Poor circulation in the legs is a condition that is generally associated with reduced blood flow in the veins and arteries of the legs. It leads to signs and symptoms like cold feet, swelling, tingling, dry skin and leg pain or cramping.
Poor circulation can happen due to pregnancy, birth control that contains estrogen, being overweight, aging, smoking, standing for prolonged periods of time or spending a lot of time sitting with your legs crossed. It can also be caused by health conditions like atherosclerosis, diabetes and high blood pressure.
It is important that the cause of poor circulation is identified and that any signs and symptoms are discussed with your doctor. This will help them determine the most appropriate treatment.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of poor circulation in the legs are:
- Cold, dry or scaly skin;
- Itchy legs;
- Swollen legs, feet and ankles;
- Legs that feel heavy or tired;
- Presence of spider veins or varicose veins;
- Pale or bluish color in places with poor circulation;
- One foot that feels colder than the other;
- Leg pain or cramps when walking or climbing stairs that get better with rest;
- Tingling, pins and needles or numbness in the legs;
- Loss of hair on the legs or toenails that grow more slowly;
- Sores on the feet or legs that heal slowly.
Symptoms related to the veins usually worsen at the end of the day, especially after standing for a long time, and tend to improve when you raise your legs.
When to get emergency care
Seek medical help right away if a foot or leg suddenly becomes cold, pale or blue, or if you can’t feel or move it. You should also go to the emergency room if one leg suddenly becomes swollen, painful, red or warm, as this may be a sign of a blood clot.
Confirming a diagnosis
The diagnosis of poor circulation in the legs is made by a primary care doctor or a vascular specialist. It is initially based on the signs and symptoms, as well as the person’s health and family history.
To check how blood is flowing through the veins, the doctor may order a duplex ultrasound.
To check the arteries, they may order an ankle-brachial index (ABI) test, which compares the blood pressure in the ankle with the blood pressure in the arm. These tests help confirm the diagnosis and identify the cause of poor circulation.
Main causes
Poor circulation in the legs is often caused by:
1. Pregnancy
During pregnancy, the amount of blood in the body increases a lot, which can make the veins swell. At the same time, the growing uterus puts pressure on the large veins in the pelvis, which slows the return of blood from the legs to the heart. Pregnancy hormones can also relax the walls of the veins.
Because of this, varicose veins and swelling in the legs are common during pregnancy. These symptoms usually improve after delivery.
2. Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque, made of fat and cholesterol, builds up along the walls of the arteries. This narrows the arteries and reduces blood flow to the legs, a condition known as peripheral artery disease (PAD).
Smoking, high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure increase the risk of atherosclerosis.
3. Excess weight and sedentary lifestyle
Excess weight and a sedentary lifestyle can make it harder for blood to return from the legs to the heart, which can make the legs more swollen and tired.
4. Aging
As a person ages, blood vessels become less elastic, which can interfere with circulation. The valves inside the veins can also weaken over time.
5. Use of contraceptives
Birth control that contains estrogen, like the combined pill, patch or ring, can increase the risk of blood clots in some people.
This risk is higher in people who smoke, are over 35 or have a history of blood clots. Blood clots can block blood flow in the legs.
6. Standing for a long time
Standing for prolonged periods or sitting with your legs crossed can lead to poor circulation in the legs, because these positions make it harder for blood to flow back to the heart.
7. Smoking
Smoking damages the walls of the blood vessels and is one of the main risk factors for peripheral artery disease.
8. Chronic illnesses
Some chronic diseases, like diabetes and high blood pressure, can result in poor circulation, especially when they are not well controlled.
Treatment options
To relieve and prevent the symptoms of poor circulation in the legs, it is important to follow the treatment recommended by your doctor, which depends on the cause.
For problems in the veins, the doctor may recommend compression stockings, which help push blood back up toward the heart and reduce swelling. In some cases, procedures to close or remove varicose veins may be recommended.
Also recommended: Compression Socks: Benefits, Indications & How to Use tuasaude.com/en/compression-socksFor problems in the arteries, like PAD, the doctor may prescribe medications to lower cholesterol and blood pressure, control blood sugar or prevent blood clots. A supervised exercise program is also often recommended.
Some daily habits can also help reduce discomfort, such as:
- Raising your legs above the level of your heart for about 30 minutes, a few times a day;
- Walking or doing other physical activity regularly;
- Avoiding standing or sitting for long periods without moving;
- Maintaining a healthy weight;
- Quitting smoking;
- Limiting salty foods, which may help reduce swelling;
- Wearing comfortable shoes.
Some home remedies may also help. Check-out a list of natural home remedies to improve circulation.
