Poor leg circulation can result in a myriad of problems, from unsightly varicose and spider veins to swollen legs and feet to more serious conditions like deep vein thrombosis, or DVT.

Deep vein thrombosis is most commonly known as the syndrome that inflicts travelers who stay in one spot for long periods of time. You may notice that your feet fall asleep, giving you that pins and needles sensation. But people who have very poor leg circulation may also develop deep vein thrombosis, when a blood clot inhibits the flow of blood and causes severe leg pain.

The blood clot due to deep vein thrombosis develops in a deep vein – thus the name, deep vein thrombosis.

Deep vein thrombosis can occur when a vein is damaged or if blood flow slows down or stops completely. If you’re obese and/or over age 40, you’re at particular risk for deep vein thrombosis.

Since poor circulation is the number one reason people develop deep vein thrombosis, it’s important to understand what can cause decreased circulation in your lower body. Aside from sitting still for long periods of time, like you do on long airplane flights, here are some risk factors for deep vein thrombosis:

Smoking tobacco can lead to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
As we mentioned above, obesity is an important risk factor for poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
Not exercising enough or at all can lead to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
Not eating right can contribute to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
High blood pressure can cause poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
High cholesterol can lead to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
If you have diabetes, you’re at particular risk for poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
Certain nerve and thyroid conditions can contribute to poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.
Women who are pregnant should be aware that they’re at risk for developing poor leg circulation and deep vein thrombosis.

To make sure you don’t develop deep vein thrombosis, it’s important to address these risk factors. If you’re on a long airplane ride, make sure you get up and move around often, or at least do some leg stretches in your seat to avoid the development of deep vein thrombosis.

It’s also important to keep your feet and legs warm. The cold can cause decreased circulation and thus deep vein thrombosis.

FootSmart also sells a wide selection of products to help increase circulation in the feet and lower body, thus helping you prevent and treat deep vein thrombosis.

Low-impact exercise equipment like pedalers and steppers allow you to get your circulation going without putting too much stress on the joints, helping you avoid deep vein thrombosis.
Leg elevators do just what they promise: elevate the legs to help increase circulation and prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Bed and leg wedges also help you stay comfortable in bed while increasing circulation and helping you avoid deep vein thrombosis.
Compression therapy products like air massage boots enhance circulation to help you prevent deep vein thrombosis.
Graduated compression hosiery and support socks help stimulate circulation, thus helping to protect you against the development of deep vein thrombosis.

Click here to see all FootSmart products used to address poor leg and foot circulation and help you prevent deep thrombosis.

If you suspect you have poor leg circulation and feel you’re at risk for developing deep vein thrombosis, see your physician. Remember: poor circulation can be serious and lead to conditions like deep vein thrombosis; don’t wait to get help.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions like deep vein thrombosis provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health.