Buerger's disease is a rare autoimmune condition.

It is characterized by a combination of acute inflammation and thrombosis (clotting) of the arteries and veins in the hands and feet. Buerger's disease is rare in the United States, but is more common in the Middle East and Far East. It most commonly affects people between the ages of 20-40 years and affects men three times as often as women.

Buerger's disease is greatly associated with heavy to moderate tobacco use (both cigarette and smokeless). It has been postulated that Buerger's disease is an "autoimmune" reaction (one in which the body's immune system attacks the body's own tissues) triggered by some constituent of tobacco. Symptoms of reduced blood supply to the arms or legs develop gradually, starting at the fingertips or toes and progressing up the arms or legs, eventually causing gangrene. People may feel coldness, numbness, tingling or burning before their doctor sees any signs of the disease.

Buerger's disease is an inflammatory occlusive disease which involves all layers of medium sized and small arteries of the extremities. Buerger's disease occur as a result of inadequate blood supply to the tissues and include tenderness or pain in the feet or hands during exercise (claudication), or when at rest. Other possible symptoms include tingling and/or numbness in the limbs, and Raynaud's phenomenon. There are characteristic pathologic findings of acute inflammation and thrombosis (clotting) of arteries and veins of the hands and feet (the lower limbs being more common).

Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of Buerger's disease but they do not address the root of the problem. Vascular surgery can sometimes be helpful in treating limbs with poor perfusion secondary to this disease. Use of vascular growth factor and stem cell injections. Amputation is common and more severe in patients who continue to use tobacco.

Treatment for Buerger's Disease

• Conventional medical treatments may help relieve the symptoms of Buerger's disease.
• Vascular surgery can sometimes be helpful in treating limbs with poor perfusion secondary to this disease.
• Use of vascular growth factor and stem cell injections.
• Amputation is common and more severe in patients who continue to use tobacco.
• Gentle massage and warmth to increase circulation.
• Avoid conditions that reduce circulation to the extremities, such as cold temperatures).
• Avoid sitting or standing in one position for long periods.