Can Vein Disease Cause Poor Circulation in Feet? | USA Vein Clinics

1. Can Vein Disease Cause Poor Circulation in Feet?

2. What Causes Poor Circulation in Feet? Poor circulation is a condition in which adequate blood flow does not reach certain areas of the body. This can occur for many different reasons, including a lack of physical activity or underlying health conditions. Some potential causes include obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and vein disease. Standing or sitting for prolonged periods can also be major contributing factors.

3. Symptoms Of Poor Circulation In Legs And Feet There are many potential signs of poor circulation in legs and feet. Some of these can involve pain or discomfort, which can be mild, moderate, or severe.  Poor circulation symptoms include: • Numbness • Weakness • Muscle cramping • Swelling • Cold extremities • Varicose veins • Venous ulcers • Weak pulse in the legs or feet

4. How to Improve Blood Circulation in Feet and Legs Poor circulation in legs and feet is concerning, but there are multiple ways to improve the situation. Some of these include: • Lose excess weight: Being obese or overweight can put a strain on your veins and lead to sluggish blood flow.  • Increase physical activity: Inactivity is a major contributor to poor circulation. Getting at least 30 minutes of exercise each day can get your blood flowing and improve your vein health. • Give yourself a foot massage: If you are stuck at your desk or standing at work all day, try massaging your legs and feet. This can help stimulate your blood flow.  • Control underlying health conditions: Do you have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or other health issues affecting circulation in feet and other areas? Getting these underlying conditions under control through medication or other methods can help improve your circulation.

5. Wear appropriate footwear: Wearing tight or poor-fitting shoes can decrease your foot circulation. Be sure to choose comfortable footwear that allows your feet the space they need to move around. • Be attentive to wound care: If you have corns, calluses, or other types of wounds on your feet or legs, address them promptly. If left untreated in areas where circulation is poor, such wounds can worsen. In general, keep an eye out for any open, non-healing wounds and bring them to your doctor’s attention. • Eat a healthy diet: Focus on eating foods rich in Vitamins C, E, B, and Omega-3. These nutrients can increase oxygen levels, which in turn can increase blood flow.

6. How To Prevent Poor Circulation Many of the above recommendations can also be used to prevent poor circulation. Getting enough exercise, losing excess weight, and generally following a healthy lifestyle are all positive steps toward maintaining healthy veins. It is also a good idea to quit smoking and limit alcohol and caffeine.  If your job requires prolonged standing or sitting, try to take frequent breaks and move around as much as possible. Even while stuck in place, you can improve circulation by stretching your legs or doing calf raises and ankle rolls. If you are at high risk for developing vein disease, ask your doctor about the benefits of wearing compression socks. 

7. What Else Should I Know About Poor Circulation? Poor circulation is not generally considered a disease in itself. As discussed above, it may be caused by or lead to other medical conditions. One related health issue is called Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). PAD is a progressive circulatory disorder that can result in pain and fatigue. If left untreated, PAD can be dangerous and even result in amputation. Deep Vein Thrombosis, or DVT, is another related health condition. DVT refers to the formation of a blood clot in a deep vein and usually causes pain and swelling. If you suspect you are experiencing a DVT, please seek emergency medical care.

8. Improving Vein Health at USA Vein Clinics The vein specialists at USA Vein Clinics can help resolve your poor circulation and underlying vein disease. We use a variety of techniques to treat varicose veins, spider veins, venous ulcers, and other venous conditions. Most treatments take between 15 and 30 minutes, depending on the number of veins affected. Treatment is performed in-office, so you can leave immediately afterward and return to normal activities. If you have poor circulation and other signs of vein disease, please contact us at 888.768.3467. You can also schedule an appointment online. We offer a choice of in-office or telemedicine consultations. No matter where we meet, we look forward to helping resolve your painful, uncomfortable vein symptoms.