Bad Circulation in Legs and Feet
Suffering from bad circulation in legs and feet and don't know why? The following article will tell you why that happens, and will take you through the causes and solutions of this condition
Proper circulation is important because it delivers oxygen-rich blood throughout the body―which then forms the basis for all the actions that take place. Poor circulation can therefore lead to several effects.
One of the most common experiences that come about due to bad circulation is when you've been sitting in an awkward position for a long time, and when you get up, you get a feeling of tiny ants crawling over your skin, or experiencing a cold sensation in your feet or hands. This is something that many will have experienced at some time or the other. While it can affect any area of your body, poor circulation in legs and feet is very common.
There are times, however, when a person suffers from bad circulation without being able to pinpoint to a cause. Why does this happen and what are the causes that lead to the same? We will deal with this factor in the following sections, as well as understand the symptoms, and provide you with varied treatment forms of the same.
Causes
Peripheral Vascular Disease (PVD)
PVD is a condition that is caused when the blood vessels that are present in the outer portion of the brain or heart get blocked, narrow down, and thereby restrict the blood flow leading to bad circulation in legs and feet.
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
This is a circulation disorder that is caused when the arteries (of the leg, usually) are blocked and hardened by the formation of plaque or fatty deposits on the insides of the walls. This plaque is made up of calcium, fat, cholesterol, fibrous tissue, and other substances in the blood. The condition is called atherosclerosis and it limits the flow of blood (rich in oxygen) to the varied organs of the body―the legs, stomach, arms, head, and kidneys.
Both these conditions are considered to be highly risky because bad circulation means that there is less blood and oxygen flowing to all the body parts. And since blood and oxygen are important for the very survival of humans, this is a serious condition and something that should not be ignored. Some of the conditions that poor blood circulation can cause are bad heart health, heart attacks, strokes, loss of limbs, and in extreme cases, even death.
Other Causes
Besides the obvious arterial problems, what causes bad circulation in the legs? There are other reasons which can cause this as well―these have a lot to do with the lifestyle of the person.
• Obesity
• Smoking
• Lack of proper nutrition
• High cholesterol
• Lack of exercise
• Thyroid problems
• Pregnancy
• High blood pressure
• Diabetes
Symptoms
• Swelling in legs and feet
• Constant or periodic numbing of feet
• Falling asleep of hands and feet
• Feet turning cold even when it is not cold
• Tired feet
• Development of varicose veins
• Shiny skin over legs
• Decreased pulses in the feet
• Legs may be cooler than the hands
• Skin turning blue, red, and pale
• Cramping in calf muscles during sleeping and while waking
• Infections that take a long time to heal
• Sitting for long periods leading to pain in the feet and legs
• Cramping and fatigue during activity or when inactive
• Muscle pain experienced in the legs and feet
• Feeling cold persistently
• Formation of rashes and sores on the feet
• Tingling sensation in the feet and legs
• Loss of hair on legs and/or feet
Treatment
It is important to understand that poor circulation could be an indication of some underlying condition(s). Which is why it becomes important to undertake treatment forms for the same, failing to do so could lead to the emergence of several other health conditions as well.
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