

Swollen veins and arteries (varicose or "spider" veins).As unpleasant as cold extremities are, poor circulation may be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. If you or a loved one are dealing with poor circulation, one of the first symptoms you may notice is coldness in the legs and feet. Now that we've reviewed poor circulation causes, we can delve into poor circulation treatments.

Always seek medical assistance if you're suffering from any of the symptoms, especially if you've been diagnosed with one of the known causes of poor blood circulation. Not only is poor blood circulation in the legs and feet uncomfortable, but it can cause life-threatening problems if it goes unchecked. Venous insufficiency, a condition in which blood pools in the veins instead of returning to the heart, can be genetic, but it can also be caused by age, pregnancy, obesity, or a sedentary lifestyle. Not only does it cause cancer, but it damages the blood vessels, which leads to poor blood circulation. Smoking is the cause of one in five deaths in the United States. Left untreated, this can reduce or even stop blood flow to a limb, leading to tissue death and possibly amputation. As the arteries harden, a substance called plaque builds up within the arterial walls, narrowing them. Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) is caused by atherosclerosis. In addition to causing bone and joint problems, sleep apnea, high blood pressure and cholesterol, obesity can potentially lead to decreased blood circulation and even heart attacks. Over time, diabetes can cause numerous health complications, including poor blood circulation, kidney disease, diabetic neuropathy, gum disease, heart disease, and stroke.Īn inactive lifestyle causes you to lose muscle strength, weakens your bones, lowers your immune system, and decreases blood circulation because healthy blood flow depends on movement. If the clot breaks loose, it can cause a life-threatening blockage in the lung called a pulmonary embolism or PE. Left untreated, atherosclerosis can cause Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD).Īlso called a DVT, a deep vein thrombosis is a blood clot that forms in a vein deep within the body, most commonly the lower leg or thigh. Seniors tend to suffer from poor blood circulation in the legs due to several factors like becoming more sedentary, thickening of the aorta, and decreased sensitivity in baroreceptors.Ī condition caused by hardened arteries, atherosclerosis is one of the most common causes of poor blood circulation. Some of the most common causes of poor blood circulation of the legs include: Careers Pay Now Referring Providers (301) 486-4690 Main navigationĬommon Causes of Poor Blood Circulation in the Legs and Feet.ĭespite being thought of as a problem faced primarily by senior citizens, poor blood circulation isn't limited to the elderly.
