This is a rare condition where blood vessels in the legs, and sometimes the arms, become inflamed, causing a reduction in blood flow. Clots may also form in these blood vessels, preventing an adequate flow of blood.
Dr Rob Hicks last medically reviewed this article in November 2007
The precise cause of Buerger's disease, also known as thromboangiitis obliterans, is unknown.
It's believed that in genetically susceptible individuals, smoking triggers an autoimmune response that causes the inflammation. The symptoms occur as a result of inadequate blood supply to the tissues.
Symptoms include tenderness or pain in the feet or hands during exercise (claudication), or when at rest.
Other possible symptoms include tingling and/or numbness in the limbs, and Raynaud's phenomenon.
Eventually, tissue may be damaged and destroyed. This can lead to ulcers in the skin and gangrene.
Buerger's disease is most common among people aged between 20 and 40, and affects men three times as often as women.
The disease can run in families and is more common among people from Asia, India and the Middle East.
People who develop Buerger's disease tend to be heavy smokers.
Not smoking reduces the risk of developing Buerger's disease. Avoiding cold temperatures cuts the risk of symptoms developing in those who already have the disease.
There's no cure. The only effective treatment is to stop smoking.
If an affected individual continues to smoke, they're likely to have toes and/or fingers amputated. Infections should be treated promptly.
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