Poor Circulation in Legs

Blood circulation is essential for the normal functioning of the body and it is the arteries and veins that perform this by carrying blood to and from the heart. Arteries carry pure blood from the heart (with oxygen and other important nutrients) to all parts of the body and veins carry deoxygenated blood from different parts of the body back to the heart. Any deficiencies in the circulatory mechanism affects the whole body or the particular part where the blood is not circulating well. Nerves and tissues get severely affected because of poor circulation. Poor circulation in legs is a problem faced by many individuals especially the aged. The following paragraphs attempt to understand the causes, symptoms and treatment for such a disorder.

Causes of Poor Circulation in Legs
The main cause of poor blood circulation in legs is peripheral vascular disease (PVD). All disorders of the blood vessels on the periphery of the heart or outside it are listed under PVD. It occurs when plaque (fatty substance) builds up on the walls of the peripheral arteries (atherosclerosis), and hardens it. This hardening makes it difficult for blood to flow efficiently through the arteries and veins. PVD is the main cause of poor circulation in legs. People who smoke, are anemic, have an unhealthy diet or poor posture are more at risk for developing poor circulation. An unhealthy and sedentary lifestyle can also cause poor circulation in feet and leg. Certain medications and drugs such as beta blockers can also cause poor circulation in legs. Following is a list of diseases and conditions that can also lead to poor blood circulation in legs and feet.

• Obesity
• High blood pressure
• High cholesterol
• Varicose veins
• Aneurysms
• Phlebitis
• Diabetes
• Heart disease
• Stroke
• Asthma
• Pregnancy
• Kidney diseases

Symptoms of Poor Circulation in Legs
Poor blood circulation exhibits itself through many different signs and symptoms. The earliest sign is a cramping feeling that one experiences in the legs followed by occasional numbness and a constant feeling of fatigue in the legs and feet. A lot of pain can be felt while walking, running or even when one is not moving. Discoloration is another symptom of poor circulation. Spots of blue or black may appear on the legs, especially on the calf muscles. A feeling of numbness and tingling on the feet or the entire leg is also a symptom of poor circulation. One might also experience a sensation of "pins and needles" in the legs. Swelling of the feet or even the entire leg has been experienced by some people. A feeling of having cold hands or cold feet may also be experienced by some. Development of blood clot in the veins known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) may also occur.

Treatment of Poor Circulation in Legs
To get an accurate diagnosis, doctors recommend any of the following tests; a Doppler ultrasound, angiography of the arteries in the legs or magnetic resonance angiography or CT angiography. In addition to this, comparison of the blood pressure levels of the arms and the ankles is also done to see how well the blood is flowing through the legs.

The treatment depends upon the severity of the artery and vein blockage in the findings of the test. A mild to moderate circulatory problem is treated with medications, like, aspirin, analgesia, heparinoid creams and pentoxifylline, along with an aerobic exercise program. Extreme conditions are treated via surgical procedures such as peripheral artery bypass surgery, angioplasty, revascularization, atherectomy or endarterectomy. Other treatments include physical therapy and medications such as cilostazol, which dilates the affected artery. Adopting a well-balanced diet, a healthy lifestyle and taking up a proper exercise regimen will help in strengthening the circulatory system. In case poor circulation in legs is due to some medical conditions like diabetes or coronary diseases, then treating the underlying disease is necessary.

If left untreated, poor circulation in legs and feet can lead to gangrene and even amputation of the affected limb. If one experiences any of the above mentioned symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. While doctors can help treat you with medications, a few lifestyle changes, like eating a low-fat and high fiber diet, controlling weight, exercising regularly and reduction in smoking will go a long way in relieving swelling and pain and speeding up the healing process.