There are cases, most frequently among diabetic patients, in which there is little or no pain, and the first serious manifestation of the disease is a treatment-resistant ischemic ulcer. As the condition worsens, other symptoms develop, including pain in the toes or feet while resting, particularly if the legs are elevated. I thought maybe it was my diabetes. But after the doctors did their procedure, the sore healed up quickly. In its most advanced stages, lack of oxygen causes tissues of the feet and legs to begin to die.
Sores develop that are very resistant to healing.
Gangrene can set in, and, at that point, amputation of the toes, feet or a portion of the leg may become the only life-saving procedure available. The Cardiovascular Institute of the South has been chosen to conduct a nationwide program to train cardiologists in the nonsurgical treatment of the crippling effects of PVD with balloon and stent therapy. These techniques were originally developed for use in the heart and are now used for opening blockages in the small-diameter arteries below the knee. Norma has been through two procedures, and faces at least one other to place more stents to try to clear some of the blockage in her legs. However, she says she doesn't mind at all.