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.
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.
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.
Start doing daily stretching, exercises, or yoga to increase blood flow. Do aerobic or cardio exercises to get your blood moving and your heart rate up. Wear compression stockings to encourage the blood to move from your legs back up to your heart. Eat a healthy diet to lower cholesterol and blood pressure.
Diabetes and Raynaud's disease are all conditions that cause symptoms of poor blood circulation. While these aren't circulatory diseases, they are still conditions that need to be taken seriously. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is usually the result of poor diet and exercise.
Running, biking or walking can help boost circulation—and the same goes for stretching before and after exercising. If you smoke, quit. Smoking can inhibit blood flow, destroy blood vessel walls, and cause plaque to accumulate in the veins.
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.
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.
Atherosclerosis causes narrowing of the arteries that can reduce blood flow in the legs and, sometimes, the arms. Peripheral artery disease treatment includes exercising, eating a healthy diet and not smoking or using tobacco.
Vascular pain often feels like an uncomfortable heaviness or throbbing sensation. It can also feel like an aching sensation. It usually affects your legs and can be worse with walking or exerting yourself.
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.
Potassium (Vitamin K)
Potassium is an essential mineral for many important bodily functions, including blood circulation. It keeps the blood vessel walls strong and can even help prevent bulging veins.
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.
A simple, painless and noninvasive test called a duplex ultrasound can determine if you have bad circulation and the severity of the condition. Based on the severity of your condition, a vascular specialist doctor will determine the best treatment option for you.
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. Making sure your pillow supports your neck and spine and keeps them neutrally aligned.
One of the most important of these benefits is an improvement in heart health and circulation. Specifically, vitamin B3 has been shown to reduce inflammation and increase circulation. People who always have cold hands and feet may want to consider a vitamin B supplement to improve blood flow and heart health.