Signs and Symptoms of Poor Circulation in Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet is a condition that causes feet to feel cold, become discolored and numb. Poor blood circulation to the feet should not be overlooked as it might be a symptom of an underlying condition. The blood is the medium through which nutrients reach cells, and when blood vessels in a specific area close or narrow, a person may experience reduced circulation. This article extensively covers the symptoms of poor circulation in the feet to help you avoid severe complications.
Numbness
This happens to be the most common symptom associated with poor circulation in the feet. Generally, feet feel numb, accompanied by a tingling feeling that can sometimes be experienced in the hands. Numbness and tingling extremities come about due to the blocked flow of blood in specific parts of the body and, in this case, the feet. When blood fails to reach the extremities in enough quantities, a person may experience a sensation of pins and needles.
Joint Pain
Poor blood circulation in the feet can lead to severe pain in the legs and feet. When the feet are exposed to cold, they may ache or throb, especially when the environment feels warm as the blood starts flowing back in. Poor circulation in the legs may also cause feet to ache and is often experienced when standing for long periods. Additionally, when blood fails to flow effectively to the feet, tissues in the feet become deficient in oxygen and nutrients, causing stiffness and cramping.
Cold Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet causes feet to be much colder than the other parts of the body. When blood is not flowing to the feet properly, it leads to temperature changes in the skin and, more specifically, on the nerve endings of the feet
Varicose Veins
Poor circulation to the feet causes the existing varicose veins to become visible always. When varicose veins are near the skin surface, they make it hard for blood to return to the heart, leading to detrimental symptoms. Failure of blood returning to the heart can lead to aches in the legs and severe itchiness and make veins appear knotted. Varicose veins are commonly experienced by people who spend most of their time standing.
Skin Color Changes
When there is insufficient blood flow to the extremities parts such as feet, the skin may appear pale blue due to the accumulation of deoxygenated blood. If the parts have blood leakages from capillaries, the parts may appear purple. Feet is one of the common body parts which can reveal this symptom.
Swelling
Poor blood circulation in the feet can make fluids to accumulate in certain parts of the body which can lead to the body developing a condition known as edema. Edema is dominant mostly in feet and can also be a sign of heart failure. Swelling in the feet can also be a result of blood collecting in these extremities. As a result, pressure builds making fluid from the blood vessel find its way into the surrounding tissues.