How to Prevent Poor Circulation in Your Feet

Poor circulation in the feet is known as peripheral vascular disease, which is a term to identify a group of underlying problems that result in poor circulation near the feet and legs. Diabetes is the most common cause of poor circulation and other type of medical condition that can cause artery blockage or blood to clot. Lack of physical activity, high blood pressure and cholesterol and smoking can also cause poor circulation in the feet. It's important to remain healthy and keep your feet moving as much as you can throughout each day.

Things You'll Need

• Aspirin
• Vitamin E

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Instructions

• 1

  Walk on a regular basis. If you have a job that requires you to sit while you work, spend your breaks by walking as much as possible. Also continue to move your feet while you are sitting down.

• 2

  Exercise your feet by circulating them whenever you're sitting still or laying down. Move your foot in a circular motion so you can feel small strain on your ankles. Perform an exercise of spelling out each letter in the alphabet with your foot to keep it circulated.

• 3

  Control your blood glucose levels. This is especially important if the poor circulation in your feet is due to diabetes. Test your blood at home or at your doctor's office to determine what type of diet you should maintain.

• 4

  Exercise each day and make sure to avoid smoking. Not enough exercise and nicotine can cause poor circulation in the feet and legs. Make sure to not go to restaurants and bars that are heavily smoky.

• 5

  Take over-the-counter medication to help prevent blood clotting. Blood clotting can be prevented from anti-platelet agents and anticoagulants, such as aspirin. Also, take at least 8 mg of vitamin E daily.

• 6

  Consult your doctor if the poor circulation continues and you have extreme pain in your feet. You could be referred to a surgeon for extreme cases. Surgeries include angioplasty, which involves enlarging any narrowed arteries in your feet (See References).