What Are Symptoms of Poor Circulation? – Updated Article With New Information on Treatment for Poor Circulation

Some common symptoms of poor circulation may include any of the following:

· Cold hands and/or feet
· Feet and/or hands tend to “fall asleep”
· Tired, aching, or swollen feet
· Cramping calf muscles, even when sleeping
· Cramps in the buttocks, legs, or feet, which may occur when active, but then get better with rest

· Slow-healing infections
· Varicose veins
· Discolored skin – pale, blue, or red

Poor circulation may be treated through a variety of methods, including lifestyle changes, conventional medication, or alternative and natural therapies. The main goal of treatment of poor circulation is to relieve swelling and pain, accelerate the healing process, and to prevent further circulatory problems.

Lifestyle changes for treatment of poor circulation may include a regular exercise program, eating a high-fiber diet, quitting smoking, and losing weight. You would need to increase your water intake, and eliminate refined foods like sugar, caffeine, and alcohol. Your new high-fiber diet that is low in fat as well will be intended to reduce the levels of cholesterol, which helps improve circulation.

As part of treatment for poor circulation, you may be prescribed medication by your doctor that may relieve swelling and pain. These medications may include over-the-counter types, like aspirin, heparinoid and analgesia creams, prescription types like pentoxifylline, vitamins like C and E, B6 and B12, magnesium and niacin, physical therapy, and finally surgical procedures like atherectomy, angioplasty, endarterectomy, and revascularization.

There are also holistic and natural treatments for poor circulation, which include homeopathic and herbal remedies, which not only stimulate circulation, but also improve your over health – physical, mental, and emotional. Treatments such as acupuncture, hydrotherapy, reflexology, massage, and aromatherapy are all very therapeutic. Various homeopathic and herbal remedies exist, which can be quite effective in the treatment of poor circulation, and at the same time avoid the occasional harmful side effects of prescription medications.

Some general tips if you have symptoms of poor circulation:

· Wear compression hosiery or support socks
· Keep your extremities like hands and feet warm by wearing wool or thermal socks
· If your feet are swollen, keep them raised so that blood can flow through and the fluid drains away
· Do not stay inactive for a long time. You should move around as much as possible so that you keep that circulation going.
· Incorporate supplements into your diet like cod liver oil, garlic, biloba, and omega-3 fish oils
· Soak your feet in warm water or take a warm bath for your whole body to increase the flow of blood around it
· Reduce stress by listening to music, deep breathing exercises or meditation

For the original article, click here

For more information on the circulatory system, go to:
en.wikipedia.org

The information supplied in this article is not to be considered as medical advice and is for educational purposes only.