When a person has peripheral artery disease or another circulatory condition, it can be difficult for blood to reach the hands, feet, or toes. If this occurs, you may experience symptoms such as leg pain when walking or tingling in your feet or toes. Unfortunately, poor circulation can also be a sign of a serious health condition, such as fatty deposits in the arteries that affect blood flow.
To treat peripheral artery disease, some people can begin a healthy diet or refrain from smoking. However, these are not the only treatment options. While some can find relief through a healthy diet or regular exercise, others require more extensive treatment.
What Does Poor Circulation Mean?
Peripheral artery disease is a serious condition caused by the buildup of plaque in blood vessels, which can lead to poor circulation throughout the body, particularly in the hands and feet. When a person suffers from poor circulation, the feet and hands may experience tingling, burning, persistent numbness, pain, or a sensation described as “pins and needles.” Additionally, those with poor circulation may feel abnormally cold in the feet and toes.
Another reason for poor circulation in the feet is peripheral neuropathy. Those diagnosed with peripheral neuropathy have nerve damage affecting their legs and feet. This type of neuropathy can be caused by high blood glucose, high levels of fats, or diabetes. The feet may have a different temperature from the rest of the body. Additionally, symptoms can become worse at night.
Risk Factors for Peripheral Artery Disease
According to the National Library of Medicine, there are numerous risk factors for peripheral artery disease. This serious disease is caused by a buildup of plaque in a person’s blood vessels, leading to numbness, tingling, or changes in appearance, including bluish or dark skin, poor toenail growth, weak pulse in the legs or feet, and wounds on the feet that heal slowly or not at all.
The following factors may increase the chances of developing the disease:
- Clinically obese with a body mass index over 30
- High cholesterol
- Over 50 years of age
- Smoking
- History of heart disease or stroke
- Excess levels of homocysteine
- Diabetes
- High blood pressure
If left untreated, peripheral artery disease may result in a heart attack, stroke, or other serious cardiovascular event. Any of the above factors can contribute to the seriousness of peripheral artery disease.
Treatment Options for Poor Circulation
Individuals with poor circulation to their hands or feet may benefit from the various treatment options available. Treatment for peripheral artery disease can help reduce the risk of stroke or heart attack. In addition, treatments can lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure.
Treatment options consist of lifestyle changes and prescription medications. Lifestyle changes to implement consist of:
- Refraining from smoking
- Exercising regularly
- Choosing healthy food options
- Managing stress
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Wearing compression socks
Some of the medications prescribed to you may address health concerns such as high blood pressure, blood sugar, and blood clots. Efforts to lower high cholesterol and high blood pressure should be incorporated into lifestyle changes.
Find Treatment Today
At Beverly Hills Heart and Vascular Center, our doctors can help those suffering from circulatory problems such as peripheral artery disease. At our location, Dr. Hooman Madyoon offers a wide variety of interventions for coronary, arterial, and venous disorders. Dr. Madyoon remains up to date with the latest and greatest technology to continue keeping patients healthy.
Consider speaking with our cardiologist today. Contact us to schedule a consultation. During your consultation, you can share your health concerns with the doctor. From there, our professionals will provide you with a range of treatment options based on your condition. Contact us today to learn more.