and some imaging tests such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI), angiogram/angiography, and/or duplex ultrasonography.
How to Treat Critical Limb Ischemia?
There are many ways to treat CLI, depending on the severity of the condition. In some cases, simply making lifestyle changes, such as quitting smoking or losing weight, can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms. In other cases, more aggressive treatments, such as angioplasty or bypass surgery, may be necessary. The goal of treatment for CLI is to improve blood flow to the affected limb, which can be done with medication, surgery, or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Critical Limb Ischemia?
Preventing CLI is the best way to avoid the pain and inconvenience it can cause. Quitting smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and exercising regularly can all help reduce your risk of developing CLI.
Living with Critical Limb Ischemia
Living with CLI can be difficult, as the pain can make it difficult to walk or even stand. However, there are ways to manage the pain & condition and improve your quality of life. Some tips include staying active, eating a healthy diet, and avoiding smoking. Taking care of you is important to preventing further complications from CLI. There are also many resources available to help you learn more about CLI and how to cope with it.
Meet Doctor Arun for Critical Limb Ischemia
If you are concerned about CLI, talk to Doctor Arun. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference in your overall health. Fortunately, there are treatments available that can help improve blood flow and relieve symptoms that can improve your quality of life and help you avoid these complications. Doctor Arun is a leading expert on CLI, and can help you develop a treatment plan that’s right for you.
