Poor Circulation

The blood circulation system of the body has two main pathways. The arterial blood vessels which take the oxygenated blood from the heart to the body and its tissues and the venous blood vessels which transport the deoxygenated blood from the peripheral tissues back to the heart. Good circulation is essential to good health and functioning of the body. When circulation begins to be reduced in the foot and lower limb it can cause difficulties such as poor healing, cold feet, cramping in the calf muscle (intermittent claudication), varicose veins, varicose eczema and oedema.

• Smoking
• Peripheral vascular disease
• High blood pressure and cholesterol
• Insufficient exercise
• Extended periods of sitting in a cramped immobile position
• Diabetes
• Some forms of neuropathy and nerve damage

Addressing the following risk factors is the most important treatment for poor circulation:

• Avoid smoking
• Exercise on a frequent basis
• Avoid staying immobile for long periods of time
• Look after your general health. Try to keep a healthy balanced diet
• Wear well-fitting footwear. To keep your circulation at its best, choose footwear that doesn't restrict or pinch your feet - you should be able to wriggle your toes inside your shoe
• Choose socks that help improve circulation and are unrestrictive.
• Keep your feet and extremities warm.