How to Improve Circulation in your Legs & Feet
By Tens Machine UK Content Team . Last Updated Friday, 15th November 2024
How to Improve Blood Circulation in your Legs
Good blood circulation is essential for the proper functioning of the body. If you have issues with blood circulation in your legs, early signs may include regular muscle cramps, foot pain, and pain in different areas of your leg. Fortunately, there are various ways to improve blood circulation in your legs, including treatments that utilise machines and engaging in physical activities.
Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation Legs
The most common symptoms are some of those that are mentioned above, however some common symptoms will include:
- Muscle Cramps
- Pain in the Leg or different areas
- Throbbing or stinging pain
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Restless Leg & Feet
- Aches in Legs & Feet
- Toenails grow very slowly or may stop growing
- Ulcers
- Swollen Feet or even legs
- Skin Discoloration
- Lack of growth of hair on legs and feet
One thing to note is that each condition mentioned above might lead to poor blood circulation, however it can also cause other unusual symptoms not mentioned above.
What causes poor blood circulation in legs?
There are many factors that can cause poor blood circulation, especially in your legs and feet. These can start from narrowed arteries, blood clots or even weakened veins. However, is it important that once you notice unusual symptoms to have these checked out, as they could be more sinister than you expect.
Some causes can include:
- Diabetes - Diabetes can cause a range of issues including and not limited to poor blood circulation, but also an increased risk of stroke or heart disease.
- Inactive Lifestyle - An inactive lifestyle can negatively impact your immune system, muscle strength and even your blood circulation.
- Deep Vein Thrombosis - This can typically occur in your lower leg or thigh, these can lead to complications in the future such as pulmonary embolism.
- Genetic or even Environmental factors - If you’re in a cold location or country, this can also affect and constrict your blood vessels, thus worsening circulation. Additionally those with poor blood circulation running in the family can be affected also.
- Obesity - A common cause for poor blood circulation, leading to bone and joint issues in the long term, but also cardiovascular problems that will as a result affect your blood circulation.
- Smoking - Smoking can certainly harm your blood vessels, but also increase the risk of other possible health issues.
Treatments for Poor Blood Circulation your legs
There are a number of first steps to confirm it is really poor blood circulation you’re suffering from, so we’d advise speaking with your local GP or head to the hospital if you’re very worried.
It’s incredibly likely that once they have diagnosed the issue (if it is poor circulation), they may recommend a new diet, exercises and medication, however there are some instances that they may recommend vascular treatments such as: bypass surgery or angioplasty.
Your medical professional will likely take into consideration your medical history, current issues (body pains or any other conditions) and take a close look into your weight, heart rate and much more.
They may advise the following:
- Stay Hydrated and cut out the unhealthy drinks: Drinking water throughout the day can not only help you lose weight, but it’s vital for your blood circulation.
- Eat to help improve circulation: They may advise foods such as oranges or even adding specific spices to recommended dishes such as; Cayenne Pepper, Sunflower seeds, garlic and root ginger can help with improving blood circulation.
- Eat more Fatty Fish and nuts: Your healthcare or nutritionist professional may recommend more fish or nuts that contain rich omega-3 fatty acids which can help improve your vascular health.
Other Treatments to Improve Blood Circulation in your legs
There are other possible treatments to help with improving blood circulation, some of these ways have helped customers, these are:
- Wearing Compression Socks: These types of socks squeeze your leg to assist in improving blood circulation, they’re often tight at the ankle and gradually become looser as they move up the leg, encouraging blood flow to the heart.
- Medi-Boost: A popular machine to help improve blood circulation in the legs and feet. This machine uses EMS and Tens technology that contracts the muscles in your leg and feet, which as a result can help improve your blood circulation. TENS can be used for pain relief if you have pain in your legs and joints.
- Going for a small walk: Going for a small walk can do wonders to your legs and body, we’d typically recommend walking around 5 minutes daily for those who live a sedentary lifestyle, and work your way up from there.
- Going Swimming: If you’re not a massive fan of walking, take a dip in a local pool and go for a swim. Forms of cardiovascular exercise such as swimming can certainly help improve your general blood circulation.