Critical Limb Ischemia (CLI) Program Conditions and Treatments

Avoid losing a limb by receiving treatment for your critical limb ischemia (severe blockage in the arteries of your legs) from the specialists at Orlando Health Heart & Vascular Institute. Our experts treat your non-healing wounds and blocked arteries before you need life-saving amputation (removing the leg or foot).

The first step to treatment is to lower your risk factors. Modifying your lifestyle can make a difference. We can help you lose weight, quit smoking, and control your blood pressure and cholesterol levels. The severity and location of the blocked arteries determine the next steps. Our personalized treatment plans help prevent your CLI from worsening.

Risk Factors for Critical Limb Ischemia

Common risk factors for critical limb ischemia include:

• Age (men over 60 and women after menopause)
• Diabetes
• Family history of cardiovascular disease
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Obesity
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Smoking

Symptoms and Warning Signs for Critical Limb Ischemia

Talk to your doctor right away if you have the following symptoms or warning signs of CLI:

• Aches, pain or numbness in the feet while not moving that can be relieved temporarily by hanging the leg over the bed or getting up to walk around
• Gangrene (dry, black skin) on the legs or feet
• Nonhealing wound on the foot or leg
• Lower than normal pulse (or no pulse) in the legs or feet
• Noticeably lower temperature in your leg or foot compared to the rest of your body
• Shiny, smooth, dry skin on the legs or feet
• Thickening of the toenails
• Toe or foot sores, skin infections or ulcers that will not heal