What is poor circulation?
Poor circulation occurs when blood flow to a specific part of your body is cut off or reduced. Without healthy circulation, your blood is unable to transport vital nutrients and oxygen.
Poor circulation can occur for various reasons, but the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, focuses specifically on decreased blood flow that affects the health of your legs and feet.
What are the symptoms of poor circulation?
Common symptoms of poor circulation include:
- Tingling
- Numbness
- Throbbing
- Muscle cramps
- Pain
Poor circulation can affect other aspects of your health as well. For example, men with poor circulation often experience erectile dysfunction.
What are some common causes of poor circulation?
The team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, treats poor circulation caused by various problems, including:
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD)
PAD causes your blood vessels to narrow due to a buildup of plaque. If left untreated, PAD increases your risk of serious health problems, including a heart attack or stroke. Over time, PAD prevents blood from reaching your legs and feet. This can result in arterial ulcers, slow-healing wounds, gangrene, and in severe cases, amputation.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a group of diseases that cause your blood sugar levels to spike. Like PAD, over time, diabetes can negatively affect the health of your feet and legs. For example, untreated diabetes often results in nerve damage or neuropathy. Neuropathy causes you to lose sensation in your feet, so if you cut or injure yourself, you might not realize it.
Varicose veins
Varicose veins occur when the vein valves in your legs fail, allowing your blood to flow backward and pool. Varicose veins are purple, red, or blue. They appear swollen and knotted and can negatively affect your confidence and self-esteem.
How is poor circulation diagnosed?
To diagnose poor circulation, the team at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA, reviews your health history, asks about your symptoms and lifestyle, and conducts a physical exam.
They also order lab tests, including a glycated hemoglobin (A1C) test and an antibodies blood test to detect inflammatory conditions.
If these measures don’t provide enough insight, the team might recommend diagnostic imaging like a CT scan or ultrasound.
How is poor circulation treated?
Treatment for poor circulation depends on the intensity of your symptoms and their underlying cause. Following a comprehensive exam, the team might recommend:
- Compression stockings
- A special exercise program
- Insulin therapy for diabetes
- In-office treatments to manage varicose veins
If you have PAD, the team might recommend a prescription medication like blood thinners, clot-dissolving drugs, or alpha-blockers.
To receive treatment for poor circulation, request a consultation at Advanced Foot, Ankle, & Wound Specialists, PA. Book online to schedule an appointment or call the nearest office today.
