Do You Have These Five Symptoms of Poor Circulation?

Millions of Americans have symptoms of poor circulation, and many don’t realize there’s a problem. Poor circulation most commonly occurs in your extremities when you have inadequate blood flow, and vein disease is often the culprit. If you notice your limbs feel heavy, tingly, or restless, you may have poor circulation. 

Cardiovascular specialist Majed Chane, MD, has vast experience handling routine and complex cases of vein disease. Patients who visit CA Heart and Vein Specialists receive comprehensive evaluation to discover and treat conditions that affect the heart and circulatory system.

Early intervention is key to avoiding complications that can become severely debilitating. Here, we discuss five symptoms of poor circulation to look out for and when to seek professional evaluation.

Changes in sensation

Tingling and numbness in your limbs is a common warning sign of poor circulation. If you notice a numb or tingling feeling in your hands, legs, or feet, it should alert you to a potential problem.

When blood flow is restricted and cannot reach your extremities, you may feel a sensation of pins and needles. These sensations may come and go, and you may notice them more at certain times of the day than others, but you should never ignore this warning sign of poor circulation.

Slow-healing sores

See a specialist right away if you notice sores on your legs or feet that seem to take longer than usual to heal. Slow-healing sores, or ulcers, are dangerous when left untreated and unmanaged. There’s an elevated risk of complications, including infection.

Reduced blood flow can make it difficult for wounds to heal. A small cut or blister can easily become a troublesome and risky wound. Slow-healing sores are common in people with peripheral artery disease (PAD), a circulatory condition that causes narrowing blood vessels, thereby reducing blood flow. Diabetes raises your risk for PAD.

Poor circulation is the result of underlying health issues. Dr. Chane works with patients to uncover and treat the underlying cause.

Cold hands and feet

Circulation problems commonly cause cold hands and feet. When your limbs don’t receive adequate blood flow, you may notice that your hands and feet feel cold. Don’t brush off this warning sign if it happens regularly, as it could indicate a problem with your circulation.

Certain groups have a higher risk of developing circulatory issues, including smokers and people with high blood pressure, high cholesterol, a history of blood clots, or diabetes.

Leg cramps

Nearly everyone experiences leg cramps at some point during their lives, but they’re also a common sign of vein disease. Leg cramps associated with vein disease often occur at night or during physical activity such as walking. They can be painful and tend to feel better when you rest or elevate your legs.

Your legs may also feel heavy or appear swollen. If you notice leg pain, swelling, fatigue or cramps, these are warning signs you should discuss with your doctor.

Varicose veins 

Varicose veins are not only unsightly. These twisted, bulging veins indicate that you have a problem with your circulation.

Veins have one-way valves that keep blood flowing in the right direction toward your heart. When these valves become weak or damaged, blood flows backward and pools in the veins of the legs, causing extra pressure on the vein walls. The result is swollen, distorted veins that are visible at the surface of your skin.

Fortunately, you have options to treat your varicose veins and underlying venous disease to prevent future complications and restore the appearance of your legs. 

If you think you’re experiencing poor circulation, schedule an appointment with Dr. Chane at CA Heart and Vein Specialists, or request a booking online. Your heart and circulatory health is our top priority.