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.
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.
Plaque buildup, blood clots or narrowed blood vessels can lead to poor circulation. When obstacles or narrow paths slow down blood flow, it's difficult for your body to send blood to every part of your body in an efficient way. Exercise and healthy food can help.
Blood clots can be dangerous, and one of the first signs you may have is poor circulation in your appendages. If a blood clot breaks away and enters your heart or lungs, it can lead to a stroke, heart attack or even death.
Walking is the simplest yet most effective exercise to help improve blood circulation in your legs. Walk at a comfortable pace every day. Walking will increase the muscle contraction in your legs and improve the blood flow in your limbs and throughout your body.
Poor circulation isn't a condition in itself but can result from various conditions. The most common causes include obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues. If you have signs and symptoms of poor circulation, it's essential to treat the underlying causes rather than just the symptoms.
Pentoxifylline is used to improve blood flow in patients with circulation problems to reduce aching, cramping, and tiredness in the hands and feet. It works by decreasing the thickness (viscosity) of blood. This change allows your blood to flow more easily, especially in the small blood vessels of the hands and feet.
Ignoring symptoms and delaying care can be detrimental to your health. If you are experiencing symptoms that are associated with poor circulation, notify your healthcare provider immediately. Your doctor can conduct a physical examination or order tests to determine the cause and provide appropriate treatment.
Numbness, weakness, or heaviness in muscles. Pain (described as burning or aching) at rest, commonly in the toes and at night while lying flat. Paleness when the legs are elevated. Reddish-blue discoloration of the extremities.
Work with your doctor to diagnose and manage the underlying cause, like kidney, liver, and lung diseases, which are serious and need treatment. Numbness and tingling. These are common symptoms of poor circulation, especially in the hands and feet.
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.
Poor circulation most often requires a cardiologist for accurate diagnosis and treatment, and it is not easy to treat poor circulation without the assistance of a cardiologist. Therefore, it is important to see a cardiologist anytime multiple symptoms of poor circulation are present.
This risk means that one in five people with PAD, if left undiagnosed and untreated, will suffer a heart attack, stroke, or death within five years. Untreated PAD can have other serious consequences, including leg muscle pain, discomfort during exercise, and loss of mobility and independence.
A vascular doctor is an expert in diagnosing and treating issues that affect your arteries and veins. Although many people don't need surgery for their blood vessel problem, a vascular doctor can perform many kinds of procedures or operations.
Yes. Some studies have shown that you can reverse peripheral vascular disease symptoms with exercise and control of cholesterol and blood pressure. With early diagnosis, lifestyle changes and treatment, you can stop PAD from getting worse.
Cilostazol improves the flow of blood through the blood vessels. It is used to reduce leg pain caused by poor circulation (intermittent claudication).
The most common conditions include obesity, diabetes, heart conditions and arterial issues. In fact, poor circulation can be a sneaky symptom of a serious vascular condition called Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).
Sitting for prolonged hours can lead to poor circulation throughout the body. Once circulation slows down due to sitting, your blood remains in the feet and legs, ultimately reducing blood flow.
Leg Pain Can Indicate Risk for a Heart Attack or Stroke
Peripheral artery disease that causes leg pain can be indicative of heart issues. People that have PAD are at a higher risk of having a stroke or heart attack. This could be a sign that the coronary arteries are blocked and the blood flow is reduced.
Elevating your legs while you sleep can help your circulation and prevent swelling. It's best to elevate your legs above the level of your heart. Wedge-shaped pillows make this easier to do. You can also use pillows or folded blankets you have on hand to elevate your legs in bed to help circulation.
Segmental Doppler pressure testing checks different parts of your legs for narrowed or blocked arteries. This method is similar to ABI testing but uses blood pressure cuffs placed at thigh, calf, and ankle levels.