What is critical limb ischemia?

What is critical limb ischemia?

Critical limb ischemia is severely blocked blood flow to your one or multiple of your hands, legs or feet. It causes intense pain, numbness and slow-healing sores on your feet, legs or hands. It is a serious condition that increases your risk of heart complications, limb amputation and death.

Critical limb ischemia is a severe stage of peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when a fatty substance called plaque (atherosclerotic plaque) builds up inside your arteries and restricts blood flow. It’s harder for your muscles and tissue to remain healthy and strong, or to heal, with limited blood flow. Another name for critical limb ischemia is chronic limb-threatening ischemia.