Information About Poor Circulation in Legs

Although poor circulation in the legs may not seem like a serious health condition, it actually causes extremely painful symptoms. If you have poor circulation in your legs, it is important to clearly understand the condition, including its causes, risk factors and treatment.

Causes

• Poor circulation in the legs is commonly caused by peripheral vascular disease. The most common cause for this condition is atherosclerosis, which is when the arteries become hard and thick, reducing the amount of blood that flows through the vessel.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of poor circulation in the legs include cramps in the calf muscles, swelling in the feet and legs, numbness and tingling in the feet or toes. The skin of the feet and legs may also be affected. Poor circulation commonly causes the skin temperature to drop and the skin color to become pale, blue or red. An increase in skin breakdown, infections and sores also occurs due to poor circulation.

Risk Factors

• Certain risk factors significantly increase the risk for developing poor circulation in the legs. The most common cause of poor circulation is diabetes. Other risk factors include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking and a lack of physical exercise.

Treatment

• If you have poor circulation in the legs, it is important to speak with your physician regarding the appropriate treatments for your specific condition. Eliminate as many risk factors from your life as possible, wear elastic stockings, and be constantly conscious of your legs' position to avoid hindering your already-poor circulation.

Complications

• Poor circulation in the legs may become increasingly worse if left untreated. If this happens, more serious medical complications may result. Occasionally, circulation in the legs may become so limited that the legs and feet are no longer able to function properly.