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- Peripheral Vascular Disease
- SYMPTOMS. Signs include cramping leg pain while walking, coldness, numbness,
- burning and tingling. The cramping is relieved by rest.
- CAUSES. Not entirely clear at this time but it is believed that excessive
- smoking may be a factor. May be due to an obstruction that results from
- atherosclerosis (fatty deposits). It most commonly affects the legs. An
- inflammatory condition that roughens the inner walls of the blood vessel and
- may lead to the formation of a clot may be the result of BUERGER'S DISEASE
- which is also known as thromboangitis obliterans.
- TREATMENT. May lead to gangrene (and amputation) if left untreated.
- .Medication to dilate the blood vessels may be prescribed.
- .May require bypass surgery. Stop all use of tobacco products.
- .Special exercise may be required to aid circulation.