How to Improve Circulation and Color in Feet

Poor circulation affecting the feet can be caused by many ailments, including Raynaud’s disease, a condition in which narrow blood vessels prevent normal blood supply from reaching the fingers and toes; diabetes; high blood pressure; and high cholesterol. This can affect sensation and color in the feet. While treating the underlying cause of circulation issues is important, there are also methods of treating circulation issues directly.

Identification

• Symptoms of poor circulation in the feet include numbness or tingling, difficulty keeping the area warm and discoloration such as pale skin or a bluish or reddish hue, according to the ePodiatry website.

Significance

• Poor circulation can prevent wounds from healing properly, according to ePodiatry. Skin can become weak and cuts, sores and infections can occur more easily and take much longer than normal to heal.

Shoes

• Well-fitted footwear prevents extra pressure on the feet and ankles, according to ePodiatry. This can decrease pain, discoloration and coldness associated with poor circulation.

Smoking

• Smoking constricts blood vessels and damages arteries, according to the Mayo Clinic. Quitting smoking can improve circulation.

Diet

• Diet is important in managing diabetes, blood pressure and cholesterol, factors that affect circulation. Diets high in vitamins A, B-6, C and E and nutrients such as folate, fiber and omega-3 fatty acids lower the risk of peripheral artery disease, the primary cause of poor circulation, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Exercise

• Exercise increases circulation, according to Mayo Clinic. It also helps reduce other risks associated with many of the diseases that cause poor circulation (for example, exercise may lower blood pressure) and conditions muscles to better use oxygen, which can decrease pain associated with poor circulation.