Inflammation is a physiological process that is part of our body’s immune response. When we receive a blow or in the presence of irritants, such as an infectious process, the affected tissue becomes inflamed to allow the arrival of a greater amount of blood, which contains mediators for the repair of the tissue and cells of the immune system to combat any element alien. However, inflammation, sometimes, can be the cause of health problems because, for some reason, the mechanisms that regulate it fail to control it and, therefore, different types of alterations occur. Blood vessels are also susceptible to inflammation, producing a disease called vasculitis, which can affect any part of the body. In this FastlyHealarticle we inform you about themcauses, symptoms and treatment of vasculitis in the legs to know how to identify this condition.
Table of Contents
What is vasculitis
Vasculitis is the name given to a vascular condition in which the blood vessels are inflamed , and this produces a thickening of the vessel walls and, therefore, an alteration of blood flow due to the narrowing of the space by which the fluid can move.
Vasculitis can occur in arteries, veins and capillaries alike and can affect any organ, manifesting some symptoms or others depending on the affected organ.
Causes of vasculitis in the legs
Vasculitis, in general, is considered an autoimmune disease , that is, our immune system mistakenly attacks our body, in this case the arteries, thus producing inflammation and disease.
There is also the possibility that vasculitis is caused by an invasion of the vessel walls by different microorganisms , such as bacteria, fungi or viruses, and it can also be caused by other diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis , lupus erythematosus, tumors and reactions. allergic to medications.
There is a particular type of vasculitis called Buerger’s disease that is characterized by affecting the legs and arms. This type of vasculitis has been linked to the consumption of cigarettes and other tobacco derivatives.
Symptoms of vasculitis in the legs
Most of the symptoms of vasculitis depend on the organ that is affected, and due to the wide variety of organs that can suffer from vasculitis, the range of symptoms is quite wide and particular in each case. However, it is still a systemic disease, for which there are certain symptoms that occur regardless of the affected organ, such as:
- Discomfort
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Weightloss
- Increased heart rate
- Profuse sweating
When vasculitis affects one or both legs, symptoms can include pain in the knees, calves, and feet , resulting in difficulty walking. The appearance of raised red or purple spots on the skin is a possibility.
When the arteries that carry blood to the fingers are affected, it can cause a necrotizing lesion of the fingertips, a particular consequence of Buerger’s disease that is quite serious, since amputation may be necessary.
Vasculitis in the legs: treatment
Before starting treatment for leg vasculitis , it is important to be sure that this is the correct diagnosis. To do this, CT scans are usually used to look at the arteries using specialized methods, such as angiography. In addition, other studies may be ordered, such as biopsies of the affected tissue and blood tests.
Since almost all cases of vasculitis are caused by an autoimmune disorder, most treatments are based on the implementation of medications that help reduce the immune response, known as immunosuppressants, thereby controlling inflammation and, therefore, So, the symptoms. The most common are corticosteroids, such as cortisone or prenidone, and there is also cyclophosphamide as an option.
In more severe cases of vasculitis, chemotherapies and stem cell transplantation have been implemented to improve the condition.
Because vasculitis medications work by reducing the immune system’s responsiveness to reduce inflammation, their use can have significant risks, such as increased risk of infections, so treatment should always be go hand in hand with a specialist. Buerger’s disease is a condition without a cure, but perfectly controllable with the indicated medication to improve the quality of life and avoid complications.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
If you want to read more articles similar to Vasculitis in the legs: causes, symptoms and treatment , we recommend that you enter our category of Blood, heart and circulation .
I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.