Peripheral Arterial Disease Homeopathic Treatment A Case Study

Peripheral arterial disease is a condition that affects the blood vessels outside the heart and brain, leading to reduced blood flow and potential complications.

This case report focuses on a patient with lower limb arterial insufficiency and a comprehensive overview of the clinical findings, diagnostic approach, treatment strategies, and integration of Homeopathic treatment of peripheral arterial disease (PAD).

The present case report contributes to the existing literature by demonstrating the benefits of incorporating homeopathy into the multidimensional care of lower limb arterial insufficiency, further enhancing clinical decision-making and patient-centered management.

Causes | Symptoms | Clinical assessment PAD | Diagnostic Test | Treatment | Homoeopathic case study |

What is PAD (Peripheral Arterial Disease)

PAD is a circulatory condition characterized by the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels that carry blood from the heart to the legs and feet.

Peripheral Arterial Disease Causes and Risk Factors

Causes of PAD

• Atherosclerosis
• Inflammation of arteries
• Radiological treatments
• Trauma (1)

Risk factors of PAD

• Smoking- Many studies have confirmed the link between smoking and PAD (2)
• Diabetes Mellites is a risk factor for PAD (3) 
• High Blood Pressure
• High Cholesterol
•  Obesity
• Age more than 50 years 
• Family History of PAD, heart disease, and stroke are at risk (4)
•  Gender: PAD is less frequent in women than men of the same age group (5)
• HIV
• BMI of more than 30
• Raised  Homocysteine levels (6)
• Bacterial Infections: data showing an association between bacterial infection and PAD (7)
• Blood Clots
• Inactivity: evidence suggests that sedentary time contributes to PAD (8)

Peripheral Arterial Disease Symptoms

• Pain in the leg is the most common symptom of PAD. Drawing, cramping-type pain in the lower limb increased by exertion and relieved by rest.
• Claudication is the muscle pain or weakness that increases during exercise better by rest.
• Numbness and tingling in the leg, toes, feet, or lower leg are noticed during rest and on the elevation of the leg.
• Skin discoloration may appear pale blue or shiny, and wounds or sores on leg males take a long time to heal.
• The Affected leg is colder to the touch.
• Hair loss on the leg
• weak or absent pulse in the leg in case of  severe cases of vascular disease

Clinical assessment of PAD

• I Asymptomatic
• II a Compensated intermittent claudication
• IIb Decompensated intermittent claudication.
• III Rest pain
• IV Non-Healing ulceration (9)

Diagnostic Test for PAD:

• Blood test - Lipid profile, Diabetes profile
• Ankle-brachial index
• Angiography
• Color Doppler ultrasound scan

Peripheral Arterial Disease Treatments

PAD treatment strategies employed in managing peripheral vascular disease are

• Therapeutic interventions: Cholesterol reduction, Anticoagulants, antihypertensive medications, antiplatelet therapy and cilostazol, and aspirin with clopidogrel and ACE inhibitor (10)

Homeopathic Medicine (11)

• Surgical interventions are angioplasty, artery bypass graft, Thrombectomy, and Atherectomy.
• Lifestyle modifications are exercise, weight reduction, and quitting smoking.

Homeopathic Approach in Peripheral Arterial Disease

Homeopathic medicine helps in the management of peripheral arterial disease on the bases of Homeopathic principles and individualization. By examining the specific homeopathic remedies and treatment protocols, we highlight the potential benefits and considerations of alternative approaches for managing PVD.

Case Presentation:

The case presented the patient's medical history, risk factors, and initial symptoms, highlighting the significance of early recognition and diagnostic challenges encountered. By delving into the specifics of this case, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities involved in diagnosing PAD, the importance of a comprehensive assessment, and the impact it has on their daily lives.

• The patient was a carpenter aged 48-year-old male weight 90 kg and visited the clinic for treatment.

• Investigation -Color Doppler reports Right popliteal artery triphasic flow is absent, Right anterior and posterior tibial arteries spectral broadening with reduced flow velocities, right Dorsalis Pedis artery-monophasic flow with reduced systolic blood pressure with absent diastolic flow.

Table 1: contains the Patient follow-up visit, Detail symptoms, and prescription advise

Patient visit	Symptoms Status	Prescription and advise
Day 1st	Presented with pain and swelling in the right thigh for two months. Numbness, stiffness, and pain in the thigh worsened by movement and stretching of the limb,  Loss of sleep associated with retrosternal heaviness. Nausea triggered by food, Discomfort in the neck with tight clothing, and anxiety about family. Past medical history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia, Completed two doses of COVID-19 vaccination. Mental stress due to the loss of a brother-in-law. Financial stress. Blood pressure: 140/90. Weight: 90 kg	Lycopodium 30C, two doses three days weekly Arnica Q 10 drops twice daily for pain relief.  Crataegus Q  10 drops twice daily ( for high lipid levels and high blood pressure)   lower limb exercise and rest
1st-Month follow-up	Better in pain and swelling in the thigh.	Same treatment  advised
4th-Month follow-up	Knee drawing pain aggravated at night The Report shows normal lipid levels and positive CRP.	Lycopodium 200C, two doses three days a week Arnica 1m two doses twice daily Crataegus Q  10 drops two doses twice daily.
7th-month follow-up	Blood report shows improvement in FBS, PRBS, triglycerides, and normal CRP and BP.	Same treatment advised
11th-month follow-up	No pain or better swelling in the thigh. Left shoulder pain on and off. BP 130/100, weight 86 kg.	Rauwolfia serpentina Q  10 drops twice daily
15th-month follow-up	Better leg pain, left shoulder pain, and cold with cough expectoration, weight 86 kg, BP 110/80	Ruta 200C two doses twice daily
18th-month follow-up	No pain in thighs, no swelling in the leg. Weight 83 kg, BP 110/80	same treatment advised
24th-month	Color Doppler reveals mild atherosclerotic changes in the arterial right leg with no significant hemodynamic changes, After the 12th month of follow-up, he is better, with pain and swelling thigh.  Vital signs, PR-86, BP 110/80, weight 83 kg.	Rauwolfia serpentina Q  10 drops twice daily   Crataegus Q 10 drops twice daily

PAD Treatment Outcomes

After a 24-month course of medicine and 12 month observation period with Homeopathic medicine, the patient displayed significant improvement in the signs and symptoms. We discussed improvements in symptoms in Table 1, functional capacity, and overall well-being by Homeopathic medicine. By sharing the patient success story, we aim to provide insights into the potential benefits and positive outcomes achievable through a homeopathic approach to managing peripheral vascular disease.

Homeopathic Approach in PAD

Homeopathy originated in German by Dr. Samuel Hanheman, based on the principle of similar cures similar, and the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of the individual considered for a prescription. We highlight the significance of addressing the underlying causes and promoting overall wellness in managing peripheral arterial disease. By discussing the holistic aspects of the homeopathic approach, we underscore the comprehensive nature of care provided to individuals with PAD.

Arterial Doppler Report Before and After Treatment
Fig 1

Conclusion

Through this case report concluding that Homeopathy plays a significant therapeutic role in the treatment of peripheral arterial disease treatment, we have explored the treatment outcomes in managing this condition.

While Homeopathy offers a different perspective, a collaborative approach involving conventional medical interventions and a qualified homeopathic professional is essential for optimal care.

This case report highlights the potential of Homeopathy as a complementary treatment of peripheral arterial disease, emphasizing the need for individualized treatment plans and comprehensive care for individuals with PAD. By understanding real-life examples, healthcare professionals can gain valuable insights into optimizing treatment approaches for individuals with peripheral arterial disease.