Shoes
Socks / Hosiery
Foot Health Lower Body Health
Online Catalog
 
Buy Leg Circulation Products at FootSmart
 

Find everything you need to improve lower body and leg circulation at FootSmart:

Your body needs the right amount of blood flow to keep your heart pumping, your legs moving and your brain functioning. Blood circulation, the movement of blood throughout the body, is clearly crucial to your existence, and poor leg circulation can cause many problems for individuals around the world.

 
Symptoms: Do You Have Leg Circulation Problems?
 
If you have poor leg circulation – restricted blood flow to your legs – symptoms generally develop gradually.

  • In the early stages, you may experience cramping or fatigue in the legs, buttocks or feet during activity. The pain, whether it's leg pain, lower leg pain or foot pain, usually diminishes with rest, but will reoccur.
  • You may complain of a tired leg, general leg swelling or an aching leg.
  • You may also have cramping that occurs in your legs and feet when you are sleeping or immobile for extended periods of time.
  • In addition, you can incur such symptoms as 'cold feet,' or feet that 'fall asleep.'
People who have very poor leg circulation may develop a blood clot, a sudden blockage in blood that can cause severe leg pain, cold legs or feet, or feet and/or toe discoloration
 
What Causes Poor Leg Circulation?
 
A common cause of poor leg circulation is peripheral vascular disease, or PVD. This term refers to disorders involving blood vessels outside, or on the periphery, of the heart. PVD can involve peripheral arteries (blood vessels that carry blood away from the heart) or peripheral veins (blood vessels that carry blood toward the heart).

When PVD involves the arteries, it is known as peripheral artery disease, or PAD. A fatty substance called plaque builds up and hardens on the walls of the peripheral arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through properly. The plaque takes years to build up, which is why older adults often experience poor leg circulation.

In addition, the following behaviors or conditions can also contribute to leg circulation problems:
  • Tobacco smoking
  • Obesity
  • Lack of exercise
  • Improper diet
  • High blood pressure
  • High cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Pregnancy
  • Long periods of sitting in a cramped and immobile position (Economy Class Syndrome)
 
Preventing & Relieving Leg Circulation Problems
 
Good leg circulation ensures that your body can stay healthy, heal well, and properly function during daily activities.

The most important treatment for poor leg circulation is to address the risk factors:
  • Avoid cigarette smoking.
  • Keep your blood pressure under control.
  • Keep your cholesterol levels in the healthy range.
  • Exercise on a regular and frequent basis.
  • Consider special exercise equipment, products and footwear that promote good leg circulation, such as a bed wedge or leg wedge.
  • Keep moving – avoid staying immobile for long periods of time
  • Keep your feet and extremities warm.
  • Wear graduated compression hosiery and socks that help stimulate leg circulation.
The Podiatry Institute suggests that you always see your physician if you suspect you have poor leg circulation, as the condition can be serious and an indication of another medical problem. Medications are available to treat leg circulation problems and to help prevent more serious consequences.

Information on foot, leg and lower body health conditions provided by The Podiatry Institute, dedicated to advancing the standard of care in podiatric medicine and its effects on muscoskeletal health. 
 
 
 
 
Email Sign Up Sign up to receive emails about new products & offers Sign Up Now >>
© 1999-2012 FootSmart.com