Tag: Peripheral artery disease

According to UCLA Health, body aches are a common symptom when the immune system responds to an infection, causing inflammation in the muscles. For many, the first sign of an infection like the flu or COVID-19 can be persistent muscle pain, including those in the legs, which can lead to questions about what illness starts with achy legs.

According to the National Institutes of Health, a wide range of conditions can cause muscle weakness, from nervous system disorders to musculoskeletal problems. Understanding what illness can make your legs feel weak is the first step toward effective diagnosis and treatment, and it's crucial to recognize when symptoms may indicate a medical emergency.

Chronic non-healing wounds, or ulcers, affect millions of people and represent a significant health burden. The complex physiology of wound healing can be disrupted by various underlying health issues, making it critical to identify and address the root problem. Discover the definitive answer to the question: **What is the most common cause of non-healing ulcers?**

Gangrene is the death of body tissue caused by a lack of blood flow or a severe bacterial infection. Without a proper blood supply, tissue cells can't survive, underscoring the critical need to understand **what is the main cause of gangrene** and its serious implications.

Smoking significantly elevates the risk of peripheral artery disease (PAD), which can severely compromise blood flow to the feet and legs. But the body is incredibly resilient, and understanding **what happens to your feet when you stop smoking** can be a powerful motivator toward a healthier life. The positive changes begin almost immediately, with improved circulation and reduced cardiovascular strain.

According to the CDC, chronic pain affects over 25% of Americans, with a significant number experiencing heightened discomfort at night. Understanding **why do my arms and legs ache every night?** is a crucial step towards finding effective management and improving your quality of sleep.

The human body is remarkably efficient at regulating its core temperature, even at the expense of its extremities. A cold environment triggers a process known as vasoconstriction, where blood vessels in the hands and feet narrow to prioritize blood flow and warmth to vital internal organs. So, while it may seem so, is it true that if your feet are cold, your body is cold? The answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

According to a 2022 meta-analysis, the 5-year mortality rate for individuals with diabetic foot ulcers is approximately 49.1%. While the rate varies based on individual health factors, this figure underscores the severity of this condition and why understanding what is the mortality rate for foot ulcers is so critical. A foot ulcer is not a simple skin condition; it is often a marker of severe underlying systemic disease that demands urgent and comprehensive medical care.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the majority of surgical amputations—around 54%—result from complications of vascular diseases and other conditions affecting blood flow, such as diabetes and peripheral artery disease. This highlights that the primary reason people have feet amputated is to manage a medical condition that jeopardizes the patient's overall health and well-being.

Oxygen is crucial for every cell in the body to function properly. When this process is interrupted and oxygen levels drop, it can lead to health issues. A lack of oxygen in the muscles is specifically called **hypoxia**, a condition that can be either temporary or chronic and requires medical attention.