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Buerger's Disease (Thromboangiitis Obliterans)
Inflammation and clotting of small and medium arteries in the hands and feet, strongly linked to tobacco use. It can lead to painful ulcers and tissue loss.
Causes & risk factors
- Tobacco use (smoking, chewing) — the key cause
- Young to middle-aged adults, more often men
- Possible immune involvement
Common symptoms
- Pain in hands or feet, worse with activity
- Cold, pale fingers or toes
- Numbness or tingling
- Painful sores or ulcers on fingers/toes
- Colour changes in cold (like Raynaud)
Tests & diagnosis
- Doppler ultrasound
- Angiography
- Blood tests (to exclude other causes)
- ESR
Treatment & management
- Complete and permanent stopping of all tobacco — essential
- Medicines to improve blood flow and control pain
- Careful wound care for ulcers
- Avoiding cold and injury to the limbs
- Amputation only for severe, non-healing tissue loss
When to see a doctor urgently
- See a doctor for painful, cold or discoloured fingers or toes
- Seek urgent care for non-healing sores or blackened tissue
- Get help to quit tobacco as early as possible
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about buerger's disease (thromboangiitis obliterans). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Can Buerger's disease be cured?
There is no cure, but completely stopping tobacco can halt progression and often prevents amputation.
Is quitting tobacco really that important?
Yes — it is the single most important treatment; continued use almost always makes it worse.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.