When the body cannot easily circulate blood, signs of poor circulation often become apparent. These symptoms will be obvious as they will start affecting your appearance and your lifestyle. Although signs of poor blood circulation are not necessarily a health condition, these symptoms manifest in response to other health issues and vein conditions. These problems include blood clots, peripheral artery disease, diabetes, Raynaud’s disease, varicose veins, and obesity. Poor circulation is also more common among those who smoke as well as pregnant women.
Signs of Poor Circulation
Signs of poor circulation present themselves in different ways. Those with limited or poor blood circulation may experience poor circulation symptoms like:
- Muscle cramps
- A stinging, throbbing, or aching sensation
- A tingling “pins and needles” feeling
- Confusion or memory loss, which occurs when blood flow to the brain is limited
- Hands and feet that are cold to the touch
- Varicose veins
- Ulcers in the legs and feet caused when blood pools in veins or when wounds are unable to heal properly
- Swelling in the extremities, also known as edema, can also signify heart failure
- Digestive issues such as cramping, abdominal pain, and diarrhea
- Purplish discoloration of the skin, often in the hands, feet, lips, ears, and nose
- Unexplained weight loss
- Difficulty exercising & more
Some signs of poor blood circulation are localized to the affected areas of the body, most often the arms and legs. If poor blood circulation is left untreated, it can lead to serious health problems throughout your entire body. These include blood clots and infected ulcers, which can even necessitate amputation. In men, erectile dysfunction is sometimes associated with poor blood circulation. High blood pressure caused by poor circulation can also lead to cardiac problems in some cases, as the heart has to work harder to circulate oxygen and nutrients throughout the body.
Treatment Options for Signs of Poor Circulation
Eliminating the underlying health problem usually resolves poor circulation. For example, those with diabetes will receive medication or dietary recommendations to control high blood sugar. Blood clots can be treated with blood thinners, while calcium channel and alpha-blockers are prescribed for Raynaud’s disease.
Home remedies can also improve circulation and alleviate symptoms of poor circulation. If the legs are affected, compression socks can help reduce swelling and relieve pain. Your doctor can recommend exercises to encourage healthy blood flow.
To help treat or prevent the symptoms of poor circulation, try getting at least 30 minutes a day of aerobic exercise and eating a heart-healthy diet. If you are obese, losing weight can decrease your risk for chronic illness and reduce comorbid health problems like poor blood circulation. Contact a vein specialist if you’re concern about your symptoms of poor circulation.
Treatment Options for Varicose Veins
Signs of poor circulation in the legs are commonly associated with varicose veins. Read about varicose vein treatment options available to you if your poor circulation is associated with or causes varicose veins:
Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins
With the presence of varicose veins, you may be bothered by the appearance of these enlarged blood vessels. Blocked and swollen veins contribute to the pain and discomfort of poor circulation. Gilvydis Vein Center offers safe, effective laser treatment for varicose veins.
Ultrasound Vein Mapping for Varicose Veins
Before we outline a treatment plan at Gilvydis Vein Clinic, we’ll start by conducting ultrasound vein mapping to determine the exact location and extent of varicose veins. This easy outpatient procedure generally takes an hour and helps us to visualize and identify problematic veins that are causing the circulation issues you’re experiencing.
Endovenous Laser Ablation for Varicose Veins
With endovenous laser ablation (EVLA), we can remove damaged or diseased veins without open surgery. This minimizes both your recovery time and your risk for complications. A laser catheter is inserted into the affected vein to close it off and reroute blood circulation through healthy veins. This outpatient procedure takes about 45 minutes under local anesthesia.
Sclerotherapy for Varicose Vein Treatment
Sclerotherapy is used for the smaller veins that can’t be treated with Endovenous Laser Ablation. With Sclerotherapy treatment, a liquid or foam solution is injected into the affected veins. This causes the veins to close, alleviating the symptoms of poor circulation. After this treatment, you can return to regular activity but may need to wear compression stockings.
Contact a Vein Specialist to Seek Diagnosis
If you’re experiencing the symptoms of poor blood circulation or are troubled by varicose veins, request a free vein screening today. This visual assessment allows our doctors to develop a comprehensive treatment plan for your vein issues. Vein disease and vein issues are progressive and will get worse over time if left untreated. Don’t wait to seek a diagnosis and treatment! Contact our vein specialists at Gilvydis Vein Clinic in Geneva and Sycamore with any questions you may have.