Treatment of circulatory disorders of the toes
The therapy of circulatory disorders in the toes depends on the underlying disease and its causes. The arteriosclerosis is treated by a good adjustment of the blood pressure as well as the blood fat values. A change in lifestyle, including plenty of exercise and a balanced diet, is also part of the therapy.
In addition, risk factors such as smoking and the consumption of alcohol should be avoided. If calcifications have nevertheless formed, the resulting constrictions can be widened again by vascular surgeons. This is done with a catheter, i.e. a wire that is inserted into the vessel.
This allows the calcifications to be removed. A small wire mesh (stent) is then placed in the vessel so that it does not close up again. Open surgical procedures can also be used.
If there is a long-distance occlusion, it must be provided with a bypass so that blood can get back into the toes. If small blood clots cause circulatory problems in the toes, one tries to dissolve them with blood thinners. They can also be removed with a catheter. Are you about to start therapy for circulatory disorders and would like to learn more about it? We recommend our articles for this purpose:
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Prognosis of the circulatory disorder of the toes
If the triggering factors of the circulatory disorder of the toes can be brought under control, the prognosis of the disease is good. The vascular system can recover by a good drug regimen and a change in lifestyle. However, if the risk factors persist, the prognosis must be assumed to be poor. Not only the vessels of the toes are affected, but the entire cardiovascular system. Quite a few people die of this disease after decades.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of a circulatory disorder in the toes is initially based only on an assumption based on the symptoms (blue/white and cold toes). During the physical examination the pulse is felt on the foot. This pulse is weak or non-existent in circulatory disorders.
In addition, the flow rate of the blood can be assessed by ultrasound of the vessels. In order to be able to accurately assess constrictions in the vessels, a CT angiography can be performed.