At TheHealthBoard, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
What are the Best Tips for Improving Circulation in the Legs?
There are a number of tips and methods a person can use for improving circulation in the legs. Wearing compression socks or hosiery can be effective, and these types of garments can be found at many different stores. Exercise is one of the best and easiest ways to improve leg circulation, and this can also address other health factors that may contribute to the problem. Individuals should also be aware of other health conditions that may be connected to poor circulation and may want to consult a healthcare professional for assistance.
Many people suffer from conditions or have lifestyles that produce poor leg circulation. This can often be the result of sitting or lying in one place for an extended period of time, especially for people who work in an office and sit at a desk all day. A lack of exercise can also cause circulation problems.
One of the easiest methods of improving circulation is to wear compression socks or hosiery. These garments are similar to standard socks, but are designed to apply pressure at different levels to the legs when worn. The greatest amount of pressure is typically at the ankle, with decreased pressure moving up the leg. These socks assist in improving circulation in the legs by helping the veins in the legs move blood back toward the heart more easily.
Regular exercise, especially exercise that involves the legs, is also a great way to improve circulation. The veins in a person’s legs move blood up from the leg and foot back toward the heart through contractions of the smooth muscles along them. Exercise, including simply walking for several minutes, helps the blood return to the heart and promotes increased oxygenation to the legs. This helps alleviate poor circulation and can also help in losing weight.
A person can also increase leg circulation by spending several minutes each day with his or her legs raised above the heart. This makes it easier for blood to flow to and from the legs, and an individual might consider sleeping with his or her legs raised on a pillow or wedge. Poor circulation can also be symptomatic of a number of serious medical conditions, including diabetes, high blood pressure, and certain heart disorders. Anyone experiencing this type of poor circulation should consult a medical professional for further recommendations and to check for more serious health concerns.
AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![Red light therapy may help with poor circulation.]()
Red light therapy may help with poor circulation. -
![Compression socks may help improve circulation.]()
By: nitoCompression socks may help improve circulation. -
![Random leg bruises may be a sign of poor circulation in the legs.]()
By: PeJoRandom leg bruises may be a sign of poor circulation in the legs. -
![Leg weakness may be a symptom of poor circulation.]()
By: blancheLeg weakness may be a symptom of poor circulation. -
![Regular exercise is a great way to improve circulation.]()
By: DirimaRegular exercise is a great way to improve circulation. -
![Dancing is a great way to improve circulation in the legs.]()
By: pixarnoDancing is a great way to improve circulation in the legs.
Discussion Comments
@Fa5t3r - My mother gets pains in her legs sometimes and I've noticed that she gets bruises there occasionally as well and won't remember when it happened. I guess she probably needs to improve the circulation in her legs. I didn't realize that there were so many potential problems that can effect people with poor circulation.
Although I hate to say it but she will probably be most motivated by the fear that she'll develop visible broken veins rather than that she might possibly throw a blood clot. Vanity can actually be a good thing when it helps people to improve their health.
@Ana1234 - Bad circulation can cause other kinds of health problems so it's probably a good thing that you can recognize and change your habits when it happens.
I try not to let my circulation ever get too bad, especially in my legs, because I'm on medication that can make it easier for women to develop blood clots and those can be very dangerous.
I've noticed that the first sign of poor circulation for me is when I have trouble warming my feet up at night. I'm not sure if it's that they are always cold and I only notice it after I've gone to bed, or if lying down somehow decreases circulation even more, but if I'm not regularly exercising and improving my circulation, my feet will be like ice for an hour after I get under the covers.
If I really let my fitness go for a while, then my hands start getting colder as well. I guess it's a good way for me to know when I need to improve my exercise routine, but it's quite annoying when it happens.
Post your comments