A smoker’s leg is a severe vascular occlusion. We explain how this disease manifests itself and why regular smoking is considered one of the biggest risk factors.
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What is a smoker’s leg?
The colloquial smoker’s leg is a severe peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD). The most common cause of a smoker’s leg is hardening of the arteries (arteriosclerosis) , which leads to a lack of oxygen in the leg. The name comes from the fact that smoker’s leg is usually the result of excessive cigarette smokingis. Because nicotine is considered one of the most important risk factors for arteriosclerosis. The nicotine releases substances in the blood that settle in the blood vessels. The result: the vessel walls lose their elasticity and become more rigid. The blood stream can no longer flow through the arteries as usual, resulting in narrowing. Regions of the body are no longer supplied with sufficient oxygen. Furthermore, nicotine affects the fat metabolism, which can also lead to limescale and fat deposits.
Symptoms of a smoker’s leg
The symptoms of smoker’s leg are divided into four stages:
- At the beginning, those affected are still symptom-free. Constrictions in the blood vessels are already present in the first stage .
- In the second stage , the first signs of stress appear. Leg hurts when walking. This stage is also called shop window disease. Those affected can only walk a short distance at a time and have to stop again and again – like window shopping.
- In the third stage , the pain occurs even at rest. The leg is particularly difficult at night, as the blood circulation in the legs decreases due to the lying position.
- In the fourth and last stage , the affected tissue dies off. Before this happens, the affected area changes color. It first turns bluish until it turns black. Other signs include numbness, coldness and paleness in the affected area. If the symptoms continue to progress, there is a risk of amputation of the leg.
In about half of all cases, the vasoconstriction is in the thigh. However, the pain is noticeable in the calf. The pelvic region is affected in around 35 percent. Discomfort occurs in the buttocks and thighs. Less commonly, the lower leg is affected by a vascular occlusion. In such cases, there is pain in the foot.
Smoker’s leg also possible without smoking – other risk factors
Whether and when a smoker gets a smoker’s leg depends on various factors. The condition of the blood vessels and the fact that you have smoked a lot and for how long are also important.
The term “smoker’s leg” is misleading and gives the impression that only smokers can get occlusive disease. Although regular smoking is considered the greatest risk factor, non-smokers can also develop PAD. Other triggers that can accelerate calcification of your arteries are as follows:
- Diabetes Typ 2
- Elevated cholesterol
- high blood pressure
- overweight
- Lack of exercise
- Alter
Treatment of a smoker’s leg
The earlier your smoker’s leg is diagnosed as such, the better your chances of recovery. In order to prevent arterial blockage from progressing further, you should avoid all risk factors. If you are in the early stages of peripheral arterial disease, your doctor may prescribe exercise therapy. From the second stage, you should also take medication that improves blood flow in your vessels. Surgical interventions are usually only required in the third stage. The constriction can be expanded through an invasive procedure using a catheter. If necessary, a bypass operation is also an option. From the third stage, you should also pay attention to careful skin and foot care. That means keeping your legs low and avoiding pressure points.
Smoker’s leg: when amputation is the only way out
In the last stage, when the affected areas can hardly be supplied with oxygen and nutrients and the tissue dies and wound healing is impaired, amputation is unavoidable. Due to the dying tissue and the open wounds, the risk of life-threatening blood poisoning (sepsis) is increased. Because the poor blood supply prevents the transport of immune cells. As a result, pathogenic germs can spread more easily.
In an amputation, the underserved area is removed. Amputation should only be performed when all other treatment options have been exhausted.
Prevent smoker’s leg – the best tips
The very best advice for not getting a smoker’s leg? It’s best not to start smoking in the first place. Try to quit smoking. If that turns out to be a problem, you should at least try to reduce your consumption. You should also be aware of other risk factors for circulatory disorders and avoid them if possible. This includes obesity, lack of exercise and an unhealthy and unbalanced diet.