How to Spot the Symptoms of Poor Circulation

/Home/Health Conditions/Circulation - Alternative Remedies/Circulation - Poor Circulation Symptoms

Are you wondering if you or someone you know is developing the symptoms of poor circulation? Poor circulation refers to limited blood flow throughout the body, particularly in the peripheral areas such as the hands, legs, and feet. If left untreated, it can result in a myriad of chronic conditions, ranging anywhere from varicose veins to kidney damage to a stroke. It is generally caused by obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, poor food choices, and hypertension (high blood pressure). If you or someone you know begins to develop the symptoms of poor circulation, consider finding help immediately to forestall any future complications that may arise.

Step 1
Check the hands and feet for numbness and cramping. Numbness and cramping are among the most noticeable symptoms of poor circulation, and are among the first of them to manifest.

Step 2
Examine the feet and legs for redness and swelling. Press a finger firmly against the skin of the lower leg near the ankle for a moment, then pull it away. If the indentation does not immediately bounce back, it is what is referred to as pitting edema, and is definitely one of the symptoms of poor circulation.

Step 3
Consider whether the legs become very tired and achy after extended periods of standing or inactivity, and are then relieved with either movement or elevation. Elevating the legs allows fluid to drain back into the body and temporarily relieve the pain and swelling.

Step 4
Think about the mental acuity of the person in question. The symptoms of poor circulation also include a diminished mental capacity, which takes the form of memory loss, lethargy, and a general lack of mental acuity. Since a good deal of blood is circulated through the brain, it can also be a cause of frequent headaches that come on without reason, as well as dizzy spells.

Step 5
Examine the personal life of the person in question. Another of the symptoms of poor circulation is a loss of libido. This is a very personal area, so people may be reluctant to discuss it.

Step 6
Check for wounds that are either healing very slowly or not at all. A loss of blood flow inhibits the healing process, resulting in non healing ulcers in severe cases. These appear primarily on the lower legs and feet, and are a major cause of amputations among diabetics.