What Is Poor Circulation?
Poor circulation is caused when certain parts of the body are not getting enough blood, nutrients, and oxygen. Blood vessels narrow or harden in areas which cause reduced circulation.
Our circulatory system sends blood and oxygen throughout the body and is made up of the arteries, veins and lymphatic system. This system helps the arteries bring blood to every part of the body. The veins in our body carry blood back to the heart. While the lymphatic system drains tissue fluid that gets built in the body. It’s important that all of these systems are working properly to create a healthy, happy body.
Poor circulation can present itself in a number of different ways. Muscles in your legs may hurt or feel weak when you walk. Your skin may be pale or blue in color, be dry or cracked and you might have a pins and needles feeling on your skin. Your extremities, like hands, fingers, feet, and toes get extremely cold or numb. Your hair and nails might feel weak and grow at a slower rate and wounds might take a while to heal.
Causes
There are several things that can result in poor circulation:- Smoking
- High Blood Pressure
- Atherosclerosis (Plaque buildup in arteries)
- Diabetes
- Deep Vein Thrombosis (blood clot in leg)
- Pulmonary embolism (blood clot from leg goes to lung)
- Varicose veins
- Raynaud’s Disease (blood vessels narrow when stressed or cold)
- Obesity
Diagnosis
Circulatory issues are best diagnosed by a medical professional to see if there are any underlying medical conditions causing these issues. A doctor is able to diagnose some causes based on symptoms and a physical examination. They will also look at an individual's medical history and take some tests to check for blood pressure or diabetes
Treatments
There are several treatments you can try at home:
- Move more: The more movement our bodies receive, the more functions our bodies will be able to do long term. The less we move, the arteries will stiffen which can make it more difficult to move around.
- Avoid nicotine: Nicotine puts chemicals in your bodies that constrict blood vessels and increase the risk of cardiovascular disease
- Wear Compressions socks: These socks put pressure on the legs and feet which forces the blood to travel back towards the heart.
- Healthy Diet: Eating more fruits and vegetables helps your entire body. It’s best to stay away from saturated fats and too much salt.
- Stay Warm at all times: When our bodies sleep our resting heart rate lowers and our bodies can get colder quicker. At night when you use a TUCKER’D TOEBEE your feet feel secure and warm throughout the entire night
Resources
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/poor-circulation-in-feet#summary
https://www.webmd.com/dvt/ss/slideshow-dvt-improve-circulation
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21882-poor-circulation