Therapy of circulatory problems in the arm
The therapy of a circulatory disorder depends on its cause. In order to achieve a quick short-term improvement until the final therapy, painkillers such as ibuprofen can be taken. Cold or heat application can also help.
If a mechanical obstacle disturbs the blood flow, it should be removed. This includes splitting the connective tissue strand above the carpal tunnel or removing ribs that severely compress the arm arteries. For some forms of circulatory disorders, medication can be used.
If arteriosclerosis is generally a problem of the patient, ASA can be taken prophylactically. In vascular spasms such as Raynaud’s syndrome of the hand, calcium antagonists help to reduce the painful vascular spasms. However, drugs such as naftidrofuryl can also improve the condition.
In the case of inflammation, steroids such as cortisone are administered over a period of several days to weeks to quickly contain the inflammation. There are a variety of home remedies to improve circulation. First of all, water baths for the arms can stimulate the blood circulation.
However, there are diseases for which arm baths are contraindicated. Therefore, the treated doctor should be informed about them. This also applies to the use of other household remedies. The following also apply
- Ginkgo,
- Hawthorn and
- Ginger tea as blood circulation stimulating.
- Also onions and
- Garlic is said to have a positive effect on the blood vessels.
- For external application and local blood circulation improvement cayenne pepper or
- Mountain pine oil can be used.
- In general, exercise and sport also have a positive effect on the blood circulation.
What causes circulatory problems in the arm?
Basically one can distinguish whether there is too much or too little blood in the arm due to the circulatory disorder. In thrombosis, a clot forms on the vessel wall, for example when a central venous catheter is in place or the arm is unfavorably positioned. This clot clogs the venous system so that less blood can flow out.
As a result, less fresh oxygenated blood will naturally follow. The arm is swollen, painful and is usually cooler than the other arm. The situation is similar with an embolism.
In this case, the clot does not form directly on the spot but is infiltrated from another location and closes the vessel. Sometimes this is the case with fractures of the forearm.Arteriosclerosis describes the hardening of the arteries. The inside of the artery is constricted by deposits in the vessel wall.
Risk factors are an unhealthy diet, lack of exercise, high blood fat values, diabetes mellitus and nicotine consumption. Thoracic outlet syndrome describes the constriction of vessels and nerves supplying the arm in the area of the neck, ribs and collarbone. The symptoms worsen when working overhead.
In these situations, a pulse deficit (weaker to missing pulse) develops, which is accompanied by pain and numbness in the arm. In subclavian steal syndrome, the brachial artery that supplies the arm is pinched or narrowed. One possibility is compression by an additional rib or the more common arteriosclerosis.
Due to the constriction, too little blood reaches the arm, resulting in pain, numbness, tingling, coolness and paleness. In addition, a gradient from the head-supplying arteries towards the arms is created, resulting in a reduced supply to the brain. Dizziness, impaired vision or hearing can be an indication of this.
One speaks of vasculitis when a vessel is inflamed. The problem of vasculitis is damage to the vessel wall, where occlusions can form. An example of vasculitis on the arms is Winniwarter-Burger vasculitis, in which the smaller arteries of young, smoking men are inflamed.
As a result, thromboses and necroses occur, the fingers turn black and die. Only an immediate stop smoking and medication that reopens the vessels can prevent this. Finally, there is also a vasospasm as a possible cause of the circulatory disorder. In this case the vascular muscles contract in response to external stimuli such as cold or stress.
