Denton County Living Well Magazine May/June 2020

WHAT COULD BE CAUSING POOR CIRCULATION IN MY FEET? Courtesy Complete Foot and Ankle Care of North Texas Are you experiencing numbness, tingling, or discol- orations in your feet? Even though poor circulation isn’t a condition, if you are experiencing poor circulation in your feet this is often a symptom of a much larger issue. This is why it’s important to understand the warning signs of poor circulation and when to see a podia- trist, as many of these conditions can be serious or cause further complications to your health. Causes of Poor Circulation There are many reasons why someone may have poor circulation. The most common conditions in- clude: 2. Blood Clots A blood clot causes a block or restriction in blood flow and can develop anywhere in the body. The most common places for a blood clot include the arms or the legs, which can lead to symptoms of poor circulation. In some cases, a blood clot can cause serious complications such as a stroke. 3. Diabetes While this condition does affect blood sugar levels, it is also known to affect circulation within the body. Those with circulation issues may experience cramping in the legs that may get worse when you are active. Those with diabetic neuropathy may experience nerve damage in the legs and feet, as well as numbness or tingling. 4. Raynaud’s Disease A less common condition, Raynaud’s disease causes chron- ic cold fingers and feet due to the narrowing of the arter- ies in the hands and toes. Since these arteries are narrow it’s more difficult for blood to flow to these areas, leading to poor circulation. Of course, you may experience these symptoms in other parts of the body besides your toes or fingers, such as your nose, ears, or lips. Warning Signs of Poor Circulation You may be experiencing poor circulation in your feet if you are experiencing these symptoms: • Numbness • Pain that may radiate into the limbs • Tingling (a “pins and needles” sensation) • Muscle cramping If you are experiencing symptoms of poor circulation that don’t go away it’s best to play it safe rather than sorry and turn to a podiatric specialist who can provide a proper diagnosis and determine the best approach for improving circulation. Don’t ignore this issue. If you’re experiencing foot or ankle problems, Complete Foot and Ankle Care invites you to make an appointment with us by calling 940-300-3054. www.completefootandanklecare.com 1. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) This causes poor circulation in the legs due to a narrowing in the arteries and blood vessels. Over time this condition can cause damage to nerves or tissue. While this condition can occur in younger people, particularly smokers, it’s more common for people over 50 years old to develop PAD. Dr. Damien Dauphinée DENTON COUNTY Living Well Magazine | MAY/JUNE 2020 23

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