Treatment of obliterating atherosclerosis of the lower extremities in a sanatorium
Obliterative atherosclerosis of the lower limbs is one of the most common arterial diseases, especially among people aged 60–70 years. In severe cases, it leads to unbearable pain, loss of work capacity, and even tissue necrosis (gangrene). Only timely and qualified medical intervention can relieve suffering and help preserve limb function.
This disease involves damage to arteries — particularly the aorta, iliac, femoral, or popliteal arteries — which results in reduced or complete cessation of blood flow to the legs due to blockage by atherosclerotic plaques. These plaques are formed from connective tissue that develops at sites of vascular damage as a result of cholesterol or lipid deposits on the inner walls of blood vessels. A large plaque can lead to thrombus formation at the site of vessel narrowing.
Causes of the Disease
The primary cause of atherosclerosis symptoms is smoking, which causes spasms in blood vessels, thereby disrupting stable and uniform blood flow in the lower limbs. Like other cardiovascular diseases, this condition may also be triggered by:
- Sedentary lifestyle;
- Obesity;
- Elevated cholesterol levels in the blood.
Unfavorable heredity and hypertension are also factors contributing to pathological processes in the leg arteries.
Symptoms of Atherosclerosis
In its early stages, the disease manifests through pain in thigh and calf muscles caused by impaired circulation and oxygen deficiency. The pain disappears with reduced physical activity — for example, during slow walking or complete rest. This phenomenon is known in medicine as intermittent claudication.
Besides this main symptom, the following signs are also present:
- Numbness in the feet and persistent coldness;
- Pain in the legs during sleep;
- Non-healing wounds, especially on the calves;
- Elevated skin temperature on the affected leg;
- Darkening of the skin.
These symptoms appear at different stages of the disease:
- Stage I–II – patient can walk up to 1000 meters without pain;
- Stage III – leg pain occurs at night;
- Stage IV – trophic ulcers and gangrenous areas develop.
Diagnosis of the Disease
At an early stage, detecting pathological changes in the arteries of the lower limbs can be difficult. However, if suspicion exists, you should consult a vascular surgeon, who will check pulse and listen for bruits (abnormal sounds) in major arteries of the limbs, neck, and abdominal cavity. Diagnosis of lower limb atherosclerosis is carried out using the following tests:
- Duplex ultrasound scanning;
- Radiographic angiography;
- CT angiography;
- MRI angiography.
Treatment of Obliterative Atherosclerosis at "Berezoviy Gai" Sanatorium
A positive mindset plays a crucial role in recovery and symptom relief for patients with this diagnosis. Quitting smoking, keeping legs warm, maintaining a healthy diet, moderate walking, and regular specialist check-ups are actions the patient can take independently.
The “Berezoviy Gai” sanatorium offers a comprehensive set of procedures aimed at improving well-being in patients diagnosed with obliterative atherosclerosis of the lower limbs. Our treatment includes:
- Radon baths;
- Infrared sauna;
- Cryotherapy;
- Thermogly mud therapy;
- Dry carbonic acid baths.
Come and undergo a full course of rehabilitation with us — improve your physical health and feel better!