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The circulation system of the body has a high say in one’s health. The circulation system takes part in sending oxygen, nutrients and more importantly blood to different parts of the body. When the circulation system falls ill or slows down due to any reason, persons experience poor blood circulation which further causes other conditions.
In this article, let us see vital things related to what is poor blood circulation, why it happens, poor blood circulation in legs and so on.
What Is Poor Blood Circulation?
To put it simply, when the circulation of blood to body parts or a body part is lowered it is called poor blood circulation. Noticing slowed-down blood circulation is very much common in extremities. During ill times, poor blood circulation in the feet and arms is a routine scenario.
Poor blood circulation is not an illness in itself and normally stems from other health disorders. Generally, several conditions besides diabetes, obesity, arterial problems and heart conditions lead to this situation.
Symptoms Of Poor Blood Circulation
The most common signs and symptoms of poor circulation consist of;
- Tingling
- Stinging pain or throbbing in the limbs
- Numbness
- Muscle cramps
- Pain
[Also Read: Vitamins for cramps in legs]
Although these are the common symptoms, each condition that may cause poor circulation of blood may even pave way for unique symptoms. For instance, persons with peripheral artery disease could experience erectile dysfunction besides typical pain, tingling, and numbness.
Causes Of Poor Blood Circulation
1. Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease (PAD) leads to poor blood circulation in the legs. PAD narrows the arteries and blood vessels. In a related condition known as atherosclerosis, arteries are stiffened due to the buildup of plaque in the blood vessels and arteries causing pain and less blood flow.
2. Blood Clots
Blood clots block the blood flow either completely or partially. Blood clots that develop in the legs or arms are more prone to cause blood flow issues.
3. Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are puffed-up veins caused due to valve failure. Varicose veins apart from leading to blood clots may even cause poor circulation of blood.
4. Diabetes
Diabetes apart from affecting blood sugar levels will even lead to poor blood circulation in a few parts of the body. When legs’ poor blood circulation is the result of diabetes pain in the thighs, calves, and buttocks can also be noticed. People suffering from advanced diabetes usually can’t detect poor circulation signs due to diabetic neuropathy.
5. Obesity
Overweight, sitting, and standing for hours can cause this condition.
6. Raynaud’s Disease
Experiencing continuing cold feet and hands may be Raynaud’s disease. This condition narrows small arteries in the toes and hands leading to slow blood flow.
Poor Blood Circulation Treatment
Treatment for poor blood circulation and improving the condition depends and varies on the condition that is causing it. Methods may include;
- Compression socks for swollen and painful legs
- Special exercise programs suggested by the doctor to increase circulation
- Insulin for diabetics
- Endoscopic vein surgery or laser treatment for varicose veins
Means may even include clot-dissolving medications besides blood-thinners based on the condition. Calcium channel blockers and Alpha-blockers are even used to cure reduced blood flow due to Raynaud’s disease.
How To Improve Poor Blood Circulation?
- Exercising
- Massaging
- Staying hydrated
- Drinking green tea
- Exfoliation of skin
- Staying stress-free
- Lessening alcohol and smoke
- Stretching and elevation of legs
- Consumption of foods rich in protein and fiber such as beetroot, carrot, and pomegranate
Diagnosis For Poor Blood Circulation
Besides the physical examination, below tests may be needed;
- Blood sugar test
- Antibodies blood test
- CT or ultrasound scan
- Blood pressure tests
When To See A Doctor?
Usually, when poor blood circulation is detected in the early days it can be curable. Early treatment will also save a person from not falling prey to further complications of poor circulation. If you have these below signs and symptoms meet your doctor to know if they are due to poor circulation or other reasons.
- Swelling of the feet and legs
- Tingling in the feet and hands
- Cold feet and hands
- Constant fatigue
- Intestinal issues
All these could indicate signs of poor circulation so meet a doctor if you notice one or many of these symptoms. The sooner you meet a doctor for these causes the better are your chances of getting a sooner relief. Poor blood circulation may rarely also lead to life-threatening conditions, so keep an eye on the above symptoms.
