How to Treat Poor Circulation

Posted by Aaron Ellis on July 22, 2023

Blood circulation undeniably plays a crucial role among all life-sustaining physiological processes.

The circulatory system, comprised of the heart and a complex network of blood vessels scattered across the body, serves as the principal mechanism for blood transport.

With the heart's pumping action, it facilitates the distribution of blood to various body parts, ensuring a consistent delivery of oxygen and nutrients.

However, should the circulation become compromised, it could lead to the malfunction and eventual breakdown of diverse organ systems.

Indications of Insufficient Circulation

Studies have shown poor circulation typically starts to show amongst people older than 40, especially those with existing health conditions or a unactive lifestyle.

Reduced blood supply to your limbs may lead to cold and numb sensations in your hands and feet, accompanied at times by a tingling feeling.

Other symptoms can include muscle cramps, swelling or oedema in the feet and legs, varicose veins, or skin discolouration.

In severe instances, issues like ulcers or slow-healing wounds might arise, posing challenges, especially for individuals with diabetes.

Dry skin, brittle nails, and hair loss, predominantly in the feet and legs, can also indicate poor circulation.

Additionally, inadequate blood supply to the brain may result in memory issues or decreased concentration, fatigue due to increased heart effort, and erectile dysfunction in men.

What's more, insufficient oxygen supply can also hinder muscle growth and development.

Research has also shown that poor circulation can have a negative effect on an individual's immune system as certain blood cells carried by the bloodstream can help fight infection.

Symptoms of poor circulation can include:

Cold hands and feet
Numbness and tingling sensations in the hands or feet
Muscle pain and cramps
Swelling in the legs
Hair loss on the feet or legs
Skin discolouration; pale or blue colour in the legs
Dry or cracked skin on the feet
Brittle toenails
Leg ulcers
Cognitive issues, such as memory loss or poor concentration
Digestive problems
Erectile dysfunction

Potential Causes of Poor Circulation

A myriad of underlying conditions can lead to reduced blood flow.

Here are some common culprits contributing to poor circulation:

Peripheral artery disease:

This condition, often seen in the legs, arises from the narrowing of blood vessels, which disrupts blood supply and causes symptoms like leg pain during walking, known as claudication.

PAD can indicate atherosclerosis, a condition associated with fatty deposit accumulation in the arteries, drastically reducing blood flow.

Blood clots:

Blood clots can develop in any part of the body, but more frequently in your arms or legs, leading to circulation problems.

A dislodged blood clot travelling through other body parts, including the heart, lungs, and brain, can cause severe and even life-threatening conditions such as stroke or heart attack.

Varicose veins:

These enlarged, twisted, and swollen veins result from weakened or damaged valves, causing blood flow disruption and making veins look gnarled and engorged.

Although varicosities can occur anywhere, they are most commonly seen on the back of the legs.

Diabetes:

This disease significantly increases the risk of atherosclerosis, an inflammatory artery disease.

High blood sugar levels also reduce blood vessel elasticity and cause them to narrow, further impeding blood flow.

Obesity:

Excess weight can lead to vascular control abnormalities, such as narrowing of the blood vessels and impaired blood flow to the muscles.

Raynaud’s disease or phenomenon:

These conditions cause the smaller arteries in hands and feet to undergo vasospasm in response to cold temperatures or stress, restricting blood flow.

Smoking:

This habit damages the blood vessels, leading to the formation of plaques, thickening of the walls, and restricted blood flow.

Strategies to Improve Circulation

There are a multitude of reasons why an individual could develop poor circulation, with most cases being easily managed.

But still, the question remains: how do you treat poor circulation?

Luckily, knowing the potential causes of poor circulation allows us to adopt treatments to remedy poor circulation:

Check Your Blood Pressure Regularly: High blood pressure can lead to arteriosclerosis, which hardens your arteries and impedes blood flow.
Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial, as about half our blood is water.
Take Regular Breaks and Stand: Extended sitting is detrimental to circulation and can lead to a blood clot.
Quit Smoking: Nicotine narrows blood vessels, eventually making them less elastic and hindering nutrient and oxygen delivery to the body.
Elevate Your Legs: The legs-up-the-wall yoga pose can help blood flow back to your heart.
Exercise Regularly: Physical activity encourages your heart to pump blood more efficiently.
Wear Compression Stockings: These stockings apply pressure on the legs to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and prevent blood clots.
Manage Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can result in heart disease or stroke, which both interfere with circulation.
Dry Skin Brushing: This practice promotes blood flow and removes toxins.
Warm Baths: Warmth expands blood vessels, allowing more blood to flow.
Eat A Healthy Diet: High cholesterol and blood sugar can damage the arteries, leading to poor circulation.
Use Rhia's Nano Massage Device: The Rhia Nano's vibrations can enhance the device by stimulating muscle pumping. However, be cautious as vibrations may increase thrombosis risk or dislodge a thrombus, potentially causing an embolus.