Signs and Symptoms of Poor Circulation

Good circulation is essential for good health. Every beat of your heart pumps blood through the approximately 60,000 miles of blood vessels that make up your circulatory system. Your arteries deliver oxygen-rich blood to the cells of your body and your veins carry away deoxygenated blood and toxins.

Poor circulation can cause a variety of signs and symptoms. Some of the symptoms can negatively affect the quality of your life, with discomfort or other symptoms preventing you from working, taking care of your family, or engaging in your favorite activities. In some cases, poor circulation can use serious complications.

Numbness or Tingling in Your Hands or Your Feet

Numbness, tingling or “pins and needles” sensations can occur when blood cannot reach your extremities in adequate quantities

Cold Hands and Feet

Cold extremities are the result of reduced blood flow to your hand and feet.

Swelling in Your Feet, Ankles, and Legs

Poor circulation in veins can cause fluid to accumulate in various areas in your body, particularly in your lower legs, ankles and feet. Doctors refer to this swelling as “edema,” and it can be a serious condition. Edema may develop as the result of heart failure, for example, where the heart cannot circulate the blood throughout the body adequately. Edema can also develop as the result of blood clots in the affected area.

Memory Loss, Trouble Concentrating

Poor blood circulation can prevent your brain from getting the blood it needs, and this can lead to memory loss and difficulty with concentration. Reduce blood flow to your brain, reduce blood flow throughout your body, or certain changes in blood pressure can cause these cognitive symptoms.

Digestive Problems

Digestion relies on an adequate flow of blood, so circulatory problems may cause digestive symptoms, such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, bloody stools, constipation, or cramping.

Unexplained Fatigue

Poor circulation prevents cells from getting the nutrients they need to function well, causing you to feel exhausted.

Joint and Muscle Cramping

Muscle and joint cells can cramp when starved of the nutrients normally delivered by the circulatory system.

Changes in Skin Color

Poor nutrient deliver can cause skin tissue to turn pale or blue; leaky capillaries can cause skin to turn purple. The nose, lips, ears, nipples, hands, and feet are the most likely areas to become discolored due to circulatory problems.

Ulcers or Sores on Your Feet or Legs

Poor circulation can interfere with healing, which means tiny sores can turn into big problems.

Varicose Veins

One of the most common circulatory problems is varicose veins, which are bloated, twisted veins that appear on the back of your legs.

Fortunately, vein doctors can effectively treat most vein problems to alleviate signs and symptoms of poor circulation. If you experience any of these signs, or if you want more information about circulation, contact your doctor. Early diagnosis with medical imaging and early treatment can resolve most circulatory problems in their earliest stages, when they are easiest to treat. Schedule an appointment with Virtual Imaging today by contacting us here.