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I am EXTREMELY CONCERNED about the minimal circulation in my mother's feet, a condition which has been going on for quite some time. Of course, I have taken her to a doctor who has been regularly monitoring the situation, and who has done an angioplasty to open up the arteries in one leg. The other is not amenable to angioplasty, and he has now recommended the use of a device called the ArtAssist, which should help to improve the circulation over time. However, she suffers from considerable pain at night, when her foot is not on the ground and receiving adequate perfusion of the tissues. I am terrified that she will lose her leg, or at least her toes, and AT ALL COST, I don't want that to happen. I need to know that I am doing everything I can for her, and I'd like to ask if anyone has had similar experiences and if so, what solutions you have found. Has anyone used the ArtAssist device, or something similar? Is there something else I should try instead, or in addition? She found some degree of relief when taking Motrin, which the physician recommended for inflammation, but of course, one cannot that this anti-inflammatory agent permanently. She occasionally takes hydrocodone if the pain gets too severe. I would do ANYTHING to help my mom, and I hope that someone can provide advice and guidance!

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My Dad is hospitalized right now and they are using a similar product on him now. It seems like this should qualify for payment by Medicare as durable equipment. Typically, it will be a rental-type agreement with ownership after a certain number of payments.
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CarolineJo - So sorry that I didn't respond sooner, but I didn't see your post until just a short time ago! I can't tell you how thrilled I am with the ArtAssist!!! I too thought it was a bit gimmicky, but I read all the clinical results and we decided to go ahead and try it. I'm so very glad we did! The color seems to be coming back into her feet, which had been quite dark before we started the ArtAssist, and just this week, when we went to the vascular surgeon who recommended it, her ABI (ankle/brachial index) numbers had improved significantly. Just as importantly, the pain she was experiencing at night has almost disappeared after two full months of use, twice per day for one hour each time. Please try it for you mom! I hope it works as well for her!
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Hello - I came across your post because my mother is in the exact same situation. She has extreme pain in her foot due to limited circulation and also a non-healing ulcer on her toe. We are terrified that she will have to undergo an amputation. We took her to the Cleveland Clinic and they mentioned the ArtAssist, so we are looking into it. It seems a bit gimmicky but there are several studies to support the company's claims. Did you decide to order it? I have done hours of research on this condition and it's just awful that there are very little options. Like you, I'll do anything for my mom to ease her pain and keep her leg. I'd love to exchange any information that can be valuable to helping our moms!
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I can attest to Blannie's advice. Mom's neurologist put her on a mostly vegan low fat diet as well as Crestor when she was having TIAs and I was astonished to see the amount of decrease of plaque in her carotids. Given that she was over 90 I was kind of angry at he time that something hadn't been done much earlier.
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What is causing the poor circulation in your mom's feet? If it's caused by inflammation and plaque buildup, the only suggestion I would have is to put her on a very low fat, whole foods, plant-based diet. When you cut out all added oils and fats, your arteries and veins can usually clear themselves of the inflammation and stoppages that cause blocked arteries.

Please google Dr. Caldwell Esselstyn of the Cleveland Clinic. He recommends this type of lifestyle for his heart patients who have had stents and bypasses because of clogged arteries. It can also help people with back pain. The small veins in the back get clogged with the fat we eat and voila, pain. You can also look at Dr. Michael Greger and his daily videos and Dr. John McDougall. They all recommend a plant-based, whole foods diet. Please message me if you want more resources.
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Many thanks to all of you who posted responses! BarbBrooklyn, opioids can certainly help with the pain, but we certainly want to be very cautious about their use. What I'm hoping to find is a solution to the problem of the inadequate circulation. To answer your question, Sendhelp, she is not diabetic, so that is not the concern. I may take her to another physician to look into the problem, but in the meantime, we'll continue to use the ArtAssist unit. You're right, Cwillie: the ArtAssist machine does seem to have impressive results, and I'm truly hoping it will work for her! Thanks again, everyone, and Happy Mother's Day to you all!
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Does your mother have diabetes?
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Sorry, I have no experience to offer either, but I checked the ArtAssist machine online and results look very impressive, I hope it works for her.
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Bumping up again. The alternatives to Motrin, long term are opioids. You need to talk to the doctor about the risk/benefit calculation.
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It's my understanding that, over time, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents like Motrin can damage the lining of your digestive tract, potentially causing ulcers. Therefore, I don't want to have my mother take Motrin permanently. The doctor suggested a 10-day course of treatment only.
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Also, I'm wondering why she can't take Motrin regularly? I take Ibuprofen every day for arthritis. If I didn't, I'd be in constant pain.
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Bumping this up.
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