Symptoms and Causes of Poor Circulation in Limbs

Symptoms and Causes of Poor Circulation in Limbs

Die artikel is ook beskikbaar in Afrikaans

If you experience tingling pain or numbness in your arms and legs, it might be because of problems with your circulatory system

Firstly, we need to know what the circulatory system is. The circulatory system is also known as the cardiovascular system and is made up of your heart and blood vessels. It works to transport oxygen and nutrients to all organs and tissues in the body. It is also responsible for the removal of carbon dioxide and waste products from the body.

 

The circulatory system is made up of the following parts:

  • Heart

The heart is a muscular organ that pumps oxygen rich blood throughout the body via the blood vessels.

  • Arteries

The arteries are thick-walled blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood from the heart.

  • Veins

Veins are blood vessels that transport deoxygenated blood back to the heart.

  • Capillaries

The capillaries are small blood vessels that aid in the exchange of oxygen, nutrients, and waste between the circulatory system and the body’s organs and tissues.

 

Symptoms of poor circulation

Some of the most common symptoms of poor circulation are:

  • Tingling sensations in your limbs.
  • Numbness in your limbs.
  • Throbbing or stinging pain in the limbs.
  • Muscle cramps.

 

Causes of poor circulation

There are several causes of poor circulation in the body, here are some of the most important causes:

  • Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD is a type of peripheral vascular disease which causes a narrowing of the arteries. PAD can lead to poor circulation in your limbs, most commonly the legs. Atherosclerosis is an associated condition where stiffening of the arteries occurs due to a plaque (fat and cholesterol) buildup in the arteries and blood vessels. Both conditions cause decreased blood flow to the limbs and can result in pain in the affected limb or limbs. The reduced blood flow to limbs may cause:

      1. Numbness and tingling
      2. Weakness
      3. Pain
      4. Swelling
      5. Tissue damage
  • Blood clots

Blood clots are responsible for blocking the flow of blood either partially or entirely. They may develop anywhere in the body, but clots that develop in the limbs can lead to circulatory problems. Blood clots can develop due to a variety of reasons and can be extremely dangerous. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) occurs when a clot develops in the veins deep within the body, often in a leg. If you suffer from DVT and a clot in your leg breaks away, it may pass through other parts of the body like the heart and lungs which may result in a stroke, heart attack, or a pulmonary embolism. Some of the symptoms of DVT are:

      1. Pain
      2. Swelling
      3. Heat in the affected area
  • Varicose veins

Varicose veins are enlarged veins, usually found in the legs. The veins often appear gnarled, twisted, and engorged. They occur when the veins bulge with blood because of problems with the valves in the vein, or due to extra pressure on the veins in the lower limbs, or because of damage to the blood vessels. An excess of sitting or standing may worsen the problem. Varicose veins are generally not serious, but the following symptoms may occur:

      1. Pain
      2. Leg heaviness
      3. Aching or throbbing in the affected limb
      4. Swelling
      5. Skin dryness
      6. Tightness of the skin
      7. Itching
      8. Irritation
      9. Muscle cramps
  • Diabetes

Persistently high blood glucose levels may cause damage to the nerves and blood vessels, which in turn affect circulation throughout the body. Warning signs include:

      1. Cold or numb feet or hands
      2. Cracked or dry skin or feet
      3. Brittle nails
      4. Loss of body hair on your arms or legs
      5. Blue nailbeds or a pale blue skin color
      6. Slow healing of wounds, as the blood is unable to deliver nutrients to the area
      7. Pain or cramping

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is extremely important to see your medical practitioner. People suffering from advanced cases of diabetes may have trouble detecting any of these signs of poor circulation. This is due to diabetic neuropathy which can cause reduced sensation in the limbs.

Here are 5 warning signs of diabetes…

  • Obesity

Obesity may lead to a higher risk of circulatory problems and may increase your risk of:

      1. Varicose veins due to the pressure on the abdomen and lower body
      2. Fatty deposits in your blood vessels, which may lead to atherosclerosis
      3. Metabolic syndrome: Heart and kidney disease
      4. Diabetes, which may lead to nerve and vein damage

Learn more about obesity…

  • Raynaud’s disease

You may suffer from Raynaud’s disease if you suffer from cold hands and feet. Raynaud’s disease causes the small arteries in the hands and toes to narrow temporarily. Narrowed arteries are less capable of moving blood throughout the body. The symptoms generally occur during periods of cold temperature, or during periods of elevated stress.

 

Management and treatment

Treatment of your circulatory problems will depend on the cause, some options include:

  • Compression socks for sore and painful legs
  • Increased physical activity to aid in improving circulation
  • Insulin treatment or lifestyle changes to aid in the management of diabetes
  • Laser or endoscopic vein surgery in the case of varicose veins
  • Medications such as clot dissolving drugs or blood thinners, depending on your condition
  • Alpha-blockers and calcium channel blockers for Raynaud’s disease
  • Consuming a heart healthy diet that provides sufficient fiber and other nutrients
  • Weight management
  • Quitting bad habits such as smoking

The following supplements may be considered to improve circulation:

  1. Vitamin E
  2. Antioxidants
  3. Folic acid
  4. Niacin
  5. Beta-carotene

 

Takeaway

There are many reasons why you might experience problems with blood flow in your limbs. If you experience the common symptoms like tingling, pain and numbness in your limbs speak to your doctor. There are different ways to treat circulatory problems depending on the cause. Together with your healthcare provider you can detect the cause of your blood flow problem and get proper treatment.

 

How Manna Blood Circulation Support work?

The ingredients in Manna Blood Circulation Support helps release nitric oxide to increases micro-capillary blood flow. May also decrease unwanted blood lipid levels and dissolve lipid deposits in arteries. The different ingredients work in a holistic manner to assist in positive blood flow.

 

Benefits of Manna Blood Circulation Support

  • Support cardiovascular health by boosting nitric oxide production and helping blood flow more easily throughout the body
  • Support healthy blood pressure and boost the immune system
  • Detoxify the liver and eliminate ammonia from the body
  • Improve sexual stamina and enhance recovery from an intense workout

 

Manna Blood Circulation Support is available at these outlets and online stores:

More articles

Leave a Reply