Blood flow in the feet and toes. Circulatory disorders of the lower extremities: symptoms and treatment. Medical Causes of Poor Blood Circulation

Asking ourselves or the doctor the question: “How to improve blood circulation in the legs?”, We rarely think about the reasons for this state of our limbs. We believe that this is the disease itself, which causes a lot of trouble. But is it?

Let's deal with the nature of poor circulation in the legs, the most common symptoms and causes of the phenomenon. Then it will become clear how you can get rid of unpleasant manifestations, how to properly treat them, and whether this is the only thing that needs to be treated.

What is circulatory disorders and symptoms of pathology

Circulatory disorders of the lower extremities is not a single disease, but rather a symptom of another systemic circulatory pathology or other internal organs and systems.

Arteries, veins, capillaries are vessels that permeate the entire human body. They are located in all internal and external organs. Arteries bring oxygen and nutrients to cells by moving away from the heart. Veins transport carbon dioxide and metabolic products in the opposite direction. Capillaries penetrate almost every cell, improving the work of both one and the other vascular system.

This is a simplified picture of our blood circulation, which can undergo changes at any level. As a result, various pathologies develop, which can cause, in particular, problems with blood circulation.

Circulatory disorders in the legs make themselves felt by various symptoms, which in most cases the patient does not pay much attention at first.

Over time, the picture will only get worse:

The initial stages of circulatory problems are characterized by slight swelling of the legs, which occurs by the end of the day and disappears after a night's rest or after raising the legs to a hill for a while. There is also fatigue, "humming" in the limbs. By the end of the day, the foot "falls out" of narrow shoes.
Violation of the blood circulation of the lower extremities with further development makes itself felt by the appearance of vascular patterns on the skin. At first they only appear on the surface, without rising above it. Further, dilated veins, protruding nodes can join. These are also characteristic signs of varicose veins of the lower extremities, which is one of the causes of circulatory disorders in the extremities.
Then there are such unpleasant symptoms as night cramps, which are very intense and frequent. The skin becomes cold to the touch, which indicates a lack of blood flow to the tissues and a violation of trophism. The color of the skin becomes pale, with a bluish or bluish tint (earthy).
In case of circulatory disorders of the lower extremities, no one can ignore the symptoms of the next stage, since they cause severe discomfort and significantly affect the quality of life. This is a strong pain syndrome that occurs not only at the end of the day or during physical exertion (walking and standing, prolonged sitting in an uncomfortable position), but also at rest. These symptoms are progressive.
Further, if the manifestations are ignored and treatment is refused, changes in the tissues are added (in especially severe cases, trophic ulcers and necrosis). Lameness or even a complete loss of motor activity can quickly connect.

Impaired blood circulation in the lower extremities can lead to unpleasant complications (gangrene and subsequent amputation). That is why timely seeking help is very important.

Causes of Poor Circulation

Circulatory disorders in the lower extremities, as we said earlier, are just a symptom that occurs as a result of a pathology that is hidden in the body. And so far, the only sign of its progression is precisely the problem with the legs.

Why does such a state arise?

First of all, let's focus on lifestyle. This health-damaging factor is entirely up to us. We can say that such a cause is easiest to eliminate if done on time. Improper diet, fast food consumption, smoking and uncontrolled excessive alcohol intake have a detrimental effect not only on the circulatory system, but on the whole body as a whole.
Physical inactivity is the scourge of the modern world. It is low mobility that leads to disruption of the entire functioning of the body. In this case, it will not be difficult to restore blood circulation in the legs. Swimming with light jogging, playing light sports, walking in the fresh air and daily morning exercises will help to cope with the problem.
According to statistics, peripheral circulatory disorders in the legs are most observed. This leads to an increased level of "bad" cholesterol (low-density lipoprotein), which in the form of fatty deposits accumulate on the walls of blood vessels, causing narrowing of their lumen.
Diseases of the endocrine system: obesity, diabetes and diabetes insipidus. Systemic diseases of various origins, such as: hypertension with renal and hepatic insufficiency, and others.
Taking certain types of drugs for a long time. This may be the treatment of a chronic illness, which was not carried out very correctly, or the use of hormonal contraceptives, which either did not suit the patient, or were taken uncontrollably.

These are the most common causes of the development of microcirculation disorders in the legs.

Treatment of circulatory disorders in the lower extremities should be directed primarily to the elimination of the underlying disease in combination with the impact on local symptoms.

Medical treatment

Pathological circulation in the extremities is treated in combination with the underlying disease.

After making a diagnosis and finding out the susceptibility of the patient's body to certain medications, the specialist prescribes various medications, which are conditionally divided into the following groups:

angioprotective, improving blood microcirculation in the vessels. In addition, they restore the permeability of the vascular walls and normalize metabolic processes. These are Trental, Curantil, Vasonite and others;
drugs with low molecular weight dextran compounds. They fill the bloodstream by attracting intercellular reserve blood reserves. The most prominent representative of this group of drugs is Reopoliglyukin;
products with prostaglandin E1 - improve the blood count, affect the quality of red blood cells, reduce viscosity (the ability to form blood clots), and contribute to the expansion of blood vessels. Very good for normalizing blood pressure. Vazaprostan is the most recognized and effective drug of this group;
for the treatment of pathologies associated with brain disorders, calcium channel blockers are used. These are Norvax, Kordafen and others;
myotropic antispasmodic drugs that affect the state of blood vessels at all levels (relieve spasms). They are used as good symptomatic agents that can quickly cope with pain. Among these drugs, the most popular are Eufilin, Cavinton and some others;
Phytopreparations have many names. They are prescribed taking into account the specifics of the disease, the patient's condition, individual characteristics (the presence of allergic reactions, the tolerance of components and other indicators). Their action is not as fast as that of synthetic counterparts, but it has fewer side effects on the body.

There are some other groups of drugs that should be prescribed only by a doctor with strict indications and under regular supervision. It is these drugs that are used to relieve acute conditions and are used only in a hospital setting.

Folk recipes

You can also improve the circulation of the legs with the help of traditional medicine recipes.

However, it must be remembered that it is necessary to use any means from a natural pharmacy only after consulting a doctor and in combination with prescribed medications.

The most common remedies from a green pharmacy that help in the fight for beautiful and healthy legs will be two tinctures: lilac flowers, as well as horse chestnut fruits and inflorescences:

An infusion of lilac flowers or chestnut blossoms (“candles”) is easy to prepare. You need to take a half-liter glass jar with a tight lid (preferably plastic). We put the flowers in the container, almost under the lid. Pour vodka or alcohol half diluted with water. Leave in a dark place for two weeks. The liquid will turn dark brown, with a pleasant tart odor. This liquid should be rubbed twice a day, starting from the inner surface of the feet and rising up.
From the fruits of horse chestnut, tincture is made in the same way, only the fruits themselves need to be crushed. The rubbing procedure should also be done twice a day. In addition, this liquid can be taken orally 5-10 drops in water, no more than three times a day for a month, then you need to take a break.

Treatment of blood circulation in the lower extremities is strengthening the immune system, an active lifestyle, proper nutrition in combination with other therapeutic measures as prescribed by a doctor. Here is the path to health and longevity.

See someone else's blood is interpreted as information regarding relatives and friends, but events will also affect you. Own blood (own)- the dream will concern directly your person. Blood relative- a dream about a member of your family. Blood animal dream of failure.

Where?

I dreamed that there was blood from a finger- we are talking about children, or young relatives, in order to decipher the dream in more detail - look for an interpretation of the symbols accompanying the dream. There is blood from mouth- disputes and quarrels with loved ones, perhaps some kind of unfair division of property or real estate. Dreaming, flowing blood from the ear (from the ears)- hear the news about relatives. see the blood from the nose goes - to be aware of all related ups and downs, to keep family affairs under control. From the eyes- You are being watched closely. There is blood from the abdomen- family help. From a broken head flows - a rash act will lead to great frustration. From the anus dripping - the actions of relatives will give you some difficulties. Dreaming of blood from the throat- the one on whom you attempted will bring considerable trouble himself. Blood from a vein flows in a dream - a loved one will "set the bandwagon" for you. From the chest- misfortune. From the gum dripping - strong family ties. Blood from the wound flows according to Magini's dream book - expect a blow from your family circle.

Where and on what did you dream?

Blood on the face- your attitude towards family. On hands in the dream book it has an interpretation - business, affairs in which related persons will participate. Legs in the blood - close relatives will interfere in your plans. Blood on the lips- to be interested in a blood relative. On the body- your financial condition or physical well-being will depend on someone close. On the head- frivolity. dreamed navel in the blood according to the dream book - parents and communication with them.

Man in blood (male or female)- your relationship with someone from your family. Child in the blood in a dream - new relatives will appear in reality. Husband in the blood - someone close will interfere in your relationship. Son in blood according to the dream book - your opportunities and undertakings will be associated with blood ties.

On clothes blood portends - success in business directly depends on health. Blood on - symbolizes a relationship with a man - a relative. Wedding Dress in the blood - to new acquaintances through family ties.

Corpse covered in blood (deceased)- wait for relatives to visit.

see blood On the floor- Reliable family. On the wall- you fence yourself off from people who are not strangers to you at all. But in vain. On the ceiling- a relative will take a high post, but if blood drips from the ceiling, then he will most likely lose his post, or his solid position will be shaken.

There's blood on the bed (on the bed, sheets) according to Magini's dream book - one of the relatives wants to interfere in your intimate relationship. If you are guilty of cheating on the other half, you will definitely be “laid down”.

On the snow dreaming of blood - completely unexpected guests. On the ground- the influence of relatives on your worldview and perception of life.

Knife to see in blood in a dream - aggravated conflicts with their own. Syringe with blood - a blood relative needs medical help.

Meat with blood - something bad will happen to relatives. Raw meat with blood according to Magini's dream book - someone close to you will get sick.

Miscarriage with blood - loss, tragedy in the family.

Tooth with blood - the closest relative. A tooth fell out without blood - dreaming of teeth falling out means losses, and the fact that there was no blood calms only the fact that you will lose non-blood relatives.

Dog I dreamed in blood - both friend and relative rolled into one. Cat in the blood (cat)- an enemy lurks among your loved ones. in the blood - one of the relatives will get sick.

Milk with blood in a dream, on the contrary, promises health. Water with blood - life with relatives (pay attention to the purity of the water, this will tell you whether you will coexist well together, or badly).

Vomit with blood (vomiting blood) - ailments and failures among relatives. Urine with blood - relatives will leave you alone.

Other dreams

Coughing up blood (spitting up blood, coughing up), as a rule, has an interpretation in the dream book that family secrets will come out. Bloody tears (cry blood)- a joyful meeting with the family. Pee blood (write)- reject relatives. Spit blood (spit, spit) according to Magini's dream book - to feel a feeling of discontent towards their relatives.

Drink blood - to accept both physically and morally those of your consanguineous blood. Another interpretation of this dream is to use family ties / consumer attitude towards others.

donate blood (donate blood) in a dream - an investment of strength and energy in an event that will not have the expected return. To hand over from a finger for analysis - all this will be connected with children. Donate from a vein - will bring a lot of hassle and unthinkable stress.

Take blood from a finger - to become a cause for the experiences of others.

Take blood from a vein (taken for analysis)- someone intentionally pats your nerves.

Transfusion blood according to Magini's dream book - a source of income or valuable information will appear at your disposal, of course, if it was not you yourself who acted as a donor in a dream, otherwise it will be from your person that life's blessings will be drawn.

bleed (blood loss)- Exhaustion, both physical and mental.

“What does it mean to cut your index finger to blood in a dream?” Waking up to be unfairly accused by a younger relative, possibly your own child.

get dirty blood in a dream with someone else's blood - intermarry with someone. In his - interaction with relatives. Wash off the blood (wipe, wash hands)- get rid of unnecessary family ties and excessive communication.

The dog bites to the blood (bite)- expect a painful blow from a relative whom you trusted very much. Blood from a bite - the painful consequences of the betrayal of a loved one.

Blood from murder according to the dream book - a crime committed by one of your relatives will be a blow to you.

Blood and vampires- someone from the people closest to you uses you in their own interests.

Blood and childbirth- in the implementation of your grandiose plans, you can count on the help of a person connected with you by blood ties.

Fight with blood is interpreted as - struggle, conflicts, an attempt to achieve what you want, and your relatives will be involved in all this.

Blood and crash in a dream - a clash of interests of two completely diverse personalities who have a family relationship.

Description of the problem of circulatory disorders in the legs, factors and causes of its development in children, adults and the elderly, solutions. Medicines, exercises and folk remedies for treatment.

The content of the article:

Circulatory disorders in the legs is a serious pathology when the lower limbs suffer from a lack of blood. It is very dangerous for health, because in this case the tissues gradually die off, which over time, in particular, can lead to disability and disability. You can correct the situation with the help of various medications, folk remedies and special exercises.

What is circulatory disorders in the legs

This phenomenon is not considered as an independent disease, since it usually makes itself felt in conjunction with a number of other problems such as varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, etc. It is understood as a decrease in the volume of blood flowing through the arteries to the lower extremities and not satisfying the needs of the tissues.

This pathology is most often encountered by people over 40 years old, but sometimes it worries young people, as well as children. Its distribution between male and female is approximately the same.

The lack of timely and competent treatment increases the risk of stroke and myocardial infarction, atherosclerosis, and ischemia. In severe cases, the sensitivity of the legs decreases, which in case of diabetes increases the likelihood of diabetic foot syndrome.

Phlebologists, vascular surgeons, angiologists are engaged in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of circulatory disorders in the legs. In the absence of such staff positions in the hospital, their duties are performed by a cardiologist or neurologist.

Causes of circulatory disorders in the legs

Smoking, excess weight, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and homocysteine levels are conducive to this. The risk group also includes people suffering from diabetes and various cardiovascular diseases - ischemia, hypotension, atherosclerosis, varicose veins. But first of all, it should be borne in mind that the feet are at a great distance from the heart, so they always receive less blood.

Causes of Cold Leg Syndrome in Adults

Among women, pregnant women quite often complain about the sensation of cold in the feet, because their body weight increases sharply, hormonal balance and lipid metabolism are disturbed. A sedentary lifestyle also has a huge impact, because of which the blood becomes viscous and does not pass well through the vessels. Of no small importance are various diseases of the heart and blood vessels.

We list all the existing causes of cold feet syndrome:

Vegetovascular dystonia. If it is present, the patient will be disturbed by swelling of the tissues of the feet, a feeling of "running goosebumps" throughout the body, trembling in the legs and arms. Often with this disease there are disorders of the gastrointestinal tract and bladder.
Hypertension. This is a condition in which the pressure is kept above 120 over 80 most of the time. In this situation, small capillaries can be damaged and internal bleeding can occur, which can cause a problem.
Hypotension. This disease refers to low blood pressure (less than 120 to 80), as a result of which blood passes poorly through the vessels and does not reach the feet in sufficient quantities.
Diabetes. The risk of feeling cold in the legs is equally high in both type 1, insulin-dependent, and type 2 disease. This is due to damage to blood vessels and poor blood flow through them.
Heart failure. It can be both congenital and acquired. Due to a violation of the pumping function of the heart, it is difficult to supply other organs with blood.
Anemia. This is one of the most common reasons for cold feet. It can be detected by the results of a general blood test.
Raynaud's disease. It occurs in about 5% of the population and is most commonly diagnosed in women between the ages of 20 and 40. The disease is characterized by a sluggish course, a feeling of cold in the feet occurs only at the time of the attack due to damage to the small terminal arteries.
Phlebeurysm. It can develop for years and not make itself felt, but if it does manifest itself, then the risk of blood clots in the lumen of the vessels of the legs increases. As a result of this, the blood flow is blocked, and it simply hardly enters them. In most cases, this disease affects young women, especially pregnant women and those who have just given birth.

Other possible causes of circulatory disorders in the arms and legs include beriberi, dehydration, low immunity, frostbite of the extremities. In rare cases, disruption of the endocrine system, allergic reactions and chronic stress can provoke a problem.

Causes of circulatory disorders in the legs in children

Just like in adults, in childhood everything can be attributed to various diseases of the cardiovascular system - varicose veins, thrombophlebitis, ischemia, although they are found quite rarely. Adolescents with complaints of leg numbness are more likely to be diagnosed with obliterating endarteritis and type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Also, the cause of circulatory disorders may be any undetected congenital heart pathologies or increased blood viscosity. Anemia, which is quite widespread in childhood, is not excluded.

Since a child under 10-12 years old very often has problems with immunity and suffers from vitamin deficiency, pneumonia, influenza, and an intestinal infection may well become a catalyst for the problem.

Causes of circulatory disorders in the legs in the elderly

The whole problem here is that people over 60-65 years old very often have excess weight and high blood pressure, their metabolism is disturbed. It is also important that for the most part they lead a passive lifestyle, and this is manifested in the thinning of the walls of blood vessels and, as a result, damage to their integrity. The risk factors include the widespread bad habit of smoking among men in old age.

Below we list the most known causes of this problem:

Hypertension. This is the most likely cause, since every 2-3 people over 60 years of age, when measuring blood pressure, abnormalities of 20 or more points are detected.
Varicose veins. Since the muscles of the walls of the veins in people with this disease are relaxed, they practically do not contract. At the same time, the valves in the main subcutaneous vessels do not allow blood to return to the feet.
Obliterating atherosclerosis. This disease is characterized by the deposition of cholesterol on the walls of blood vessels, from which plaques are subsequently formed. They close the lumen and disrupt the circulation of the legs. Most often, it is the elderly over 60 who suffer from this.
Obliterating endarteritis. This diagnosis implies chronic inflammation of the small arteries of the lower extremities, which usually occurs without good reason. As the vessels narrow and the lumen decreases, blood circulation in the tissues also deteriorates, which can lead to sudden gangrene.
Diabetic angiopathy. Most often, small capillaries of the eyes are involved in this process, but sometimes it also spreads to the vessels of the legs, damaging their walls. This leads to a long course of diabetes and regular fluctuations in blood glucose levels. Older people are more likely to become patients of doctors than young people, because they usually get sick for longer.

The main symptoms of circulatory disorders in the legs

In the initial stages, external manifestations of pathology are almost always absent. Only slight discomfort or slight pain during physical exertion (walking, running, cycling, swimming) can signal an unfavorable development of the scenario at this stage.

After the condition worsens, patients note an increase in discomfort, which can already occur at rest. Often they complain of a noticeable lameness while walking, as a result of which it is no longer possible to overcome long distances on foot.

As the disease progresses, tissue nutrition worsens, the skin on the feet and legs takes on a diseased appearance - it becomes pale and dry, covered with numerous ulcers and itches. In the last stages, if left untreated, gangrene may develop.

The diagnosis is made on the basis of the results of ultrasound dopplerography and angiography of blood vessels, measurement of skin temperature and through capillaroscopy. A visual examination by a doctor includes percussion and palpation of suspicious areas.

Note! If the doctor has doubts about the diagnosis, an MRI with contrast may be required.

Features of the treatment of circulatory disorders in the legs

First of all, we can recommend visiting the sauna more often and taking a contrast shower, which promotes vasodilation. No less useful will be a massage, which is enough to do at least 2 times a month. An active lifestyle and physical activity are of great importance - it is important to regularly ride a bike or swim, walk more. Also, to improve the situation in case of circulatory disorders in the legs, you should wear comfortable shoes with low heels or a platform.

Treatment of cold feet syndrome with folk remedies

Alternative medicine offers to deal with this phenomenon with the help of home baths, ointments, compresses. To do this, you can use various herbs, from which you need to prepare infusions or decoctions. They already need to be used for compresses or baths. This should be done for at least 1-2 months, this is how long one course lasts. If necessary, it can be repeated after 30-60 days.

Below are the most popular recipes:

Trays. Brew calamus (50 g) in 1 liter of boiling water, let it brew for a day and in the morning pour it into a bowl of warm water, which needs 20-30 liters. At the same time, the legs should be immersed in it to the ankle, so if necessary, use a bucket. Keep them in this infusion for about 20 minutes until it starts to cool. Laurel leaves can be used in the same way, which are taken at the rate of 20 g per 1 liter of boiling water and 30 ml of any vegetable oil. But this composition must be kept for a week, not a night. A bath with dried oregano (1 part), string (4 parts), chamomile (2 parts) and nettle (3 parts) helps very well.
Ointments. A mixture of warming ointment (3 tablespoons) and cayenne pepper powder (3 pinches) can improve blood circulation. It must be carefully rubbed into the skin and washed off after 4-5 minutes in the absence of an allergic reaction. This tool strengthens the walls of blood vessels and cleanses them of cholesterol.
Tinctures. They are taken orally and prepared, for example, from lilacs. To do this, root powder (2 g) should be poured with alcohol (20 ml) and kept for 20 days in a dark place. Before use, shake it up and add to sugar (1 tsp). In the same way, horse chestnut flowers can be prepared, 50 g of which will need to be mixed with vodka (0.5 l). This mixture must be kept for two weeks, shaking every day. It is recommended to take it 30 drops twice a day for a month.
Compresses. To problem areas, you can apply a gauze cut soaked in tinctures prepared according to the above recipes. They must be left for 30-50 minutes; thus it will turn out to expand the vessels and reduce the viscosity of the blood. If the violation of its flow to the legs is combined with varicose veins, then you can make a compress from chamomile tincture, blackcurrant leaves and string (20 g each per 200 liters of water). Keep it on your feet for at least 15 minutes.

How to treat circulatory disorders in the legs with medications

Therapy in this case should be complex, it is necessary to combine the intake of drops and tablets with injections, local treatment using various creams, ointments, gels. Its tasks are to reduce the permeability of the walls of blood vessels, strengthen them, normalize blood flow and thin it.

For the above purposes, the following means can be assigned:

Drops. The most effective here are Aescusan, which are recommended to drink 15 drops at a time three times a day. The duration of the course is from 2 to 3 months. The drug can not be used to treat children, with renal failure and allergic reactions.
Pills. When the arterioles are narrowed, ganglionic blockers are first prescribed to expand them. Among them, Temekhin and Pyrilen are in high demand, which take 1 mg from 2 to 4 times a day, on average for a month. Bioflavonoids, such as Anthoxide, are prescribed to improve blood flow. Adults are advised to drink them 2-3 times a day during meals. Treatment should be carried out within a month. In order to strengthen the walls of blood vessels, Askorutin is taken. You need to drink it in 2 tablets. per day for adults and 1 pc. children over 3 years old.
Gels. Quite effective are "Troxevasin", "Girudoven" from the brand "Doctor Biocon" and "Hors Force" from the manufacturer "Horsepower". They are applied to clean, dry skin with a thin layer, rubbing with massaging movements and leaving until completely absorbed. The duration of local treatment is from 3 to 4 weeks.
injections. For intravenous administration, Dextran is often used, which improves capillary blood flow and compensates for the lack of plasma during its internal losses. The drug is not suitable for the treatment of thrombocytopenia, renal and heart failure. To stabilize hemodynamic parameters, a single dose of 0.5 to 1.5 liters is required.
Ointments. The most available here is Heparin with anti-varicose action. It strengthens the walls of blood vessels, makes them less permeable and relieves inflammation. Depending on the nature of the disease, the agent is applied to the skin 3 times a day and absorption is expected. To improve the condition, you must complete a 30-day course.
Creams. The most universal remedy is Abiflor, which is used for vascular lesions and disruption of the circulatory system. It contains predominantly natural ingredients - glycerin, coniferous water concentrate, bio lipoderm. It is recommended to apply it without intensive rubbing 2-3 times a day and leave until absorbed. The tool is cosmetic, so it can be used continuously for prevention. The “Healthy” cream-wax, which is used according to the same scheme, has also become quite famous.

Physical education in the treatment of circulatory disorders in the legs

It is advisable to do it in the morning, because after sleep, the flow of blood to the legs is slowed down. To strengthen it, it is enough to devote 20-25 minutes a day to classes. Exercises are best done in comfortable clothing, such as leggings. You can use a chair for this. Charging can be carried out both standing, and lying down or sitting.

The following exercises will help alleviate the situation:

Lie on the floor facing the ceiling, put your hands under your waist, placing your palms on it, and rest your elbows on the floor. Now slowly, one leg at a time, lift them up and grab yourself higher. Try to keep them straight and pull the socks towards you, and the heels in the other direction. The shoulders at this time should be spread as wide as possible, the neck should not be clamped. Make sure that the torso is in one straight line, except for the top. Stay in this position for 30 seconds, then gently, vertebra by vertebra, lower yourself to the floor and enter it again 5 times.
Lying on the floor, repeat the movements of the bicycle, as if pedaling first forward and then back. Do 20 repetitions in the direction away from you and, conversely, to the face. Try not to tear your lower back off the floor at the same time to minimize the tension of the abdominal muscles. Raise your legs as high as possible, placing them at an angle of about 60 degrees.
Lie on your back on the floor and copy the work of scissors for a minute, crossing your legs raised above the surface. They need to be spread as wide as possible so that they feel a slight tension. After the specified time, relax and then repeat the exercise again 5 times with a rest break.
Sit on a chair, raise your legs to form a straight line with your hips and hold this position for as long as you can. Then lower your feet to the floor and repeat all over again 5 times.
Standing straight, begin to transfer the weight of the body to the heels, then to the fingers, lingering in the air for a few seconds. Continue doing this at a leisurely pace for 2-3 minutes.

After sleep, it is very useful to lie on your back, lean against the wall and stay in this position for about 2-3 minutes. Moderate walking can also influence the situation. Do not exclude some asanas from yoga - Supta Padangushthasana, Utthita Trikonasana and Adho Mukha Svanasana.

How to treat circulatory disorders in the legs - look at the video:

If it was not possible to identify and eliminate circulatory disorders in the legs in time, then surgical intervention may be necessary. The operation is called angioplasty, during which a special thin catheter with a balloon is inserted through an incision in the groin into the artery and directed to the very site with the blockage. A stent is placed here to prevent narrowing of the veins. Thus, how exactly the problem will be resolved depends on the associated diseases and their stage.

When blood circulation is disturbed in the legs, a person may have big health problems. Seizures may occur suddenly. For no apparent reason, at any time of the day, convulsions can overtake a person.

There may be a lowered (most often) or significantly lowered temperature of the legs and hands at the same time (doctors call this "cold feet" or "cold hands"). On the legs, as a result of poor blood circulation, stars can appear from small veins, meshes of these veins - this already indicates the initial stage of varicose veins. And the reason is poor circulation of the legs.

Hypodynamia

Why are there problems with the circulation of the legs? First of all, this is a sedentary lifestyle, when blood stagnates in the veins and they become cold, they can quickly get tired and get sick. Do you know the situation when you are constantly cold, but as soon as you take a quick walk or jog, and you immediately want to take off your clothes because it's hot? No wonder: you dispersed the blood flow and thus got rid of the syndrome of cold feet and hands.

What to do?

Naturally, go to the gym or just replace sitting in one place with walking and jogging. So you can activate the blood flow without any medication, and at the same time cope with being overweight.

Metabolic disorders

This is a serious cause of circulatory disorders. It's not easy to deal with her. When a person has endocrine disorders, he may also be obese or simply overweight. And since the legs carry the largest weight load of all parts of the body, they carry body weight, the blood flow may slow down, the circulatory system may not withstand constant stress, and health problems arise: swelling of the legs, varicose veins, thrombophlebitis and other diseases of the legs.

What to do?

Examine the hormonal background and undergo hormone replacement therapy, if necessary. At this time, for more effective treatment, one should engage in feasible loads, exercises to strengthen the feet and ankles.

Such exercises will strengthen the walls of blood vessels, make the legs more resilient, and relieve them of the load. An ideal remedy for relieving heaviness from the legs (in particular, to strengthen the circulatory system) is swimming.

More about cold feet syndrome

It often happens that even in the heat a person has cold feet and hands. Firstly, it is very unpleasant, especially when making love or a simple handshake. Secondly, you should be on your guard, because the syndrome of cold feet and hands does not occur from scratch - this is a consequence of diseases that go unnoticed in the body. In particular, about the shortcomings of the circulatory system and its poor performance.

Cold feet syndrome can also manifest itself as an increased sensitivity of the limbs to cold. Even with a slight cold snap, a person suffers, because his toes and feet are very cold, and this causes great inconvenience. Additional warming products are needed that other people do not use: insulated shoes, super warm socks, constant hot tea or coffee, and working in a cool room is out of the question.

Causes of cold feet

When a person has insufficient elasticity of the walls of the veins, the veins are thin, the blood runs slowly through them, he may suffer from cold feet syndrome. As the ambient temperature drops, the blood vessels constrict, causing blood flow to slow down. And blood is a very important substance in the human body: as soon as it slows down its circulation, the temperature of the whole body can rise so that the person can warm up. That is, the natural thermostats of the human body are turned on. And as soon as the feet get cold, here you are - a cold.

The reason for cold feet is also in their structure.

A person with poorly developed leg muscles has much less blood flow than someone who strengthens the muscles. That's why the feet are colder.

Anatomically, the legs are so arranged that they do not have enough fatty tissue under the skin - a depot created to warm the body. But the skin of the legs occupies a large surface. Here the feet become cold. Poor blood flow can also be due to the natural thinness of the veins and the weakness of their walls.

Smoking can also contribute to poor blood supply, since it increases the fragility of blood vessels, because of this, peripheral arteries become narrower. And if you give the legs an increased load or even deprive them of movement, the blood flow to the legs and arms decreases even more in order to increase it in the body and thus maintain the thermal balance of the body.

There are still reasons for cold feet - this is oxygen starvation of the arteries due to colds: bronchitis, pneumonia. It can also be deformation and damage to the arteries, as well as Raynaud's syndrome (compression of the nerve bundles).

If at the same time a person still wears tight shoes, tight tights or socks, stays in the cold for a long time, poor blood flow and cold feet syndrome are further exacerbated. In addition, hypothermia of the legs also leads to tonsillitis, cystitis, bronchitis, and even pneumonia. For women, this is especially dangerous: they may have impaired fertility (the ability to conceive and give birth to a child).

The first symptoms of poor circulation in the legs are not only coldness in the extremities, but also red or dark red nodules on the legs and arms. They are called chills. These nodules are very itchy and can hurt.

What is necessary for the general strengthening of the vessels of the legs?

If your relatives suffered from disorders of the circulatory system, you must take this into account and be careful to protect the health of your own legs. And if you have signs of circulatory disorders in the legs, such as edema, vascular stacks, increased fatigue of the legs, pain in the feet, you should do prevention all the more.

Means for the legs - they need to be used to make the skin elastic, and the walls of the vessels of the legs - stronger. These can be soothing balms, ointments, sprays against excessive sweating of the legs, bactericidal powders, massage gels.

During pregnancy, the legs carry an increased load, and a woman may have impaired blood circulation in her legs. Then you will need a bandage, tights with a compression effect, special strengthening exercises for the legs, comfortable orthopedic shoes.

Busy work schedule. If, by the nature of his activity, a person needs to walk a lot (couriers, postmen), run (military, athletes), stand on his feet (teacher, hairdresser), sit (office worker), unloading is definitely necessary after a working day. Otherwise, your legs will not last long and will “thank” you with increased fatigue, diseases of the joints and tendons, bones on the fingers. Therefore, you need to constantly control your posture when sitting (no “foot crosses!”), Wear high-heeled shoes for no more than 4 hours without a break, do not wear tight tights or socks. Shoes should not tighten the foot with tight laces, clasps or straps - this will slow down the blood flow and contribute to leg swelling.

To be able to unload means to be able to alternate between different activities: sitting, walking, standing, running. Then the legs will carry a reasonable load and will not be as tired as in a monotonous mode. Coming home from work, every laziness do a simple unloading exercise: lie on your back. Throw your legs up above the level of the heart and lie down for 10-15 minutes. The blood flow will unload, it will not be so intense.

With flat feet and a strong load on the legs, massage helps very well. It can be done. Unless your doctor advises you to refrain from massage for the time being. You can do a general foot massage, self-massage, massage with hot stones for the shins and feet, massage with a therapeutic broom in the bath, massage in the salon after a pedicure, as well as an elementary but very effective massage of each finger and calves. This will significantly improve blood circulation, make the feet and fingers more flexible, and improve the elasticity of the leg joints.

These methods can be used in combination, or one at a time. But complex therapy, of course, is more effective.

Alcohol compress - improves blood circulation in the legs. It can be done very simply. Wet your socks with alcohol and put them on your feet. You can remove them when the alcohol has evaporated and the socks are dry. This simple method will improve blood circulation in the feet, protect them from the cold if a person is cold.

Magnetic insoles are quite effective in combating poor blood circulation in the legs. They are sold in pharmacies and have a good effect on the feet. Magnetic insoles can be used for 4-5 hours a day or more, you can even sleep in them. They do it this way: before going to bed, they put magnetic insoles in their socks and sleep in them. And take it off in the morning. During the night, the legs rest, blood circulation in them is restored.

Menu for good blood circulation

In order for blood circulation to be active, the blood to be not so thick and flow more quickly through the vessels, you need to include special products in the menu.

How to make the right menu for good blood circulation? First of all, you need to include in the diet foods that stimulate blood circulation in the legs. These are carrots, rice and buckwheat cereals, cooked in the form of cereals, apples, red fish, and beets. This food will clean the blood vessels from cholesterol.

By the way, cholesterol plaques arise precisely because of fatty foods, which must be reasonably dosed, not to overeat. When the blood becomes too thick due to fatty foods, it cannot move quickly enough through the vessels, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients, which is why the legs freeze.

It is very good to periodically drink drinks with ginger in the composition. Half a teaspoon of ginger, one teaspoon of honey, black pepper on the tip of a knife - pour all this into a glass of boiled hot water. Such a drink will warm and stimulate blood flow in the legs. It will also help you not get sick from hypothermia.

Red and black pepper in the diet are also good for blood, as well as mustard and horseradish. They stimulate blood circulation, help fight cold feet syndrome, and prevent excessive thickening of the blood.

Raw garlic, garlic in capsules or in the form of a dry powder actively improves blood circulation.

Gingko biloba is an exotic plant that is also good for slow circulation. This drug is sold in pharmacies.

Hawthorn infusion not only saturates the blood with vitamins, but also helps fight colds, strengthen the immune system. Pure infusion of hawthorn can be taken 2 times a day - in the morning and in the evening 20 minutes before breakfast. You can add a complex composition of cinnamon, ginger to hawthorn, this will further enrich the blood with useful substances and help strengthen the immune system.

Watermelon is very effective for improving blood quality. It contains lycopene, which helps to enrich the blood with useful substances. Lycopene also reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood, helps to activate blood circulation. So in the season of watermelons, eat more of them for health. Each small slice of watermelon contains as much as 14 milligrams of lycopene.

Ginseng is a plant that is useful not only for potency. This ancient remedy will help the blood in the legs to move more actively. Ginseng, taken in a complex of vitamins or tinctures, will help the blood flow to move faster, ensure its flow to the legs. At the same time, the general tone of the body increases significantly - you become, unlike, more cheerful.

Other remedies for "cold feet"

If a person has cold feet syndrome, such that it is accompanied by chills (nodules on the fingers), you can use an ointment with calendula in the composition or an ointment with red capsicum. Such ointments can be applied to the legs if their skin is not damaged.

Soaring your legs is an effective remedy for improving blood circulation that has been proven for centuries. Plus, it's a good way to lower high blood pressure. To make this procedure even more effective, you can add a tablespoon of dry mustard powder (very effective for colds), rosemary or oregano (these herbs are sold in pharmacies) to hot water. In such a hot bath, in another version, you can also add black ground pepper with crushed ginger. This tool perfectly improves blood circulation, tones blood vessels, strengthens them.

Hot compresses are a good way to get the circulation going in your legs before going out into the cold. A compress moistened with hot water should be applied to the feet. Hold for 3 minutes - apply ice. Then again - a hot compress for three minutes. This method perfectly activates the blood flow. The second option is to alternate hot and cold showers. This will improve blood circulation throughout the body, including the legs.

No need to compress the vessels. This will lead to poor circulation. Do not get carried away with tight sportswear, too tight leggings, tights, stockings, socks. If you wear such clothes all the time, they can cause a risk of blockage of blood vessels, because they squeeze them and interfere with normal blood flow.

Help your vessels by purchasing special socks. These are not ordinary socks, but elastic ones. They can be worn when you have to sit in one place for a long time and when the blood flow gets a special load. This situation may arise during the flight. These socks are made of special elastic materials. They can be bought at a pharmacy. They help the blood not to stagnate, the ankles and feet get unloaded even while a person is sitting in one place. Reduce the risk of thrombosis and prevent blockages in blood vessels.

Correct sitting posture. This is a necessary condition so that the blood flow in the legs is not disturbed. Feet should be on the floor, not hanging off the floor. You can put one leg slightly forward, and let the other stand straight. You can not sit for more than 45 minutes in one place - you must definitely walk around and change the position of the feet.

The use of aromatic oils improves blood flow very well. Aromatherapy is a recognized remedy not only for improving blood circulation, but also for a good mood. And if you apply a massage using aromatic oils, it will help activate blood circulation in the legs.

Here is a good recipe for aroma massage. Mix ground black pepper and 3 drops of rosemary oil. Add olive oil there, also 3 drops, and massage your feet with this mixture. The only thing is that you can not use such a massage with rosemary during pregnancy, especially in the first weeks. This may increase the risk of miscarriage.

Reflexology is great for treating foot problems and poor blood flow. Once the specialist massages the right points on the feet, the blood flow will improve significantly. It is also a good prevention of foot diseases.

In this article, you'll learn how to improve circulation in your legs through lifestyle changes, medication, and surgery.

Article publication date: 05/02/2017

Article last updated: 05/29/2019

Poor circulation in the legs is a symptom of various diseases that lead to narrowing of arterial vessels or stagnation of blood in the veins. Such diseases include diabetes mellitus, atherosclerosis, obliterating endarteritis, thrombophlebitis, varicose veins.

You can identify the deterioration of blood circulation in the legs by the presence of symptoms that depend on the type of disease. Arterial blood flow disorders are manifested by pain in the legs when walking, numbness and weakness in the lower extremities, discoloration of the skin and hair loss, a constant feeling of coldness in the legs, brittleness and slow growth of nails, and a decrease in muscles in the legs. Venous congestion is manifested by blue skin color, edema on the legs, the presence of varicose veins, trophic changes and ulcers on the lower extremities.

In the presence of these symptoms, the doctor examines the patient, determines the pulsation in the arteries of the legs, and reveals signs of venous stasis.

To clarify the diagnosis, doctors use instrumental examination methods, including:

Ankle-brachial blood pressure index is the simplest and most affordable method for assessing the deterioration of blood flow in the legs. With the patient in the supine position, the doctor or nurse measures the pressure at the shoulder and at the ankle. The ankle reading is then divided by the shoulder reading. Normally, the level of blood pressure in the arms and legs is almost the same, so the index is approximately equal to 1. However, if arterial blood flow in the legs is disturbed, the pressure on the ankle decreases, so the index becomes lower than 1.
Ultrasound examination of the vessels of the lower extremities allows you to assess the blood flow in the arteries and veins, to detect their narrowing and thrombosis. An indispensable method for diagnosing vascular diseases of the lower extremities.
Angiography is an x-ray examination of blood vessels with the help of a contrast agent injected into them.

Methods for diagnosing poor circulation in the legs

Most diseases that impair blood circulation in the legs are chronic in nature, so it is very rare to completely eliminate them. Sometimes improving the condition or stopping the progression of the disease is the best result of treatment, which is based on lifestyle changes, the use of medications and surgical interventions. Sometimes with arterial insufficiency, the blood flow in the legs is so bad that an amputation has to be done.

Vascular surgeons deal with the problem of poor blood circulation in the legs.

Improving blood supply to the legs through lifestyle changes

In the initial stages of worsening blood flow in the legs, lifestyle changes can help prevent the progression of the disease and alleviate its symptoms:

To give up smoking.
Refusal to abuse alcohol.
Healthy food.
Physical activity.
Weight normalization.
Other recommendations.

1. Smoking cessation

Stopping smoking reduces the risk of worsening arterial blood flow. Cigarette smoke contains substances that directly act on the walls of blood vessels, narrow their lumen and impair blood flow. Passive smoking has the same effects.

2. Refusal to abuse alcohol

Scientific evidence suggests that drinking in moderation can slow down the development of atherosclerosis. However, alcohol abuse has also been proven to increase the risk of circulatory disorders in the legs, so excessive alcohol consumption should be avoided.

3. Healthy eating

A healthy diet is useful for lowering blood cholesterol, which is one of the main factors in the development of atherosclerosis. Patients with circulatory disorders in the legs should follow a diet rich in vegetables, fruits and whole grains.

4. Physical activity

Regular exercise has been scientifically proven to help reduce the severity and symptoms of poor circulation in the legs, both venous and arterial.

Doctors recommend exercise as one of the first ways to improve circulation in the legs. Best of all, exercises help, the program of which is developed by a physiotherapist individually for each patient.

One of the best types of physical activity is walking. In people with arterial insufficiency, walking can cause pain in the legs, but it should not be abandoned, since gradually such patients will begin to notice relief of the symptoms of the disease and an increase in the distance traveled.

5. Weight normalization

Weight loss can be achieved through a balanced diet and regular exercise. Due to the normalization of body weight, venous and arterial blood flow in the legs improves, which leads to an alleviation of the clinical picture of the disease. A healthy weight also contributes to the improvement of the functioning of the entire cardiovascular system, which favorably affects the blood supply to the lower extremities.

To improve the outflow of venous blood from the legs, you can use the following tips:

wear compression stockings;
wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing. Uncomfortable shoes can injure the foot, which can be very dangerous if blood flow is poor. Tight clothing can pinch venous vessels;
raise your legs. To improve venous blood flow, raise your legs above heart level several times a day. To do this, you can lie on the bed, and put 3-4 pillows under your feet;
avoid prolonged standing or sitting;
do not sit cross-legged.

Medical therapy

For some patients, lifestyle changes and non-pharmacological treatments may not eliminate or sufficiently relieve the symptoms of poor blood flow in the legs. In such cases, doctors, taking into account the cause of circulatory disorders, prescribe drug therapy.

The following drugs are used:

Antiplatelet agents (aspirin, clopidogrel) are drugs that prevent platelets from sticking together and forming blood clots. Doctors prescribe one of these drugs for. Side effects of aspirin include upset stomach and increased risk of bleeding; side effects of clopidogrel are headaches, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or constipation, abdominal pain, bleeding.
Anticoagulants (heparin, warfarin, xarelto) are drugs that prevent blood from clotting. These drugs are often prescribed for venous thrombosis, less often for arterial circulatory failure. The main side effect of anticoagulants is increased bleeding.
Statins (atorvastatin, rosuvastatin) are drugs that help reduce the production of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the liver. By lowering cholesterol in the blood, the risk of formation and increase in atherosclerotic plaques in the vessels of the lower extremities is reduced. Side effects of statins are indigestion, headache, nausea, and muscle pain.
Cilostazol is a medicine used for arterial insufficiency, which helps to increase physical activity, that is, it helps to increase the distance that a person can walk without pain. Cilostazol leads to the expansion of the arteries and increased blood supply in the legs. Side effects include headache, diarrhea and dizziness. Cilostazol should not be used in patients with heart failure.
Pentoxifylline is a drug that improves blood flow in the lower extremities by reducing its viscosity. It is used for violations of the arterial blood supply to the legs.
Medicines for diabetes. Treatment of diabetes and careful control of blood glucose levels are essential measures for patients with impaired arterial blood flow in the legs.
Diuretics are diuretic drugs that doctors prescribe for edema and venous congestion in the legs.
Diosmin is a drug that increases the tone of the venous wall. It is used for varicose veins and thrombophlebitis.

Drugs to improve blood circulation in the legs

Surgical methods

If lifestyle changes and conservative therapy fail to improve the blood supply to the legs, surgical treatment is used. The type of surgery performed depends on the cause and degree of circulatory disorders.

Operations for insufficiency of arterial blood supply

Surgery for arterial insufficiency is designed to restore blood flow through the arteries. In medicine, such interventions are called revascularization.

There are two main types of revascularization:

Angioplasty is an operation in which a blocked or narrowed section of an artery is expanded by inflating a small balloon inside the vessel. Sometimes a stent is placed in the affected area of the artery - an intravascular prosthesis that keeps the vessel open.
Bypass is the creation of a bypass for blood with a vessel taken from another part of the body. This bypass allows blood to flow to the legs, bypassing the narrowing of the artery.

In very severe cases of insufficient arterial blood supply, some patients develop gangrene of the leg. In such cases, amputation of the limb may be necessary.

Operations in violation of the venous outflow

For varicose veins, use:

Sclerotherapy is the introduction of a drug solution into the lumen of a varicose vein, which causes its walls to stick together and disappear.
Laser and radiofrequency ablation are operations for which a doctor inserts a thin catheter into an enlarged vein. In this catheter, the tip can be heated using radio frequency waves or laser energy. This heat destroys the vein, causing it to disappear.
Venectomy is the surgical removal of varicose veins.

Forecast

The prognosis for poor blood supply to the legs depends on what disease it is caused by.

With varicose veins, the prognosis is relatively favorable, since if the rules for improving the outflow of blood from the lower extremities and effective treatment are observed, the violation of blood flow can be almost completely eliminated.

With legs, the prognosis is more affected by control of blood glucose levels. Without this control, almost all methods of improving blood flow will be ineffective, which may lead to the need for amputation.