How to Treat Poor Circulation

Poor circulation, or peripheral vascular disease is a condition that shouldn’t be taken lightly. It can be a precursor to heart attack, stroke and even amputation. Some symptoms of poor circulation are pain and swelling, tiredness, numbness, cold hands and feet and cramping or tingling. Infections can spread quicker in areas with poor circulation so it is important that you see your physician about the problem.

Instructions

• 1

  Manage stress to help with circulation problems. Stress management is an important step because excessive anger can be a factor in poor circulation as it causes blood vessel restriction, which in turn leads to high blood pressure. Eating a healthy diet and exercising will help improve poor circulation. You should check with your physician before beginning an exercise program to find out how much exercise you should start with. Stopping smoking is another behavior modification that you can employ to help manage poor circulation.

• 2

  Watch your blood sugar if you are a diabetic. Diabetics will also benefit from blood pressure and cholesterol medications that help with hardening of the arteries and circulation problems.

• 3

  If your poor circulation problems are severe you may be given medication to help with blood clotting or even need to have a medical procedure called angioplasty to widen the peripheral arteries. Another procedure that is often called for in the treatment of poor circulation is the removal of a vein from one part of the body to replace or bypass the blocked vein to allow proper blood flow.

• 4

  Consult a homeopath regarding herbs that help with circulation. Some physicians will give you names of homeopaths in your area.

• 5

  Wear shoes that aren’t too tight, lower your salt intake--which will help with blood pressure problems--and eat a cholesterol lowering diet. Combining the self help, medication and behavior modification techniques mentioned, along with regular doctor visits, will go a long way in treating poor circulation issues.