What is Poor Circulation?
Circulatory system problems arise when there is limited blood flow to the legs, hands, heart and rest of the body. The blood vessels become blocked as a fatty substance called plaque builds up and hardens and constricts the walls of the arteries and veins. This interrupts the normal flow of blood through the vessels and results in poor circulation.
A variety of conditions can be brought on by poor circulation such as high blood pressure,hypertension, stroke,varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, heart disease, kidney damage, aneurysms, arteriosclerosis,Raynaud'sdisease and phlebitis.
Diagnosing Poor Circulation
The diagnosis will be based on the patient’s medical history, family history and lifestyle. The doctor has to determine the root cause of the circulatory disorder before administering treatment.
The symptoms and signs of poor circulation include:
- Cold hands and feet
- Pins and needles
- Cramping or fatigue in legs, buttocks or feet during activity
- Swollen feet or legs
- Deteriorating vision
- Blueness, purple or dark skin (cyanosis – an indication of inadequate oxygen delivery)
- White fingers
- Lower leg pain
- Blood clots
- Brittle toenails
- Loss of sensation in the hands and feet
- Poor discernment of temperature
- Dizziness when standing quickly
- Numbness
- Migraines and headaches
- Tinnitus and hearing loss
- Foot and leg ulcers
- Varicose veins and spider veins
- Pale, hairless, mottled, scaly or shiny skin on the calves, ankles or feet
If you often feel numbness, pain and swelling in your feet and legs or suffer from cold hands, seek immediate treatment. Poor circulation can be extremely harmful to the body and it is vital that the right amount of blood flows to the heart and the brain.
Medical Causes of Poor Circulation - Anemia
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Obesity
- Heart disorders
- Circulatory disorders
- Blood vessel disorders
- Artery and vein disorders
- Arterial insufficiency
- Intermittent claudication
- Thrombophlebitis
- Nerve and thyroid disorders
- Varicose veins
- Anaemia
- Asthma
- Bronchitis
- Pneumonia
- Emphysema
- Pregnancy
Other factors that contribute to circulatory system problems are tobacco smoking, poor eating habits, insufficient exercise and sitting in a cramped position for long periods (also known as Economy Class Syndrome/DVT – deep vein thrombosis)
Help for Poor Circulation
Circulatory system problems can be treated with conventional medication, lifestyle changes as well as natural and alternative therapies. The primary objective is to prevent circulatory problems, relieve swelling, pain and speed healing. Mild cases of poor circulation usually require an aerobic exercise program, a healthy eating plan and a low dose of aspirin.
Treatment also involves making certain important adjustments to your lifestyle such as eating a high fibre and low fat diet, exercising regularly, losing weight and quitting smoking. Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the pain and swelling.
Treatments for Poor Circulation
- Over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, analgesia and heparinoid creams
- Prescription medication such as pentoxifylline
- Surgical procedures such as angioplasty, atherectomy, revascularization and endarterectomy
- Vitamin B6 and B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, niacin, and magnesium.
- Physical therapy
- Hydrotherapy
In addition to these treatment options, you would also have to revise your nutritional requirements by increasing your intake of water and eliminating refined foods such as caffeine, alcohol and sugar. Include low fat and high fiber in your diet to reduce cholesterol levels and improve circulation
Is there a Natural Treatment for Poor Circulation?
Natural and holistic treatments that include herbal and homeopathic remedies reduce symptoms effectively and address the overall health and wellbeing of the individual.
Natural remedies can stimulate circulation and at the same time improve your overall physical, emotional and mental health. Treatments like hydrotherapy, acupuncture, reflexology, aromatherapy and massage are also very therapeutic.
There are a number of herbal and homeopathic remedies that can be very effective in treating the underlying causes of poor circulation without the harmful side effects of some of the prescription drugs. These include herbs such as Ginkgo biloba, Zingiber officinalis and Rosmarinus officinale (Rosemary). Consult a homeopath or herbalist about advice on the treatment that suits your needs best. If you are already using prescription medication for circulatory problems, always consult your doctor before deciding to take any herbal remedies.
Some Useful Tips
There are various methods to prevent, treat and improve blood circulation and they include the following:
- Exercise regularly or participate in any physical activity for at least 30 minutes a day. Try walking, swimming, biking or aerobics to get the blood pumping.
- Eat a healthy, well balanced diet that is high in fibre and low in fat - this will ensure that your cholesterol levels remain in check.
- Incorporate supplements such as gingko biloba, cod liver oil, omega 3 fish oils and garlic to improve circulation.
- Quit smoking as this increases cholesterol, hardens the arteries and causes other blood vessels to constrict.
- Wear support socks or compression hosiery to improve poor circulation.
- Take a warm bath or soak feet in warm water to increase the blood flow.
- Feet and other extremities should be kept warm by wearing thermal or woollen socks.
- Reduce stress through meditation, deep breathing exercises or listening to music.
- Keep swollen feet raised for short intervals to allow the blood to flow through and help the fluid to drain from the feet.
- Avoid staying inactive for long periods, keep moving to improve circulation (if you work in an office and spend most of the time seated, get up now and then to run an errand).
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