Signs and Symptoms of Poor Circulation in Feet - Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists (2024)

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Signs and Symptoms of Poor Circulation in Feet - Advanced Foot & Ankle Care Specialists? ›

POOR CIRCULATION (ARTERIAL INSUFFICIENCY)

SYMPTOMS OF CIRCULATION PROBLEMS

Swollen ankles and feet, discolored or blue and red toes, hair loss on the legs and thin, dry, or cracked skin can be symptoms that someone with poor circulation can experience. In the end, poor circulation is almost always a sign of another condition or disease.

Signs and symptoms

People with poor circulation may notice their feet feel cold or numb. They may also notice discoloration. The feet may turn red, blue, purple, or white. These symptoms may worsen in certain situations, such as when a person sits still for long periods or goes outside in cold weather.

They may recommend an exercise and diet program and medication, but some patients see the most benefit from a vascular treatment such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

It's a great way to see how much circulation there is in your veins and arteries. To start, there's typically an ultrasound of your legs and feet. Your foot doctor will also check your pulse by hand, measure and compare blood pressures of your arm and ankle, and perform a visual exam of your legs and feet.

Green and black teas are packed with antioxidants that help protect the body from free radicals, which can lead to heart disease. Additionally, ginger tea has been found to improve blood flow as a natural vasodilator, widening blood vessels and enhancing blood flow.

Vitamin E is thought to be good for blood circulation, which may be helpful if you are prone to cold hands and feet (even when it isn't winter!). There is also evidence that vitamin E could support the health of blood vessels and the flow of blood in the arteries.

Can you test your circulation at home? ›

How to check: Compare the temperature of the right and left hands or the right and left feet. Normal:The fingers or toes are warm. Not normal:The fingers or toes are cool or cold. If the fingers or toes are cold, cover them with a blanket and check them in 1 hour.

Essentially, sleeping on your back helps distribute any weight evenly, and this, in turn, reduces pressure on any affected blood vessels. Reduced pressure equals less discomfort. This position also keeps the legs and feet elevated naturally – albeit slightly- to support better blood circulation.

Many times, physical tests are performed that can consist of the leg-elevation test and the leg-drop test. The first test involves lying on your back with your legs raised, and poor blood flow is evident when the leg becomes pale and painful. This is followed by performing the next test.

Ankle Circles: Sit or lie down and rotate your ankles in slow, deliberate circles. This movement helps promote blood flow in the feet and lower legs. Walking: Sometimes, the simplest exercise is the most effective. Regular walks encourage blood circulation throughout the body, including the feet.

If you don't do something about your bad circulation, it won't get better on its own. In fact, it can get worse. But you can manage and improve your poor circulation with lifestyle changes, medication and surgery, if necessary.