PERIPHERAL VASCULAR DISEASE
From the patient’s age, the type of muscles affected and the signs shown, the patient is most likely suffering from a condition known as intermittent claudication. Intermittent Claudication is a condition where one experiences aches and pains in the leg when they walk. Patients also experience these pains when they engage in exercises and these pains tend to go away when the individuals take a rest (Hecht, n.d.). This condition mainly affects the hips, calves, arch of the foot, buttocks and thighs. Another form of this condition is vascular claudication. This condition mainly arises in patients when the arteries supplying blood to the legs are interfered with, either blocked or narrowed. Other possible causes of intermittent claudication include compression of the nerve root, arthritis of the ankle, hip or knees, strains in the muscles among other various possible causes.
Intermittent Claudication has various physical signs and symptoms on a patient’s leg. These symptoms include; loss of hair on one’s leg, the skin of the leg appears cool, the patient’s feet ache or develop a burning sensation, shinny skins, toenails appear opaque and abnormal refill of the capillaries. The main cause of hair loss is mainly due to hair breakages from the follicles or when the hair follicles in the right leg fail to generate other new hair. The main condition that leads to hair loss in the leg is called anterolateral leg alopecia (Cherney, n.d.). This condition causes hair loss on the front and outer sides of the leg. This condition caused by intermittent Claudication is common in older men with an estimation of 35 per cent of men having this condition.
To assess the adequacy of circulation for patients with intermittent claudication after surgery, a serious clinical assessment is carried out by the doctor. Signs and symptoms of this condition are always reflected by the degree of compromised circulation. The gradual decrease in blood circulation or uncompensated reduction is key check after a surgery. The proper clinical analysis supports strategies of management decisions; therefore, the analysis should look into the extent of ischemia and revascularization if necessary (Cherney, n.d.). The assessment should explain the possible risk factors related to the cardiovascular and any other effects that may result from the extreme of the symptoms on the life quality of the affected patients.
Intermittent Claudication is very much treatable. Some of the steps that can be taken to help control this condition for the non-occlusion include; a well-balanced exercise with short rests. It is advisable to engage in other activities and walk until one feels the pain then alternate it with a rest (Hecht, n.d.). This may help improve circulation over time. It may even lead to the formation of new blood vessels. Patients with intermittent Claudication should quit smoking. Smoking affects the blood vessels and flow in general. It narrows the arteries and narrows the blood arteries. This low blood supply risks clot formation. Wearing shoes with proper fit helps control the pressure of blood in the leg. Patients with this condition should check on their body weight and the rate of cholesterol intake as this may lead to obesity thus blockage of blood vessels. This condition on the legs is controllable without surgery, though surgery is the best way to relieve the pain in severe cases. Procedures like stenting and sometimes angioplasty may substitute surgery in severe cases.
References
Cherney, K. (n.d.). Hair loss on legs: Causes in men and women, and treatment. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hair-loss-on-legs
Hecht, M. (n.d.). Intermittent claudication: Definition, symptoms, treatment, and more. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/intermittent-claudication