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How to Improve Poor Blood Circulation in Legs and Feet
Improper circulation of oxygenated blood from the heart to the legs and feet may manifest itself in the form of cold and numb lower limbs. In most cases, it is because of an immobile lifestyle. This can be detrimental to health but if left untreated it can become life-threatening. Therefore, it is of prime importance to know how to improve poor blood circulation in the legs and feet.
Oxygenated blood is pumped by the heart to the rest of the body so that cells in the farthest extremities can get nutrients and oxygen to function properly. In some vascular conditions, the diameter of the circulatory vessels is narrowed down and causes poor blood circulation. In this case, knowing how to improve poor blood circulation in legs and feet naturally can help you in identifying the reason behind it and address it timely.
Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation to Legs and Feet
The most common sign of a circulation problem involving feet and legs is the feeling of numbness and becoming cold to touch. Lack of proper circulation can also cause discoloration to an extent that the feet and legs may turn purple, depending upon the severity of the circulatory problem.
These symptoms appear gradually and increase in intensity over a few years. In some people, however, the severity of the condition flares up when the limbs are exposed to cold weather or when the legs and feet are immobile for a long duration.
Apart from the apparent symptoms some other signs that you may want to know how to improve poor blood circulation in legs and feet are following:
- Wounds and infections in the lower limbs resolve slowly; take longer to heal
- Excessive loss of hair on feet and legs
- Brittle toenails that are easy to break
- Dry skin with signs of cracking and peeling, especially on the bottoms of feet (consider Pedi Cream to soothe pain and heal damaged feet.)
5 Causes of Poor Blood Circulation in Legs and Feet
It is not possible to pinpoint any one condition as the reason for poor blood circulation. Multiple conditions can lead to poor blood circulation in the feet and legs. Some of these are the following:
#1. Diabetes Mellitus
The most common reason for peripheral artery disease is diabetes mellitus. Uncontrolled and unchecked blood glucose levels in the body can be damaging to the body. Silently it can cause the build-up of a plaque in the blood vessels that can interrupt the normal supply of blood to the far end of the circulatory system i.e., feet and legs.
High blood glucose levels if remained unchecked for an extended time can cause diabetic neuropathy. A form of diabetic neuropathy can interfere with the normal blood pressure and pulse of the body which can indirectly cause poor blood circulation in the legs and feet.
People with uncontrolled blood glucose levels should learn to manage blood glucose, blood pressure, and blood cholesterol levels on the optimum scale so that healthy circulation of blood can be ensured.
#2. Obesity
Obesity can cause excessive pressure on the body and push it to its limits. Obesity can be even more alarming if it is accompanied by a sedentary lifestyle. It can cause vascular conditions such as hypertensive disorder and varicose veins in the feet and legs.
#3. Tobacco Consumption
Smoking tobacco and its associated products can indirectly increase the risk of development of poor blood circulation to the feet and legs. Tobacco products can cause problems in the blood flow and it can speed up the development of plaque in the blood vessels.
Apart from blood circulation problems, tobacco consumption can also cause cardiovascular problems which can be fatal.
#4. Atherosclerosis
Along with diabetes mellitus, it is a very common reason for poor blood circulation in the feet and legs. In atherosclerosis, the blood vessels are lined with plaque. The plaque deposit can cause narrowing of the arteries and also decrease their flexibility. Most commonly, atherosclerosis targets the vessels that supply blood to the vital organs and limbs.
#5. Blood Clots
A life-threatening cause of poor blood circulation is the presence of a blood clot in the blood vessel that supplies blood to the feet and legs. If the clot starts moving and ends up in a vital organ then it may become fatal.
The occurrence of a blood clot in a vessel is very common but it can be treated if detected well in advance.
How to Improve Blood Circulation in Legs and Feet Naturally
Conventional remedies offer therapeutic options to how to improve blood circulation in the legs and feet. There are some natural options as well which can help you address the factors that cause poor blood circulation. Some of the options to improve blood circulation in legs and feet naturally are following:
#1. Exercise frequently
Exercise can greatly improve the circulation in the body. The exercise doesn’t have to be rigorous because a simple walk can improve your circulation greatly.
The aim should be to make it a part of your daily routine and avoid keeping your legs and feet immobile for long periods.
#2. Improve Diet
A healthy diet promotes a healthier body which can then have better circulation to the legs and feet. Removing simple carbs and refined sugars can promote heart health and better circulation of blood throughout the body. Stay away from yoyo diets or changing diets but just stick to a heart healthy diet.
#3. Pressure Clothing
If the blood circulation is causing swelling in the feet and legs then it means that blood is not leaving the veins effectively. It can be due to many problems i.e., diabetes, hypertensive disorder, and even the veins retaining stagnant blood in them. Pressure clothing can help regulate blood flow in these circumstances.
#4. Arginine Circulation Cream
Extracted from natural sources, arginine circulation cream may help address the symptoms of poor blood circulation in the legs and feet. L-arginine is a precursor to something called nitric oxide which helps blood vessels to relax and expand.
Its arginine-rich contents can help improve blood circulation in legs and feet naturally by absorbing into the bloodstream. It is easy to carry around and can be used at the convenience of the user.
A little amount of blood circulation creams can be applied on the legs and feet where the poor blood circulation is causing problems such as numbness and cold sensation. The cream is directly applied to the skin from where it is absorbed into the bloodstream and the touch of menthol helps with the bioavailability as well.
If the poor blood circulation conditions become severe it is advised to consult your healthcare provider regarding the symptoms because if left untreated a simple circulation problem can become fatal.