How to Test for Poor Blood Circulation in the Feet

Poor blood circulation is a common problem for many people, especially as the body ages. It is very important to seek treatment for poor blood circulation in the feet or any other part of the body. Without treatment, poor blood circulation can cause all sorts of very serious problems such as varicose veins, amputation and even stroke. Here are a few quick ways to test for poor blood circulation in the feet.

Instructions

• 1

  Check feet and legs for numbness, tenderness and cramping, especially after extended physical activity or long periods of standing up. Poor circulation can also cause feet to become swollen and discolored.

• 2

  Check for symptoms of cyanosis, which is a term used for when a body part turns blue. Blue skin anywhere on the body usually means the body part is not receiving enough oxygen due to poor circulation.

• 3

  Check feet for paleness. White patches of skin and white toenails are both a sign of poor foot circulation.

• 4

  Check the speed at which wounds heal on the feet. Feet and legs with poor blood circulation take much longer to heal wounds, and sometimes wounds remain unhealed even after a long period of time.

• 5

  Visit your doctor and ask him to consider ordering a doppler ultrasound or an angiography. Both of these tests are used to determine whether or not a person has poor blood circulation. Your doctor can also measure and compare blood pressure readings taken from the arms and legs to help determine poor circulation issues.