Poor blood circulation causes inadequate blood flow, especially to the extremities such as the hands and the feet. Poor blood circulation is not a condition in itself, but occurs as a symptom of other ailments such as diabetes.

Normal blood circulation helps in maintaining body temperature, healing a sore or a wound through clotting, and also keeps the immunity of the body in place. If you are worried about any foot conditions resulting from poor blood circulation, please contact CuraFoot Clinic for an appointment.

Causes:

Poor blood circulation can be caused by multiple underlying factors such as:

1. Diabetes
2. Obesity
3. Peripheral artery disease
4. Improper diet
5. Blood clots
6. Pregnancy
7. Smoking
8. Thyroid
9. Anemia
10. Lack of movement or exercise
11. Congenital heart defects
12. Anxiety
13. Nerve disorders
14. Hypertension
15. Artherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries)

Poor blood circulation can have adverse effects on the heart, brain, lungs and kidney.
Feet are especially affected in case of poor blood circulation, since sores, corns, calluses and blisters take longer time to heal. This is made worse in case of diabetics, who lose sensation of pain in the feet, and are often unaware of the severity of the sore till it gets infected or gangrene (tissue death) occurs.

Symptoms:

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of poor blood circulation, so that the underlying cause can be detected and treated early. Some common symptoms of poor blood circulation include:

1. Numbness in the extremities
2. Dizziness
3. Discolouration of skin
4. Delay in healing of wounds or sores
5. Dry Skin
6. Dandruff
7. Swelling of the feet
8. Muscle cramps
9. Foot ulcers
10. Itchy skin on the hands and feet
11. Feet cramps during activity
12. Breathing trouble
13. Weakness of fatigue
14. Vertigo
15. Memory issues
16. Varicose veins
17. Irregular pulse
18. Hair loss
19. Loss of appetite
20. Digestive trouble
21. Headaches

In case you notice any of the above signs, it is recommended you consult with a doctor who can diagnose the underlying problem and recommend accurate treatment for relief and cure.

Treatment:

The treatment of poor blood circulation depends largely on diagnosing and treating the underlying problem. Some of the basic treatment includes the following:

  • Compression socks that are specially designed to treat swollen feet or ankle and provide relief
  • Physiotherapy to improve mobility and circulation in the affected area
  • Body massage
  • Certain over the counter medication as recommended by the doctor
  • Hydrotherapy
  • Reduction of smoking and alcohol consumption
  • Diet improvement and inclusion of food rich in Vitamin B6, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, Vitamin E and magnesium.
  • Regular exercise or movement
  • Maintenance of body temperature

It is recommended to visit a doctor and also get complete treatment for the underlying cause to help with regularizing poor blood circulation.