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What are the Symptoms of Poor Circulation?

Bryan Cowing
Bryan Cowing

The symptoms of poor circulation can be alarming, but they are one way the body alerts you to a problem. Poor circulation is most often caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is when the arteries become narrow and restrict the amount of blood flow to the arms, legs and extremities. Smoking, lack of exercise, and diabetes can increase the risk for PAD and poor circulation. Recognizing the symptoms of poor circulation allows early treatment and increases the chances of treating it easily.

Numbness and weakness in the legs are among the most common signs of poor circulation. It is more severe and more noticeable when standing for long periods of time or when standing in one position for a long period of time. Numbness might feel like pins and needles to some people, or it could be a lack of feeling in the skin and muscles.

Red light therapy may help with poor circulation.
Red light therapy may help with poor circulation.

Another important symptom of poor circulation is coldness in the extremities. The extremities include one's toes, fingers, and ears. The coldness is caused by the fact that warm blood is unable to flow to those areas. The numbness may mean the person who is experiencing cold extremities might not notice this particular symptom. A doctor or family member may be more likely to notice coldness in the extremities when coming in contact with them.

Random leg bruises may be a sign of poor circulation in the legs.
Random leg bruises may be a sign of poor circulation in the legs.

For men, erectile dysfunction can also be one an indicator of poor circulation. Blood flow into the penis causes erectile tissues to expand. If blood cannot reach this area or reaches it too slowly, the tissue cannot expand and the penis may not become erect. Women with poor circulation may experience a similar lack of blood flow to the genitals.

Poor circulation can also cause painful cramps. Normally, the cramps caused by poor circulation occur in the lower half of the body, such as the hip, thigh, or calf muscle. This symptom is more likely to occur when walking or climbing stairs. This is because poor circulation decreases the amount of blood flowing to the muscles. If the muscles do not receive enough oxygen from fresh blood, it can cause cramping and pain.

Leg weakness may be a symptom of poor circulation.
Leg weakness may be a symptom of poor circulation.

The last notable symptom of poor circulation is sores on the legs that take a long time to heal. Blood flow helps heal sores and wounds. Without the proper blood flow to these areas, even small lacerations cannot heal appropriately. A person with poor circulation is also more likely to notice spontaneous bruises and sores. Poor circulation makes the skin and tissue more fragile and more susceptible to damage from even small bumps or scrapes.

Discussion Comments

SeanH

Poor blood circulation can even lead to erection problems. But keep in mind that Vitamin C is excellent for the veins and blood vessels, so getting a daily dose of it to the penis is a good idea. Check out a penis health creme called Man1 Man Oil... it contains C and other important vitamins and nutrients. It's great for the overall health of the penis. Cheers fellas.

bear78

Poor blood circulation can be sneaky. We didn't even know that grandma has a circulation problem until her doctor found sores under her feet during a routine check-up.

stoneMason

@turkay1-- I'm not a doctor but I suffer from chronic poor circulation due to neuropathy. I get some minor swelling when I'm on my feet all day, but I don't think that this is a major sign of poor circulation. If you don't experience this frequently, it's probably just temporary edema from sitting down for too long.

If your feet start feeling cold, if you get cramping or if your skin color looks different, then I would be worried about poor circulation.

candyquilt

Is ankle and feet swelling a sign of poor circulation in the legs or feet?

I had to take a ten hour international flight last week. When I arrived at the hotel at my destination and saw my ankles and feet, I wash shocked. My ankles were so swollen, they had become three times their regular size.

I did a foot soak and went to bed. The swelling was gone by morning but I can't stop thinking about it. Does this point to a circulation problem? And if so, what should I do?

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    • Red light therapy may help with poor circulation.
      Red light therapy may help with poor circulation.
    • Random leg bruises may be a sign of poor circulation in the legs.
      By: PeJo
      Random leg bruises may be a sign of poor circulation in the legs.
    • Leg weakness may be a symptom of poor circulation.
      By: blanche
      Leg weakness may be a symptom of poor circulation.
    • Poor circulation can cause cramps, usually in the legs.
      By: Maridav
      Poor circulation can cause cramps, usually in the legs.
    • Numbness is a common sign of poor circulation.
      By: Dirima
      Numbness is a common sign of poor circulation.
    • A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation.
      By: koszivu
      A weak pulse is a sign of poor circulation.
    • PAD causes the arteries to narrow and restrict the amount of blood flow to the arms, legs, and extremities.
      By: 3drenderings
      PAD causes the arteries to narrow and restrict the amount of blood flow to the arms, legs, and extremities.
    • Tingling in the feet may be a sign of poor circulation.
      By: Mercedes Fittipaldi
      Tingling in the feet may be a sign of poor circulation.