Upper Extremity
Upper Extremity Arterial Disease Treatment in Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, and Salinas, CA
The upper extremities play a pivotal role in movement, stability, and comfort. Proactive upper extremity vascular care is paramount to upholding these critical functions. That’s why California Vein & Vascular provides upper extremity arterial disease treatment in Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, and Salinas, CA.
Understanding Upper Extremity Disorders
Upper extremity disorders refer to vascular conditions that affect blood flow in areas of the upper body. These conditions are fairly uncommon, affecting approximately 10% of the population. Certain disorders are curable depending on the nature of the condition, whereas others, such as peripheral artery disease of the upper extremities, can be medically managed but not alleviated.
What Are the Upper Extremities?
When discussing upper extremity arterial disease or upper extremities disorders, we refer to conditions that affect the shoulders, upper arms, forearms, and hands. These extremities are integral to virtually every type of movement, providing stability and mobility to support the functions of the upper body.
The Progression of Upper Extremity Disorder Symptoms
Upper extremity disorders seldom present symptoms until the issue begins to cause a blockage or narrowing in the veins and/or arteries. When this occurs, the disorder becomes a vascular disease, causing the upper extremities to become restricted from receiving an oxygen-rich supply of blood. This is typically when symptoms begin to develop.
Upper Extremity Vascular Disease Symptoms
Upper extremity vascular disease symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, location, and severity of the condition. Commonly reported symptoms include:
- Pain and/or cramping
- Open sores (ulcers)
- Tissue death (gangrene)
- Muscular atrophy
- Absent or weak pulse
- Cold skin
- Blueish nails and slow growth
- Hair loss on the arms
- Swelling
- Nerve condition development (Ischemic neuritis)
Causes of Upper Extremity Arterial Disease
Upper extremity vascular disease symptoms often point to a condition known as upper extremity arterial disease. Upper extremity arterial disease is classified as a form of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Upper extremity disease typically stems from a hardening of the arteries known as atherosclerosis but can also be associated with trauma and other systemic conditions.
Upper Extremity Disease Risk Factors
There are certain risk factors that make an individual more susceptible to developing upper extremity disease. The primary risk factors include individuals over the age of 60, predominantly males, and those who smoke and/or use tobacco products. However, alternative risk factors include diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and a family history of vascular conditions.
Exploring Common Causes of Upper Extremity Disorders
There are several potential underlying causes of upper extremity vascular disorders. The causes of these conditions range from acute trauma to chronic conditions and systemic diseases, including:
- Penetrative trauma/injuries
- Repetitive movement resulting in microtrauma
- Malformations and tumors
- Aneurysm
- Vascular conditions, including atherosclerosis
- Raynaud’s disease
Upper Extremity Arterial Disease Diagnosis
Upper extremity arterial disease must be diagnosed by a vascular specialist. At California Vein & Vascular Centers, our board-certified physicians employ a comprehensive diagnostic procedure, which may include:
- Physical evaluation
- Symptoms review and risk factor assessment
- Vascular ultrasound
- Blood pressure testing
- Pulse evaluation
- Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA)
- Angiogram
Choose California Vein & Vascular Centers
Prioritize your vascular health with California Vein & Vascular Centers. Our state-of-the-art facilities, innovative technology, and board-certified surgeons have earned us our reputation as the Bay Area’s premier vascular specialists. With a 99% procedure success rate in and extensive expertise, trust us for the highest vein and vascular care standards.
Call for Upper Extremity Occlusive Disease Treatment
If you’re experiencing upper extremity vascular disease symptoms, professional intervention is imperative. Look to California Vein & Vascular Centers in Los Altos, Los Gatos, Morgan Hill, and Salinas, CA, for compassionate guidance and comprehensive vascular care. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our vascular specialists.