About Foot Circulation
Circulation is the continuous movement of blood through the heart and blood vessels. Circulation carries oxygen and nutrients to different parts of the body. It also carries wastes from body tissues. Eating healthy and exercising are ways to help maintain good blood circulation throughout your circulatory system. Some causes of poor circulation are varicose veins, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease in which the arteries in the heart harden, resulting in a lack of blood flow to a certain area of the body. Reduced blood flow usually affects the feet since they are furthest from the heart.
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Features
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The feet have two main arteries, the posterior tibial artery and the dorsal pedis artery. With good foot circulation, these arteries supply the necessary oxygenated blood supply to the feet. In cases of poor foot circulation, often due to cardiovascular disease, the arteries aren't carrying oxygenated blood down to the feet. Poor circulation in the feet and legs is known as peripheral vascular disease.
Significance
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Foot circulation is an important part of the larger human circulatory system. The main parts of the circulatory system are the heart, blood and blood vessels. Blood is oxygenated in the lungs and carried through veins throughout the rest of the body. The circulatory systems works with the other human bodies systems that help maintain healthy function. These other systems include the cardiovascular system, lymphatic system and digestive system.
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Identification
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Signs of poor foot circulation include tingling or numbness in the feet, cramping pain in the calf muscles, swollen ankles, cold feet, cuts on the foot healing slowly, or changes in color of the feet or toenails. These symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor especially if you have a medical condition, such as diabetes or arteriosclerosis, where veins in the heart become blocked and reduce or restrict blood flow to many parts of the body, including the feet. Diabetics need to check their feet regularly for sores and cuts. If an infection sets in, gangrene can develop in the affected area which can result in amputation of limbs or extremities.
Considerations
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Know the risk factors associated with poor foot circulation. Having high blood pressure or high cholesterol puts a person at risk for developing poor foot circulation. These conditions can contribute to other medical problems, such as diabetes or arteriosclerosis. A lack of physical activity, always sitting with your legs crossed, wearing shoes that don't fit and smoking can all contribute to poor foot circulation.
Prevention/Solution
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Ways to prevent poor foot circulation are wearing shoes that fit, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising, and properly managing any medical conditions you may have as directed by a doctor. Be sure to keep your feet clean and moisturized so the skin doesn't become dry and cracked. Keep your toenails neat and trimmed. If necessary, see a podiatrist who specializes in caring for the feet and any associated foot conditions, such as corns, calluses, foot fungus and ingrown toenails.
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