Introduction
Having poor circulation can be a sign of a more serious underlying health issue. It can cause a variety of symptoms, from cold hands and feet to fatigue and dizziness. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to talk to your doctor. In the meantime, here are five signs you may have “bad circulation” according to experts at Eat This Not That. From changes in skin color to numbness and tingling, these are the warning signs you should be aware of.
5 Signs You Have “Bad Circulation,” According to Experts
If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it may be a sign that you have poor circulation. Read on to learn what experts say are the five most common signs of bad circulation.
1. Cold Hands and Feet
One of the most common signs of poor circulation is cold hands and feet. This is because your body is not able to circulate blood efficiently to your extremities. If you find that your hands and feet are often cold, even when the rest of your body is warm, it may be a sign of poor circulation.
2. Swelling in the Legs and Feet
If you’re experiencing swelling in your legs and feet, it could be a sign of poor circulation. This is because your body is not able to move fluid efficiently, leading to a buildup of fluid in your extremities. If you’re experiencing swelling, it’s important to speak to your doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions.
3. Numbness and Tingling
If you’re experiencing numbness and tingling in your hands and feet, it could be a sign of poor circulation. This is because your body is not able to move blood efficiently to your extremities, leading to a lack of sensation. If you’re experiencing numbness and tingling, it’s important to speak to your doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions.
4. Muscle Cramps
If you’re experiencing muscle cramps, it could be a sign of poor circulation. This is because your body is not able to move blood efficiently to your muscles, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. If you’re experiencing muscle cramps, it’s important to speak to your doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions.
5. Slow Healing Wounds
If you’re experiencing slow healing wounds, it could be a sign of poor circulation. This is because your body is not able to move blood efficiently to the wound, leading to a lack of oxygen and nutrients. If you’re experiencing slow healing wounds, it’s important to speak to your doctor to rule out any other underlying conditions.
Getting older comes with aches and pains, but not everything you experience is a normal part of aging and that includes poor circulation. Although the condition happens to people mostly over 40, that doesn’t mean it’s part of the aging process. Bad circulation can happen as a result of an underlying health problem like diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues and if left untreated, the issue will not resolve itself, but instead lead to serious complications like blood clots, infected ulcers and in extreme cases, amputation. Eat This, Not That! Health spoke with experts who share signs of bad circulation to watch out for and symptoms that can be missed by physicians. Read on—and to ensure your health and the health of others, don’t miss these Sure Signs You’ve Already Had COVID.
Chris Tutt, PT, MS, MBAis the CEO,ProActive Physical Therapy Specialists and VP Clinical Operations-Confluent Health says, “When circulation is reduced you can often feel the sensation of pins and needles tingling, especially in your extremities. This is because blood is not reaching the area in amounts that are adequate for their nutrition. This is most often experienced in the hands and feet.”
Dr. Tutt explains, “Blood carries heat and nourishment to all areas of our body. Reduced circulation causes your hands and feet to feel colder than the rest of the body because there is not enough warm blood flow to the area.”
According to Dr. Tutt, “Most often edema is seen in the hands, ankles, and feet. When your body cannot circulate fluids in or out of an area, swelling can result. As swelling increases, it puts pressure on the blood vessels forcing fluids from the blood vessels into the surrounding tissues resulting in swelling.”
Dr. Tutt states, “Poor circulation can cause pain in your feet, legs, arms and hands. Poor circulation can also cause pain in your calves which is worse when sitting or standing for long periods. When circulation is reduced to muscles, nutrients cannot reach tissues as well as they should and you feel stiffness and cramping.”
Dr. Tutt says, “You may see a pale or blue color in your tissues if the amount of blood is insufficient. It is mainly seen in hands, toes, noses, and lips.”
Dr. Naheed A. Ali, MD, PhD with USA RX tells us, “When blood arteries narrow or clog, blood can’t circulate correctly across the body. Pain and tissue damage can result. Having swollen legs, feet, and hands from damaged blood vessels. Bad circulation can cause tingling or numbness in your toes, feet, and fingers or hands. Any swelling develops at the toes and fingers. Since these symptoms aren’t often severe, doctors may overlook them. If they worsen, they can signal lower-limb venous insufficiency.”
Dr. Tutt shares, “Treatment of poor circulation must be addressed depending upon the underlying cause. Poor circulation is influenced by both lifestyle and various diseases. For example, atherosclerosis (narrowing/hardening of the arteries) and diabetes can cause circulation problems and present with the above symptoms. Lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, losing weight, exercising, and eating a healthy diet can all improve circulation and reduce problems. Early detection followed by appropriate early treatment can help to improve circulation. Wearing compression stockings can also help to reduce the swelling in your legs and can be purchased from your local pharmacy or department store.. There are many causes of poor circulation and if you do not do something about poor circulation it will not get better. The good news is you can improve your circulation!”
Heather Newgen