Cold feet are a sign of poor circulation and more serious complications. Learn the causes of poor circulation in feet and what can be done.
There are various reasons behind cold feet and what it can lead to – from poor circulation to blood clots, leading to swelling, chronic pain, and immobility.
Certain factors like weather and age can make these symptoms worse, which makes seniors and those who live in cold climates particularly vulnerable.
The following covers the symptoms and causes to poor circulation in feet.
Poor Circulation Symptoms
If you feel achy feet after standing for a while or have cold feet in winter, you might have nothing to worry about.
However, if these symptoms linger then you may have poor blood circulation.
Poor circulation is especially harmful for people with diabetes, the overweight, and smokers.
Symptoms of bad blood flow in the feet include swelling, pain, varicose veins, cold feet, skin breakage with fluids, hair loss on ankles and feet, engorged veins, and fatigue.
Additionally, people may feel a tingling sensation, blue or purple feet, heaviness, discoloration, rash, numbness, and increased blood pressure.
If you experience these symptoms, seek medical help as circulatory problems can lead to life-threatening conditions.
For example, if you have even a small blockage, it can compromise the lungs, brain, heart, or any other major organ.
People with bad blood flow also experience fatigue, pain, and have a harder time healing.
Poor Circulation Causes
There are different causes of poor circulation such as lifestyle, disease, age, etc.
The following are some of the causes of poor circulation in feet. One way to improve circulation is to take supplements, so keep that in mind.
Age
As we age, our baroreceptors become less sensitive and the aorta gets thicker, affecting blood pressure levels.
Inactive Lifestyle
Movement is essential to maintaining a healthy blood flow, which is why those who can’t move around much experience circulation problems.
Obesity
Overweight individuals suffer from poor circulation because the heart has to work harder to pump blood as well as the body putting more weight on the feet.
Diabetes
People with diabetes can suffer from hypertension, swelling, neuropathy, and poor circulation in their feet.
Deep Vein Thrombosis
DVT (deep vein thrombosis) is a blood clot that usually forms in the leg, inhibiting blood flow and potentially leading to a life-threatening pulmonary embolism.
Atherosclerosis
A common cause of poor circulation us hardening of the arteries (atherosclerosis).
Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
Atherosclerosis causes PAD, a disease that negatively impacts the veins and arteries outside of the brain and heart.
Smoking
Besides increasing the likelihood of lung cancer, smoking increases the risk of DVT, PAD, and makes it difficult for blood to flow properly.