Leg artery occlusion is a condition that occurs due to the narrowing or blockage of the arteries that supply blood to the legs. This condition is the most common vascular disease after blockages in the heart vessels, brain vessels, and carotid arteries. Medically, it is also known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).

Importance of Leg Arteries
Arteries are the main vessels that supply blood to the organs. Blockage of the leg arteries prevents the leg muscles from receiving sufficient blood and oxygen. During walking, running, and carrying loads, the legs require more blood; when this need is not met, pain occurs in the legs. The pain is typically felt only during movement and decreases during rest.

Symptoms of Progression
As the blockage progresses, wounds or gangrene that do not heal for a long time may develop on the toes or heel. The most common symptoms of leg artery occlusion are:

• Pain in the leg or hip muscles during walking

• Relief of pain during rest

• In advanced stages, ulcers or gangrene formation in the feet

Causes of Vascular Blockage
Leg artery occlusion is usually caused by arteriosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). Additionally, Buerger's disease and the formation of blood clots in the leg arteries can also lead to blockage.

Risk Factors
Leg artery occlusion is more common in the following individuals:

• Older age (more frequent in those over 50, and even more in those over 60)

• Smokers

• Diabetic patients (those with diabetes)

• Individuals with high cholesterol and triglyceride levels

• Hypertensive patients

• Dialysis patients

Diabetes and Vascular Occlusion
Diabetes is a significant risk factor for leg artery occlusion. In diabetic individuals, these blockages are 3-4 times more common than in non-diabetic individuals. In diabetic patients, the blockage typically affects the small arteries below the knee, which increases the risk of foot ulcers and gangrene. Opening these small arteries is more challenging, which is why the healing process for wounds in diabetic patients is longer.

Symptoms of Leg Artery Occlusion
The symptoms of leg artery occlusion are:

• Occasionally, there may be no complaints at all

• Pain in the leg or hip muscles while walking

• In advanced stages, ulcers or gangrene in the feet

Characteristics of the Pain
Pain is felt in the calf muscles during walking. This pain is generally related to the following:

• It is less noticeable during slow walking but increases during fast walking or when climbing uphill.

• The pain subsides after resting and disappears within a few minutes.

• The condition known as "intermittent claudication" is characterized by pain in the leg during walking that goes away once resting.

Treatment of Leg Artery Occlusion
Once the diagnosis of leg artery occlusion is made, the treatment process begins. The treatment primarily focuses on eliminating the factors that accelerate the blockage.

General Precautions

Smoking Cessation: If the patient is a smoker, quitting is mandatory.
Regular Medication Use: It is important for individuals with diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease to take their medications regularly.
Exercise: At least 30 minutes of normal or brisk walking per day is recommended. A sedentary lifestyle negatively affects the health of the leg arteries.

Medication Treatment

In leg artery occlusion, medication treatment generally includes blood thinners and circulation-regulating drugs. These medications can alleviate walking discomfort but do not open the arteries.

Angioplasty and Surgical Treatment

If leg artery occlusion causes severe resting pain, wounds, or gangrene, the arteries may need to be opened through angioplasty or surgical methods.

Angioplasty Treatment

Treatment Options
The angioplasty procedure can be used in various ways to treat leg artery occlusion:

• Balloon Angioplasty: A balloon is placed at the area of blockage, and the balloon is inflated to open the artery. This procedure compresses plaques inside the artery, allowing it to expand.

• Stent Placement: During or after balloon angioplasty, a stent (a small mesh structure made of metal or polymer) may be placed to keep the artery open. This stent is positioned against the artery wall and eventually fuses with tissue to prevent further blockage.

• Atherectomy: This procedure involves using special tools to remove accumulated plaques in the artery. It is chosen based on the cause of the blockage.

Post-Procedure Care
After the angioplasty procedure, patients need to be mindful of the following:

• Rest: It is recommended to rest for at least 4-6 hours after the procedure.

• Medication: It is important to take the medications prescribed by the doctor regularly.

• Fever and Infection Symptoms: If any fever or signs of infection occur, the doctor should be contacted immediately.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Angioplasty Treatment

Advantages

• Non-Surgical Procedure: Angioplasty offers the possibility to open the artery blockage without the need for surgery.

• Short Recovery Time: Patients are typically discharged on the same day and can resume normal activities quickly.

• Minimal Risk: Modern angioplasty techniques minimize the risk of complications.

Disadvantages

• Incomplete Blockage Removal: In some cases, angioplasty may not fully remove the blockage.

• Risk of Re-Blockage: The opened artery may become blocked again over time. Regular follow-up and lifestyle changes are important.

Success Rate
With advancements in technology and increasing experience, many previously inaccessible arteries can now be opened. Especially, blockages in arteries below the knee can also be treated with angioplasty.

Capillary Artery Occlusion
Capillary artery occlusion typically involves very small vessels and is difficult to treat. However, blockages in arteries below the knee can be treated with angioplasty.

Conclusion
Leg artery occlusion is a significant health issue, and early intervention in the treatment process is crucial. When pain, wounds, or other symptoms appear in the legs, seeking a healthcare professional is essential. Angioplasty treatment is an effective method to resolve these issues and improve the quality of life for patients.

This information is supported by medically verified details from expert doctor İbadat Hasanov, aiming to educate individuals. In every case, the treatment plan is customized for the patient and carefully evaluated by the doctors.