Poor circulation is an underlying indicator of many different health problems, but it is also a problem itself. Due to gravity and the way that our circulatory system works, it is fairly common for poor circulation to present itself in the feet and the legs. Recognizing the indicators of poor circulation can help you to more easily achieve quick and effective medical treatment as needed. Our feet aren’t just important because they take us from one place to the next. They can tell us a surprising amount about our health as a whole. Read on to learn about poor circulation, how to recognize it, and what it can imply.
What Does Poor Circulation Mean?
Poor circulation means that your body is ineffectively circulating the blood in your body. Since our bodies rely on blood to get nutrients and oxygen, it comes as no surprise that good circulation is fairly important. If your body is not circulating enough blood, you can experience a wide range of problems and side effects. To ensure that your body’s needs are being met, keeping a good pulse on the effectiveness of your circulation can be incredibly important.
What Can Poor Circulation Cause?
When you have poor circulation, you reduce your body’s ability to operate in the way that it needs to. It is simply not as effective because its resources are not operating under prime conditions. Poor circulation can make you feel exhausted, put unnecessary strain on your body, and even lead to more dangerous outcomes. If your body is struggling to get enough oxygen to different areas, you can end up feeling fatigued, unable to think clearly, suffering from a lack of oxygen or feeling winded, or even end up with damage to certain parts of your body. The fact is that everyone’s body needs enough blood in the right areas to keep everything in good order, which is why it is so important to pay attention when you see indicators of poor blood circulation. You can generally keep a fairly strong gauge on your circulation and even detect high blood pressure from your feet and legs.
Conditions Associated With Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can be caused by a collection of different forces. Certain conditions and medications can lead to poor circulation, forcing those who are already suffering in some way to deal with an entirely new problem on top of it all. Diabetes, heart disease, and obesity can all lead to poor circulation. While they can be a cause of poor circulation, it is important to understand that some people don’t actually know they have an underlying health condition until they are being treated for poor circulation and the doctor looks for a cause.
The fact that some of these conditions are associated with poor circulation can also be important for sufferers to understand for their own treatments. If you are experiencing a loss of circulation, you might need to discuss other treatment options with us. In some instances, poor circulation can actually clue patients into the fact that their condition is actually worsening. For example, those who suffer from heart disease often experience worsening circulation as their arteries begin to build up with plaque and other buildups.
Symptoms of Poor Circulation
Poor circulation can show itself in different ways depending on your body. Some people are more prone to experiencing certain symptoms than others, which is why it is so important to consult a medical professional if you have begun to experience any of the symptoms commonly associated with poor circulation.
Common Symptoms Include:
Numbness In The Legs
Legs “Falling Asleep”
Tingling In Legs and Feet
Inconsistent Temperature In Feet (Very Cold, For Example)
Swelling In Feet and Legs
Discolored Feet (Particularly Red, Purple, and Blue)
The Presence of Varicose Veins
Pain or Discomfort
Sores, Particularly On Feet or Lower Legs
Lower Leg or Foot Cramping
Conclusion
When your feet start to give you trouble, there is likely a bigger story regarding your overall health. While feet can certainly come with their own set of problems, if you begin to notice your feet and legs showing symptoms of poor circulation, it is likely best to get it checked out. The podiatrists at Wasatch Foot and Ankle can tell the difference between an actual issue with your feet and other conditions that might be causing the problems. They will also be able to identify if your concerns are specifically related to an injury or underlying foot-related medical condition. When in doubt, ask the podiatrists here at Wasatch Foot and Ankle Institute.
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