Poor Circulation in Hands and Feet

The condition in which the blood supplied to the hands and feet is not sufficient to meet the metabolic needs, is known as poor circulation in hands and feet. It is caused by a group of problems, collectively termed as peripheral vascular disease. Improper flow of blood through your legs and hands can cause the following poor circulation symptoms.

Symptoms of Poor Circulation

• Tired and aching hands and feet
• Varicose veins and spider veins
• Cold hands and feet
• Swelling in the feet or legs
• Pain in the lower leg
• Ulcer in the feet or legs
• Migraine and headaches
• Dizziness on getting up quickly
• Brittle toenails
• Vision disorders
• Foot and leg cramps
• Loss of sensation in hands and feet
• White fingers and nails
• Cyanosis (purpling or darkening of the skin) - a condition due to lack of oxygen.
• Formation of a blood clot in the blood vessels. Such a condition comes under deep vein thrombosis

Causes of Poor Circulation

• Improper circulation of blood due to coronary heart disease.
• Some underlying disorder that leads to blood circulation problems.
• A disease that blocks the flow of blood to the fingers and toes.
• Poor circulation can also be a symptom of Raynaud's syndrome.
• Alcohol constricts the blood vessels, especially during winter when the blood vessels are already constricted.
• Drinking caffeine can cause poor circulation in limbst.
• An injury to the feet, hands and even legs can result in poor circulation.
• Poor circulation of blood in hands and feet can be one of the symptom of kidney and lung diseases.
• Patients suffering from diabetes, high cholesterol levels, high blood pressure and obesity often have poor circulation in the body.
• Poor circulation can be a side-effect of some medicine.

Natural Treatment for Poor Circulation

• Massage hands and feet with diluted essential oils such as lavender and rosemary.
• Take hot herbal tea on a regular basis to improve blood circulation in hands and feet. You can add ½ teaspoon of Elderflower, Lime blossom, ginger and yarrow.
• Reduce the intake of blood vessel constricting substances such as caffeine, alcohol and nicotine.
• Moderate but regular exercises will also help in curing the poor circulation problem.
• Try to always keep your feet and hands well covered and warm. Wiggle your toes when you feel too cold.
• Take food stuffs rich in vitamin C and Vitamin E. They boost the blood circulation in the body. You can take these vitamins in tablet form as well.
• Increase the intake of garlic. Garlic prevents the formation of plaque in the blood vessels, and hence helps in proper circulation of blood.
• You can also eat watermelons for the above mentioned effect. They do it with a pigment called lycopene present in them. Lycopene gives watermelon its red color.
• Eat pumpkin or pumpkin seeds. It cures poor circulation of blood by hindering blood coagulation. This also helps in thinning the blood.
• Avoid handling cold objects. For example, use a tong to pick ice cubes.
• Avoid wearing tight-fitting footwear.

Chronic poor circulation in hands and feet should be treated well in time. If left untreated, it can lead to heart disease, strokes and even amputation. If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms of poor circulation in hands and feet, consult a medical practitioner for proper diagnosis. The doctor would look into the family history to understand the condition and prescribe an effective treatment to ensure a healthy and fit life ahead. Also, it goes without saying that you need to have the necessary lifestyle changes. A balanced diet, regular exercise and curbing alcohol intake should be a priority. Protection from cold is also a must so as to keep the blood flowing.