Muscle Cramps Another common cause of poor blood flow and circulation is the cramping of muscles, usually around your legs, feet, arms and hands. When blood does not circulate correctly, the oxygen carried in blood fails to reach muscle tissues effectively, which can result in muscles stiffening and cramping.
If blood flow becomes obstructed, muscles and tissues can be deprived of essential oxygen and nourishment. At rest, a low blood flow may be adequate, but with increased muscle activity the demand for oxygen-rich blood is increased. This may result in muscle pain or cramps, called claudication.
Poor circulation can cause pain in the legs, feet, arms, and hands. Cold hands and feet may ache or throb, especially as they start to warm and blood flow returns. Also, when the blood does not circulate correctly, oxygen and nutrients cannot reach tissues effectively, resulting in stiffness and cramping.
You should seek immediate medical help if: The cramps last longer than 10 minutes and fail to improve, despite exercise.
Not enough minerals.
Too little potassium, calcium or magnesium in the diet can cause leg cramps. Medicines often prescribed for high blood pressure can cause increased urination, which may drain the body of these minerals.
Symptoms of poor circulation are often easy to spot. They include muscle cramping, constant foot pain, and pain and throbbing in the arms and legs. As well as fatigue, varicose veins, and digestive issues. Leg cramps while walking and wounds that don't seem to heal in your legs, feet, and toes are also symptoms.
If your doctor suspects you have PAD, then they will likely arrange for you to have an Ankle-Brachial Index test (ABI). This is a simple test that can be done in the office to check circulation in the legs. It consists of taking blood pressure in the arms and at the ankles with an ultrasound probe.
Exercises such as squats, walking, foam roller stretch and heel lifts may improve the circulation of blood in your legs. Elevating your legs when sitting for prolonged periods of time and eating a balanced diet are some other ways you can support healthy blood circulation.
Not only is poor blood circulation in the legs and feet uncomfortable, but it can cause life-threatening problems if it goes unchecked. Always seek medical assistance if you're suffering from any of the symptoms, especially if you've been diagnosed with one of the known causes of poor blood circulation.
Physical activity is one of the best ways to improve your circulation. Any sort of movement boosts blood flow. Exercise can raise your heart rate, which makes blood move faster through your body. But even stretching can help.
Low electrolyte levels: Low levels of substances such as calcium or potassium in the blood can cause muscle cramps. Medication: Taking certain medicines, including pseudoephedrine (a drug used to treat nasal congestion) and statins (medications that treat high cholesterol), can cause involuntary muscle cramping.
Even a small dose of quinine might be helpful. Many other readers have also shared success stories with tonic water against nighttime leg cramps.
These cramps may be caused by stress, not stressing enough, overworking your muscles, or not drinking enough water. Although most muscle cramps are harmless, some may be related to an underlying medical condition known as peripheral arterial disease (PAD), a form of peripheral vascular disease (PVD).
In most cases, people do not know why leg cramps happen, although there are a number of theories. Some research suggests that muscle fatigue and nerve dysfunction may play a role.
A significant body of research has found that increasing your magnesium intake can help with the frequency of night time leg cramps, especially for pregnant women. Health experts recommend getting at least 300 milligrams of magnesium each day.
The test: Turn your palms upwards in front of you and stretch out your fingers, almost as if you're reaching for something just out of touch. If the creases in your palm are pale, regardless of skin tone, this may mean you're suffering from poor circulation in your blood vessels due to low iron levels.
People with poor circulation may notice their feet feel cold or numb. They may also notice discoloration. The feet may turn red, blue, purple, or white. These symptoms may worsen in certain situations, such as when a person sits still for long periods of time or goes outside in cold weather.
By changing your position, you help prevent compressing your lungs or other organs and negatively impacting your blood flow. Instead, try: Sleeping on your left side to make it easier for blood to flow in and around your heart. Keeping your arms at your sides instead of under or behind your head.