Bhanu Garg in Health

What doctor to see for poor leg circulation?

The blood circulation system is the system of the body that helps to send blood, oxygen, minerals, nutrients, and richness of food throughout your body. When the blood flow is reduced in some specific part of the body, it can induce the symptoms of blood circulation or poor circulation. Poor circulation is most common in limbs like legs and arms. Poor blood circulation symptoms can create underlying medical issues in any person.

However, it is most common with particular diseases like obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues. This is the reason, you may likely look for a cardiologist, vascular specialist, weight management specialist, and general physician. However, blood veins, blood circulation, and poor circulation of blood flow are the work of a vascular specialist. If you or anyone you know is going through adverse changes in blood circulation, you can consult the specialists of Kauvery Hospital, Cantonment.

Symptoms of poor circulation

The most common symptoms of poor circulation include:

tingling
numbness
throbbing or stinging pain in your limbs
pain
muscle cramps

Any of the above-mentioned conditions can lead to poor circulation and cause unique symptoms.

Causes of poor circulation

There can be several reasons for poor blood circulation. It may include:

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

It is one of the unique medical conditions that lead to poor circulation in the legs. PAD is the cause of the narrowing of blood vessels and arteries. It causes stiffness due to plaque buildup in the arteries and blood vessels. Both of these conditions can lead to extreme pain in the limbs.

If the medical condition persists for long period, it can cause:

numbness
tingling
nerve damage
tissue damage

If left untreated, poor blood circulation can lead to damage or stroke to the heart. It can also lead to a decreased inflow of blood to the brain. If the plaque builds up in the arteries and veins of the heart, it can increase the risk of a heart attack. PAD can affect adults over the age of 50. But, it can also impact young people. If you are a cigarette smoker, it can increase the chances of developing PAD.

Blood clots

A blood clot is one of the poor blood circulation symptoms that can partially or entirely affect your body parts. It can develop anywhere in your body and can lead to damage. Blood clots can develop because of various reasons. If the blood clot breaks away, it can pass to other parts of the body including the lungs and heart. This can lead to stroke. It is one of the major health problems that need to be treated timely.

Diabetes

The symptoms of poor blood circulation arise because of the narrow vessels, fat storage in the blood vessels, and poor health conditions causing the weakening of blood vessels. Diabetes is one of the primary reasons for poor blood circulation. This can lead to cramping in your legs, buttocks, thighs, and calves. This cramping is usually bad especially when you are working an active lifestyle. Diabetes is the major cause of symptoms like heart disease or damaged blood vessels. People with diabetes are at great risk of high blood pressure, heart diseases, and atherosclerosis.

Obesity

Obesity can burden your body. If you are overweight, sitting or standing while being in a particular position can be burdensome for you. Ultimately, it can lead to poor blood circulation and related symptoms. Being overweight or obese can increase the risk of other health issues like heart disease, poor circulation in the legs, problems related to blood vessels, etc.

Raynaud’s disease

It is the particular type of disease that causes the sensation of cold hands and cold feet. The primary cause behind this particular disease is the narrowing of the blood vessels of the arteries carrying blood to the toes and fingers. Narrowed arteries cause a decreased inflow of blood, thus causing poor blood circulation symptoms. The symptoms of Raynaud’s disease commonly occur when you are living in cold regions, cold weather, cold temperatures, or cold areas. This can stress your body parts and can increase the sensation of coldness in your vessels. Some people develop the cold sensation in their body parts like the nose, lips, ears, and nipples. Women are more likely to develop Raynaud’s disease than men.

Varicose veins

Varicose veins are the type of disease that causes the failure of valves and the enlargement of the veins. The veins appear gnarled and engorged, which mostly appear on the back of the legs, foot, hands, and the back area of the fingers. This causes damage to the veins. Because of this reason, this causes poor circulation of blood. In some rare cases, varicose can cause blood clots. Moreover, it is dependent on the genes and the genetic issues whether or not you develop the medical conditions or symptoms of varicose veins. If anyone in your family has this particular disease, you can be greatly at risk of developing varicose veins. Women are likely to develop varicose veins especially when they are overweight or obese.

Best Food to increase blood circulation and blood flow

Poor circulation is one of the common problems that go away with the weather change. The common reason behind poor circulation can be diabetes, obesity, smoking, and Raynaud’s disease. A reduction in blood flow can adversely affect your health. It can lead to pain, muscle cramps, numbness, digestive issues, and coldness in your hands and legs. While combating poor circulation, athletes and active individuals often take the support of exercise and an active lifestyle. Although it is the circulatory system that is to be blamed, you can still increase the flow of blood with the help of certain medications, eating styles, eating a certain food, and having a routine of exercises.

Cayenne Pepper
Pomegranate
Onions
Cinnamon
Garlic
Fatty Fish
Beets
Turmeric
Leafy Green Vegetables
Citrus Fruits
Walnuts
Ginger
Berries
Tomatoes

Home Remedies for treating poor circulation

In general, treating poor circulation depends on the type of condition causing it. There are various methods that you can adopt. It may include:

Use compression socks that can help you with pain management, and swollen legs
special exercise as being stated by the doctor
insulin for diabetes
surgery for varicose veins

Which doctor to consult for poor blood circulation symptoms?

It is the vascular specialist who can help you with poor blood circulation. You can also consult the primary physician for the same, who may later refer you to a vascular specialist. For example, you may be likely to look for a general physician in case you have pain or swelling. But, he/she may refer you to any kind of specialist because of the diagnosis of deep vein thrombosis.

If you fall into high-risk categories, or if you are a continuous cigarette smoker, diabetic, or have high blood pressure, you may likely develop a relationship with your vascular specialist. Your doctor may likely check your medical history with any kind of disease management in your family.

Conclusion

Poor blood circulation is a medical condition that can hit you at any age and with any adverse medical condition. If you are uncomfortable with the symptoms, you may take the notice of these symptoms as the signal to look for a doctor. Untreated medical conditions can lead to poor circulation in blood. It is you who may notice the body changes. When caught early, the symptoms of poor blood circulation are treatable. If left untreated, it can lead to progressive stages of the disease. So, it is better to work with your doctor, plan the conditions, develop schedules and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Also Read: Which Doctor to Consult for Mouth Ulcer

Also Check : Which doctor to consult for Hair Fall

Also Check: Which Doctor to consult for Back Pain

Also Check : Which Doctor to Consult for Headache

Also Check : Which Doctor to consult for Foreskin Problem

Also Check : Which Doctor to Consult for Burning Feet

Also Check : Which Doctor to Consult for Hernia

Also Check : Which doctor to consult for Urinary problems

Also Check: Which doctor to consult for Breast Pain

Also Check : Which doctor to consult for Breathing Problems

Also Check : Which Doctor to consult for Breast Discharge

Also Check : What Foods to Eat to Cure Fatty Liver