Do you know the warning signs of poor circulation?

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Imagine your body has a network of tiny highways called arteries and veins. Your blood travels on these highways, carrying oxygen and nutrients everywhere, from your brain all the way down to your toes. "Poor circulation" is like a major traffic jam on these highways, especially the ones going down to your legs and feet. This means your feet and legs aren't getting enough of the oxygen-rich blood they need to be healthy. Poor circulation can start subtly, but ignoring it can lead to serious complications. The good news? Today’s vascular specialists can often treat it effectively – without surgery.

According to Alan M. Dietzek, M.D., chair of vascular surgery for the southern region at Hackensack Meridian Health, and a vascular surgeon at Jersey Shore University Medical Center, this problem is often caused by something called atherosclerosis. Think of it like gunk or plaque building up inside your body's pipes (your arteries). Over time, this buildup makes the pipes narrower, and it gets harder for blood to flow through.

What Should You Look For?

The most common early sign is a pain or cramp in your calves when you walk. This is called claudication. It might feel like a tightness that makes you stop walking. A key clue is that the pain goes away when you rest. This happens because when you walk, your muscles need more oxygen, but the narrowed arteries can't deliver it fast enough. When you rest, your muscles don't need as much, so the feeling gets better.

Other warning signs include:

Cold Feet: Your feet or toes feel chilly and don't warm up easily.
Night Pain: You get pain in your feet or toes at night, but it feels better if you hang your leg over the side of the bed or get up and stand.
Color Changes: Your skin, especially on your toes, might look bluish or dark.
Slow Healing: Small cuts or sores on your feet and legs take a very long time to heal or even get worse.

If you notice your legs hurt when you walk, or you have sores that won't heal, don't ignore it. Seeing a doctor early can make a huge difference and help you get back on your feet without serious problems.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of any vascular conditions and when to make an appointment with a vascular surgeon.

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