Circulation issues continue to plague an increasing number of people daily. A patient's legs, as well as the rest of their body, can suffer from poor circulation, which is quite uncomfortable and can have several adverse effects on the patient's health. The movement of blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body is made possible in large part by circulation throughout the body.
Veins enable normal blood circulation against the strong gravitational force, which is especially pronounced in the veins of the lower extremities (legs).
Division of the venous system of the lower extremities/legs:
- Superficial veins
- Deep veins
Superficial veins mainly serve for the circulation of venous blood when we are sitting, lying or standing. Deep veins have one very important role - the transport of venous blood in the lower extremities.
Causes
Blood flow gets constricted, which leads to impaired circulation, when fat accumulates on the inside of blood vessels or when the elasticity of the arteries and veins weakens. Both conditions can be caused by obesity. Even while the fat particles (cholesterol, triglycerides, and lipoproteins) that "travel" in the blood are necessary for the feeding of the tissues, an excessive amount of any of them can lead to the formation of fatty plaques (atheroma) on the inner wall of the blood arteries.
Symptoms
The most common symptoms of poor circulation in the legs are, first of all, cold legs and feet, frequent tingling or cramps that you can feel throughout the day, heavy and painful legs, and a feeling of "fatigue".
Unfortunately, the problems of poor circulation do not stop here, but general exhaustion during the day can also occur if the cause is fatigue or stress), headaches and water retention in the legs.
Prevention
Healthy circulation is necessary for the healthy functioning of our body. The cells in the body receive the necessary nutrients, vitamins and oxygen through proper blood circulation. If the circulation is bad in certain parts of the body, those tissues and cells are deprived of the necessary nutrients.
- Put on Some Snug Socks
If you care about your feet's health, you should always wear shoes that fit properly and are comfortable. Both overly snug and sloppy footwear are detrimental to blood flow, which can aggravate existing foot problems. Choose footwear with a roomy toe box and sturdy arch support to lessen the strain on your feet.
- Maintain Proper Foot Hygiene
Maintaining good foot cleanliness is crucial in warding against foot problems. If you want to avoid getting a fungal infection, it's important to keep your feet clean and dry, especially in the spaces between your toes. Ingrown toenails can be prevented by cutting nails straight across, and being barefoot in public places should be avoided at all costs.
- Activate Yourself
Too much time spent sitting or standing still cuts off blood flow to the feet. Try to get up and move around every hour, if just for a minute or two. By doing so, blood flow to the feet is increased and foot weariness is reduced.
- Stretch your feet regularly.
The blood flow to your feet can be increased and foot problems avoided by stretching them regularly. Every day, spend a few minutes massaging and stretching your foot muscles by rolling a tennis ball or foot roller under each foot. Simple foot stretches, including toe curls and ankle circles, can also aid in increasing blood flow and relieving foot pain.
- Keep Your Feet Up
If you have poor blood circulation or swelling, elevating your feet can assist. To lessen swelling and enhance blood flow, try propping your feet up on a couple of pillows for 15 to 20 minutes many times daily.
- Massage your feet regularly.
The circulation can be increased and foot discomfort alleviated with a good foot massage. If you want to increase blood flow, relieve stress, and feel more relaxed, try massaging your feet with a tennis ball or foot roller.
- Keep Your Weight Down
Foot discomfort and other health problems can be caused by carrying extra weight around. Keeping your weight in check helps ease this strain, boost your circulation, and ultimately lessen your chances of developing foot problems.
- Put on some Compression Socks
Compression socks have been shown to decrease foot swelling and increase circulation. These socks are designed to increase blood flow and decrease the likelihood of blood clots by applying pressure to the legs and feet. If you spend a lot of time in either a seated or standing position, they may come in especially handy.