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What Causes Blockage Of Femoral Artery At Groin?

Posted on Tue, 20 May 2014

Question: I have been getting pain in the back of both legs ,but some times worst in right leg to the point it is hard to stand, I had a test run on my arteries thur. and it was determined that there was groin blockage. I am very interested to know what that is about. I have been subjected to agent orange in veit nam during my two tours of duty there. I have had some blockages taken care of in the past.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Artery get bloked due to cholesterol

Detailed Answer:
hello sir,
I have studied your case and I think you are having blockage of femoral artery at groin. This blockage is caused by atherosclerosis or cholesterol in normal language. You would need drugs which dissolve cholesterol deposition. If it is hard and some time catheter is needed to open the blockage. In worst case scenario a bypass surgery is required.
So according to your severity of blockage of artery at groin your treatment can be done. If you want me to suggest then you can share your angiography report with me. Also if you have done Doppler then you can send that to me also.
Avoid smoking, fatty meals and too much drinking. It is good for you that you are already taking Aspirin , as it prevents blockade .
Let me know if you have any follow up question. Thanks and take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (3 days later)

Do not smoke,drink or eat fatty foods try to stay with as many veggies as possible and normal eat an apple a day. Doppler was done and showed clear thru aortia down both legs. The only place that the tech stopped was in the groin area. My last cholesterol reading several days ago was 125. I have been in this area for awhile fact is several years. I stated that I have had blockages previous. Indications lead me to think of agent orange from two tours of duty spent in Veit Nam. I also have diabeties but it has been pretty stable at 120 to 80. I take metformin 500mg (3xd) & 2.5mg glyburide (2xd) I am still not understanding what is causing my right foot to go to sleep while I am standing. This morning I was prep some stramberries for breakfast cereal and 1/2 abanana to split with my wife and that is when it happen.
If you can help with this information I would greatly appreciate it.
Thank You , XXXXXXX Zukowski

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
pinch nerve in spine

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,

As you told me before that you had block vessels in past, so it was first possibility came in my mind. If there is no block now then most probably it can be a pinch nerve due to disc herniation in spine.
You should confirm the absence of blocks from the Doppler report. If no block now, then your symptoms are most probably from a pinched nerve. This nerve supply in leg and foot. So you feel numbness and pain in leg and foot.

I would suggest you to get MRI of the spine, this will show us what is the grade of compression.
Till you get your MRI report, I would suggest you to continue methyocobal vitamin. It is good for nerve. My patients with such pain is also given pregabalin tablet at night time.

I hope this answer will help you. Let me know if you want to ask any other questions.

Thanks and take care.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (18 hours later)

As I related earlier the vascular surgeon made his first dignoises as the groin beening blocked. I feel that ,that part of the problem should be taken care of 1st before we go any further. What do you think. I feel that you are headed in the right direction but putting too much thought of getting any further would defeat our advantage at this piont. I would like to know your thoughts.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Vascular issue is priority

Detailed Answer:
Hello sir,

There is no question about that. Vascular cause has to be treated first. Depending on the severity he will choose to treat with medicines or through surgical means. But there is no harm in getting MRI. This will help your vascular surgeon move in the right decision. You can discuss this with your surgeon. I am sure he will agree with me. Do not push hum thought. Let him take the final decision.

I hope this answer will help you.

Thanks and take care.

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad