Buerger’s disease and your veins
Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is a rare, tobacco-linked condition that inflames the small and medium arteries and veins of the arms and legs. At Charming Skin & Vein Clinics we focus on assessing your vein health and supporting your overall vascular care.
Quick answer
Buerger’s disease (thromboangiitis obliterans) is an inflammatory condition of the small and medium arteries and veins of the arms and legs that is strongly linked to tobacco use. It can cause pain, reduced circulation, and clotting in surface veins, and managing it begins with a careful evaluation of your vascular health.
What causes Buerger’s disease?
The exact cause of Buerger’s disease is not fully understood, but it is strongly associated with tobacco use, including cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products. The blood vessels in the arms and legs become inflamed, swell, and form clots, reducing blood flow and leading to tissue damage. Risk factors include:
Tobacco use
Smoking or using other forms of tobacco is the most significant risk factor for developing Buerger’s disease.
Genetic factors
There may be a genetic predisposition to developing the disease in response to tobacco use.
Age and gender
Buerger’s disease most commonly affects men under the age of 45, though cases in women have been increasing.
Symptoms of Buerger’s disease
The symptoms of Buerger’s disease are primarily related to poor blood flow to the limbs. Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the hands and feet — often a burning or aching sensation, common in the hands and feet, especially during rest.
- Cold hands or feet — affected areas may feel cold to the touch due to reduced blood flow.
- Skin changes — skin on the fingers, hands, toes, or feet may appear pale, red, or blue, and may be shiny or tight.
- Open sores or ulcers — painful sores can develop on the fingers and toes, which may become infected if not treated.
- Numbness or tingling — some people experience numbness or tingling in the extremities as blood flow becomes restricted.
In advanced cases, the lack of blood flow can lead to tissue death (gangrene), which may require amputation.
Why treat Buerger’s disease?
Buerger’s disease can lead to serious complications if not treated, including chronic pain, infections, and the loss of limbs due to gangrene. Quitting tobacco use is the most effective way to halt the progression of the disease. According to the National Institutes of Health, individuals who stop using tobacco early in the course of the disease have the best chance of avoiding amputation and improving their overall vascular health.
Treatment options for Buerger’s disease
At Charming Skin & Vein Clinics, we provide care to help manage Buerger’s disease and support circulation in the affected limbs. Treatment plans focus on stopping disease progression, reducing symptoms, and preventing further complications.
- Smoking cessation support — stopping all forms of tobacco use is the most important step. We provide resources and support to help patients quit and prevent further vascular damage.
- Medication — vasodilators, blood thinners, and pain medications may be prescribed to improve circulation, reduce clotting, and manage pain.
- Endovenous laser therapy (EVLT) — for patients with underlying vein issues, EVLT can improve circulation and reduce the risk of complications.
- Compression therapy — compression stockings or wraps can help improve blood flow and reduce symptoms in the legs.
- Wound care — proper care of any open sores or ulcers is crucial to prevent infection and promote healing.
- Surgical options — in severe cases, procedures such as bypass surgery may be required to restore blood flow or treat gangrene.
Prevention and self-care tips
The best way to prevent Buerger’s disease from progressing is to stop all forms of tobacco use. In addition, the following self-care strategies can help manage symptoms:
- Quit smoking — stopping all tobacco use is essential for halting the progression of the disease.
- Stay active — regular exercise, particularly activities that promote circulation in the hands and feet, can help improve blood flow.
- Avoid cold temperatures — protect your hands and feet from cold environments to prevent further constriction of blood vessels.
- Monitor skin health — regularly check your skin for any changes, especially in the hands and feet, and seek treatment for any sores or infections.
How we evaluate and treat it
Buerger’s disease affects circulation in the arms and legs, and reduced blood flow can also place stress on the surrounding veins. Our role is to assess your vein health, identify any treatable venous problems, and support your overall vascular care with conservative, evidence-based options. We start with a careful evaluation before recommending any next steps.
- Ultrasound vein diagnosis to assess blood flow and identify any underlying venous issues
- Compression therapy to support circulation and help manage swelling and discomfort
- Vein symptoms & conditions overview to help you understand related vein problems
Related vein conditions
Common questions
When should I see a vein doctor about this?
If you have ongoing leg or foot pain, cold or discolored skin, slow-healing sores, or visible vein changes, it is worth having your veins evaluated. A vein specialist can check your circulation and tell you whether a treatable venous condition is contributing to your symptoms. Dr. Abboud brings more than 20 years of experience caring for patients with vein concerns.
Is treatment covered by insurance?
Most PPO plans and Medicare cover treatment for symptomatic veins. Coverage depends on your plan and whether your symptoms are medically significant, and our team can help you understand your benefits before you begin. Cosmetic vein work is self-pay.
What can I expect at a free vein screening?
At your free vein screening, we review your symptoms and history, examine your legs, and discuss whether an ultrasound or other evaluation would be helpful. There is no pressure—the goal is to give you clear information about your vein health and the options available to you.
Medically informed care
Vein care at Charming Skin & Vein Clinics is led by Dr. Abboud, who brings more than 20 years of medical experience — a graduate of the University of Damascus with residency training at Cook County Hospital and John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in Chicago. This page is for general education, reviewed for accuracy, and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.
If you notice surface-vein inflammation or other leg-vein concerns, our team can help. Learn more about related superficial thrombophlebitis and explore our full list of vein symptoms and conditions.
Trusted resources: Society for Vascular Surgery — Patient resources, MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine)
Book a Free Vein Screening or call us at 630-974-1400.