The human body is an intricate creation made up of 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Their function is to provide oxygen and other nutrients to all parts of the body through the blood.
Unfortunately, the stress of our daily lives can cause blood flow to function properly. What are the dangers of poor blood flow?
Dangers of Poor Blood Flow to Your Legs
Poor blood flow can cause blood clots to form in any part of the body, including your legs. It’s a vicious cycle where poor blood flow leads to blood clots, and blood clots lead to more severe circulation problems.
One of the potential effects of poor blood flow to the legs is Deep Vein Thrombosis. DVT is the medical term for blood clots that form in a deep vein. Part of this clot can break off and reach the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism.
What are some of the symptoms?
Symptoms of Poor Blood Flow
Some of the signs there is poor blood flow to the legs include:
- Feeling cold
- Feeling numb
- Tingling feeling
- Muscle cramps
- Dry skin
- Weak/Brittle nails
In the case of diabetics, you will notice that any wound will heal slower. Those who are light-skinned will see the skin get a blue tint.
Ways to Increase Blood Flow to Your Legs
If you experience any of these unusual symptoms, the first option is to consult a healthcare professional. In most cases, a change in certain habits can help increase the blood flow to your legs.
Balanced Diet
The food we eat affects our bodies in various ways, which is why we should always strive to have a balanced diet. Maintaining a healthy weight helps control things like our cholesterol levels. Low cholesterol equals clear arteries that contribute to proper blood flow to the legs.
When dealing with poor blood flow to the legs, a low salt diet and fewer foods with saturated fats will also help keep our blood vessels clean.
Compression Socks
Compression socks are an effective way to improve the blood flow from the legs to the heart. The pressure from these socks causes the velocity of blood flow in your veins to increase.
Consult your doctor because compression socks come in different lengths and apply different levels of pressure.
Daily Posture
Sitting for hours can take its toll on the circulation in your legs. If possible, try working on your feet so that the valves in your legs function correctly.
Exercise
Yoga is an excellent way to promote blood flow in your legs and the rest of your body. As you move and twist your body, you increase the oxygen to the cells and your organs’ blood. Some yoga positions put you upside-down, which will promote blood flow from your legs to your heart and brain.
If yoga is not your thing, you can perform other exercises like running, biking, walking, and swimming. Exercising 5 to 7 days a week for at least 30 minutes a day will improve blood flow to your legs by also controlling your blood pressure.
Central Valley’s Leading Foot And Ankle Experts
Poor blood flow can lead to swelling and pain in your legs and feet. The experts at Canyon Oaks Foot & Ankle are eager to provide you with the pain relief your desire.
Schedule an appointment so we can begin to devise a treatment plan just for you!
