treatment for poor circulation in hands and feet

Foods to eat: Foods that contain high amounts of omega-3’s are known for promoting blood circulation and the cardiovascular system. Poor circulation in hands and feet means there is not enough circulation of blood in the extremities which is required for healthy living of body cells and tissues. Emily joined Bel Marra Health as a health writer in 2013. Additional research is needed to determine whether these benefits also occur in people with PAD. No statement herein is to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventative, or cure for any disease, disorder or abnormal physical state. Most often, we feel numbness in ourextremities whenever we suffer … The levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood influence the development and growth of plaques in the arteries, including those that supply your arms, legs and heart. Hot water dilates blood vessels, promoting circulation. A visit to your healthcare provider is the first step to determine the cause of your cold hands and feet 4. Avoid stimulants: This includes coffee, tea, and alcohol, which can have an immediate effect on the blood. This may lead to nerve damage called diabetic neuropathy in later stages. In cases where blood supply is compromised, grip strength is often affected. On any matter relating to your health or well-being, please check with an appropriate health professional. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) accounts for most cases of poor circulation in the hands and feet 3. This is often appreciated as a blue discoloration of the fingertips. When your limbs can’t get enough blood, your hands or feet may feel cold or numb. So, what can you do for poor circulation treatment? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, seek emergency treatment immediately. Raynaud’s disease: During times of stress or in response to cold temperatures, the blood vessels in the hand narrow, restricting blood flow. Additional symptoms include numbness, tingling, nerve damage, and tissue damage. What is causing a clicking sound when I swallow? Emily Lunardo studied medical sociology at York University with a strong focus on the social determinants of health and mental illness. Related: Poor circulation treatment: How to improve blood circulation. Eat a variety of fruits, vegetables, nuts and beans. Massage therapy may temporarily improve blood flow to your extremities. Cubital tunnel syndrome presents when the ulnar nerve found at the elbow is stretched, which can impair circulatory function. A small study conducted among 36 healthy but sedentary young adults demonstrated improved blood flow for up to 72 hours after 30 minutes of Swedish massage, as reported in the June 2014 issue of the "Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation." Treatment of poor circulation in the feet. Poor circulation is a health issue that afflicts many of us. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your treatment. Regular exercise helps improve your circulation via several interconnected mechansims. Make sure to cover these parts of your body when exposed to cold temperatures. While most cases of poor circulation have prominent effects on the legs and feet, the hands are not immune. Hydrotherapy: The use of hot or cold showers is known to help promote blood circulation. If atherosclerosis goes untreated for a long period of time, it may increase the risk of stroke development. Despite this condition stemming from the elbow, symptoms of poor circulation can reach the hands. This can give rise to symptoms such as tingling numbness, feeling of pins and needles, cold fingers and toes, and cramps in the extremities. Occasionally, tingling and numbness may be accompanied by a bluish discoloration, signifying poor circulation in hands. Several noncirculatory medical disorders, such as anemia and hypothyroidism, can also provoke this symptom. What are the Effects of Smoking on the Cardiovascular System? Peripheral artery disease (PAD) accounts for most cases of poor circulation in the hands and feet 3. Tingling sensation or numbness: This may feel like a strange stinging sensation in your hand. Limit sweets and sugar-sweetened beverages. // Leaf Group Lifestyle. It enhances the performance of your circulatory system, including improved heart fitness and blood vessel responsiveness to changing oxygen demands. Nicotine, for example, is known for increasing heart rate and raising blood pressure. Your doctor might recommend one or more medications, depending on your individual circumstances. by Ha Min-seo — Last updated: 2011-01-12 . Antioxidant rich food such as pomegranate and oranges are also beneficial for improving circulation. By staying active, we utilize all three of these blood-propelling methods, helping to ensure proper circulatory system functioning. We know that our muscles and the elasticity of our blood vessels aid in this process as well. If you smoke and have PAD, kicking the habit is the single most important step you can take to improve your circulation, symptoms and overall health. Poor circulation in feet is often the sign of another medical health issue that prevents the proper circulation of blood to the distant extremities. The condition occurs due to fatty deposits called plaques in the arteries that impair blood flow to the extremities, possibly causing cold hands and feet and other symptoms 4. Additional research is needed to determine whether these benefits also occur in people with PAD. Mind the temperature: Distant extremities are known for getting cold much faster. Carpal tunnel syndrome: This is another common cause of poor circulation. It is due to inflammation of tendons surrounding the membrane, resulting in pressure on the median nerve and symptom development. The levels of cholesterol and other fats in your blood influence the development and growth of plaques in the arteries, including those that supply your arms, legs and heart. Diabetes: A metabolic condition of impaired glucose utilization, diabetes can be responsible for impaired circulation over time. Tasks like working on a computer, carpentry, or needlework can aggravate this condition as they put stress on the wrist area. Foods to avoid: Excessive consumption of fatty foods can have a negative effect on blood vessels and the circulatory system as a whole. You might assume poor circulation is to blame -- a reasonable thought but not neccessarily accurate. Are Cold Purple Feet Caused by Bad Circulation? Poor circulation in the hands can occur when you have poor circulation overall. Approximately 75 percent of PAD is due to smoking, according to a 2004 "Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine" article 5. The arteries of your extremities normally constrict when exposed to cold temperature to conserve body heat. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) accounts for most cases of poor circulation in the hands and feet 3. Eating too many saturated fats can promote cholesterol deposits and plaque buildup. Ray holds a journalism degree and teaches writing, career development and an FDIC course called "Money Smart. Exercise: Exercising daily can help dilate blood vessels and improve blood flow. Poor circulation in the hands can occur when you have poor circulation overall. Lack of exercise: Most people think that the heart is solely responsible for circulating blood throughout the body, but this isn’t true. When your limbs can’t get enough blood, your hands or feet may feel cold or numb. Copyright© 2020 BelMarraHealth. Arteriosclerosis: A medical condition that results from excessive plaque buildup in the arteries. It can have side effects that range from minor cold hands and feet to more serious ailments such as pain in the legs or irregular heartbeat. It focuses pressure on points that correspond to the largest and most accessible arteries in the upper extremities. Massage therapy may temporarily improve blood flow to your extremities. So, while it’s safe to assume that exercise is helpful for circulation issues in places such as your legs, it may seem strange to do exercises with your hands. If poor circulation is responsible, several measures might be recommended to improve blood flow in your extremities. Keeping your hands and feet warm with gloves, mittens, socks and footwear appropriate for the weather can help prevent this situation 4. There are a number of common ways you can improve poor circulation. Smoking cessation will not complete reverse PAD but can lead to improvement, and slow or halt disease progression. Regular exercise helps improve your circulation via several interconnected mechansims. However,if this is not possible, for any given reason, our body will let usknow that something is wrong. The condition occurs due to fatty deposits called plaques in the arteries that impair blood flow to the extremities, possibly causing cold hands and feet and other symptoms 4. Raynaud’s symptoms may also be seen in other distant parts of the body, such as the nose and toes. Emily practices healthy habits in her own life as well as helps others with their own personal health goals. This is because the condition is not only restricted to the hands, but can also affect other body parts. Your doctor might recommend one or more medications, depending on your individual circumstances. Cubital tunnel syndrome: This condition often resembles carpal tunnel syndrome, but it’s located in the elbow rather than the wrist. Linda Ray is an award-winning journalist with more than 20 years reporting experience. Exercising as little as 30 minutes a day can improve flow significantly. There are other causes that are more specific to this body part. Signs & Symptoms of Low Blood Circulation. If you’re light-skinned, your legs might get a blue tinge. Treatment of Poor Circulation. Poor circulation means that your heart is not able to properly pump your blood, which can lead to much bigger problems than your legs falling asleep. Seek immediate medical care if you develop any warning signs or symptoms in one of your hands or feet, including: Reviewed and revised by: Tina M. St. John, M.D. If you let it go long enough without treatment, poor circulation may lead to some pretty severe health issues. Women with completely normal circulation tend to have colder hands and feet than men. Poor circulation in hands and feet does not only affect your extremities but it’s merely a symptom of much more serious disorders enveloping your whole body. It’s recommended to use rosemary essential oil mixed with a carrier oil, such as olive or almond. When you have poor circulation in your extremities, it means you are not getting enough blood flow. Those who live a sedentary lifestyle go through long periods of inactivity, leading to poor circulation in the hands. Blood Circulation in Our Body. The statements herein have not been evaluated by the Foods and Drugs Administration or Health Canada. Signs of Poor Circulation. Exercise also helps with weight, blood pressure and cholesterol management, all of which can contribute to PAD. It is also a vasoconstrictor, making blood vessels smaller and restricting blood flow. Prepare massage oil with a ratio of 25 to 30 drops per two ounces respectively, then massage to relieve the area of poor circulation. Opt for whole rather than refined grains. She is a registered Zumba instructor, as well as a Canfit Pro trainer, who teaches fitness classes on a weekly basis. All Rights Reserved.. Poor circulation in hands: Causes and how to improve it, Poor circulation treatment: How to improve blood circulation. General recommendations from the American Heart Association include 3: * Limit saturated and trans fats. 1 Comment. 16 muscular system diseases you should know about, Lower abdominal pain in women: Causes and treatments, Crepitus neck: Neck cracking and popping sound in neck, What causes bladder pressure and how to relieve it, Why is my urine orange? Smoking and drug abuse: The active ingredients in cigarettes and certain drugs can have powerful effects on out blood vessels. Stop Smoking. This can give rise to symptoms such as tingling numbness, feeling of pins and needles, … If you have cold hands and/or feet when the rest of your body is warm and you know that your environment is also a comfortable temperature, this can be a sure sign of poor blood circulation. Weight gain is actually one of the most common causes of the condition. Hydration: Drinking between 1.5 to 2 liters of water a day is important for keeping the body well hydrated. Causes, symptoms, and treatment for orange urine, Getting rid of eye floaters: Home remedies and exercise. Per guidelines from the American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association, these might include 36: Surgery or a procedure to reestablish adequate blood flow may be recommended for people with severe PAD. Blood carries heat from the core outward toward other parts of the body. Signs of Poor Circulation. This natural response can further limit blood flow in the setting of existing poor circulation. Poor circulation in feet: Causes, symptoms, and treatment, Poor leg circulation improved with a restored blood flow better than with exercise. Special Report: Secret of Healthy Digestion and Regularity, Get this report FREE when you opt in for our FREE Health eTalk daily newsletter along with exclusive offers from Bel Marra Health and third party partners, Home » Heart Health » Poor circulation in hands: Causes and how to improve it. ", Copyright © 2020 Leaf Group Ltd., all rights reserved. Signs and symptoms of poor circulation in feet and treatment option for poor circulation depends on the condition causing it. Depending on the severity of the disease, your doctor might recommend supervised exercise with a physical therapist or a home exercise program. Dr. Marchione and the doctors on the Bel Marra Health Editorial Team are compensated by Bel Marra Health for their work in creating content, consulting along with formulating and endorsing products. Smoking restricts blood flow as it constricts blood vessels. Similarly, it's important to avoid secondhand smoke. When people comment on your cold hands after shaking hands with you, if your cold feet are noticeable in bed or if you have numbness or tingling in your hands and feet, your circulation is probably poor. If poor blood circulation in hands is left unchecked, then feet and legs may also become affected. In the meantime, you might consider massage therapy as part of your treatment plan if your healthcare provider determines that it is safe for you. Many problems cause poor circulation, but you can treat the condition in a variety of ways. Quit smoking: A well-known cause of poor health and circulatory problems. Choose to drink green tea instead, as it is known for boosting blood circulation rather than inhibiting it. It is also a good idea to limit the amount of sugar, salt, and processed foods in the diet, as they can have an effect on blood circulation, Essential oil massage: Poor circulation can be adequately treated with an essential oil massage. There are many methods that may help you in treating poor circulation. Herbal remedies such as Ginkgo Biloba are also known for dilating blood vessels and enhancing blood circulation. Seek immediate medical care if you develop any warning signs or symptoms in one of your hands or feet, including: * Sudden, severe pain. Hands and feet cold 4? By doing so, you ensure that cells can function at their best, improving circulation. Weakness in hands: Proper blood circulation is required to feed the muscle that gives strength to our hands. This is true for your hands and fingers as well. Acupressure: A therapy that applies steady pressure for about 30 seconds to a specific point on the arms and hands. Combining these two methods forces blood to circulate throughout the body or a specific body part. Poor circulation in your hands can make it difficult to do normal activities. This may include salmon and avocados. This condition results in pain, tingling, and numbness in the palm, thumb, index, and middle fingers that comes and goes. Plus, poor circulation in hands can also indicate other health problems. Muscle cramps: Decreased blood flow in the hands can result in muscle cramping. By reading this oneHOWTO article to on how to improve circulation in hands and feet we'll look at what might be the cause and how we can improve your blood flow. The possible reasons for this poor circulation, however, are diverse. Poor circulation in hands and feet means there is not enough circulation of blood in the extremities which is required for healthy living of body cells and tissues. If taken in excess, they can interrupt blood circulation. Poor circulation in hands and feet . Weight gain: Excess body fat can compress blood supply to the hands, leading to poor circulation. Blood thinner treatment with aspirin and/or clopidogrel (Plavix), Cholesterol therapy with a statin medication, Cilostazol, a medication that dilates blood vessels, Extremely cold skin, significantly cooler than the other hand or foot, Very pale, mottled or bluish skin coloration. Hands may also feel cold more often. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews: Exercise for Intermittent Claudication, Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine: Connective Tissue Reflex Massage for Type 2 Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease: Randomized Controlled Trial, Circulation: 2016 AHA/ACC Guideline on the Management of Patients With Lower Extremity Peripheral Artery Disease: A Report of the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association Task Force on Clinical Practice Guidelines, Reviews in Cardiovascular Medicine: The Relationship of Cigarette Smoking to Peripheral Arterial Disease, American Heart Association: Diet and Lifestyle Recommendations, Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Massage Therapy Restores Peripheral Vascular Function After Exertion. As we have already said, it is important to discover the major cause of poor circulation in your legs, feet and hands. General recommendations from the American Heart Association include 36: Your doctor may offer more specific recommendations based on your specific circumstances, such as whether you have diabetes or high blood pressure, or if you are carrying extra body weight. So, if you find yourself suffering from poor circulation, don’t simply shake it off as no big deal. Cold water constricts blood vessels. Treating the condition that causes poor circulation will improve circulation in your feet. Therefore, eating a heart-healthy diet is an important aspect of PAD treatment. Generalized conditions resulting in poor circulation, such as atherosclerosis or peripheral artery disease, can sometimes lead to poor circulation in the hands. If you’re light-skinned, your legs might get a blue tinge. When you discover the main cause of poor circulation in your body, it will not be difficult to treat it. Cracked skin: Poor blood circulation to the hand cuts off vital oxygen and nutrients to the skin, leading it to become overly dry and start to peel. To understand why you might have poor circulation, you need to take a look at its symptoms and causes. She's covered business for newspapers and magazines, including the "Greenville News," "Success Magazine" and "American City Business Journals." The sensation of coldness, numbness, and tingling can also be appreciated. Carpal tunnel syndrome can lead to increased volume from swelling, creating poor circulation in the hands. This is made even worse if you suffer from a poor circulatory condition. Over time, this may become permanent, leading to increased blood pressure and cardiovascular problems. We need blood circulating through ourbody normally in order to be healthy and function properly. Exercise also helps with weight, blood pressure and cholesterol management, all of which can contribute to PAD. This accumulation narrows the arteries and restricts blood flow. Traditional medicine is focused on merely managing the symptoms of the condition and not the underlying reasons. It is important to find timely treatment for poor circulation in hands. If you have poor circulation in your feet, it’s important that you get up and walk around every hour, as well as partake in other activities. It can have side effects that range from minor cold hands and feet to more serious ailments such as pain in the legs or irregular heartbeat. Overweight or obese individuals who experience poor circulation in the hands can easily control this problem through adequate weight control, changing eating habits, and exercising regularly.

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