Buerger’s disease or thromboangitis obliterans is characterized by severe recurring inflammation of the small arteries and small veins of the lower and upper extremities of the body. It is a rare case meaning, it doesn’t happen all the time.

Buerger’s disease is a result of thrombus formation meaning there is a clot that forms in the vessels and there is an occlusion. It is different from other vessels disease because thromboangitis obliterans or Buerger’s disease has a microscopic appearance.  It is believed that Buerger’s disease is autoimmune diseases that can results in occlusion of the distal vessels.

The cause of Buerger’s disease is believed to be unknown. It is usually occurs in men between 20 to 35 years old, and it has been reported in all races and in many areas of the world. In United States about 8 million Americans have this Buerger’s disease but they are unaware of their condition. It is said that for every 10,000 people 6 out of them have thromboangitis obliterans or Buerger’s disease. There is evidence that heavy smoking or chewing tobacco is a causative factor or an aggravating factor.

Symptoms of Buerger’s disease include pain as the most outstanding symptoms. The person may experience foot cramps especially of the arch; it is often felt after exercise. The pain is relieved by rest; often a burning pain it is aggravated by emotional disturbances, nicotine or chilling.

There is also cold sensitivity like the Reynaud type and this cold sensitivity is often confined to the hands. Digital rest pain is constant, and the characteristics of the pain do not change between activity and rest.  As this Buerger’s disease progresses, definite redness or bluish discoloration of the part appears when the extremity is in dependent position. Color changes may progress to ulceration.

Although this condition is different from any other disease, Buerger’s disease in older patients may also be followed by deposition of clot in the vessels. The person ability to walk may be affected and severely becomes limited. This elderly has a higher risk for non-healing wounds because their circulation is impaired.

The management for Buerger’s Disease is same as other peripheral disease. The main objective is to improve the circulation to the extremities, prevent the progression of the disease and protect the extremities from infection and trauma. Treatment of ulceration is directed toward minimizing the infection.  Tobacco is highly discouraged and it is highly advised to stop smoking.