Symptoms of Poor Circulation In this article, we will focus on the symptoms of poor circulation and when you should seek medical help. Signs of Poor Circulation 1. Varicose Veins If the valves in the veins of the legs are damaged, your blood will find it difficult to get back to the heart. This results in engorged veins and will eventually cause varicosities in the legs. Varicose veins are more common to those who regularly stand for long periods. 2. Painful Muscle Cramping The most common symptom of poor circulation is claudication, described as muscle discomfort or painful cramping, particularly in the legs. This is felt when you exercise or walk and usually disappears after resting your legs. The muscles that are most involved are the hips, thighs or calves. Claudication happens if there is a hindrance to the normal blood flow. For example, in atherosclerosis, where there is a buildup of cholesterol plaques in the blood vessels, the muscles cannot get enough blood during physical activity. The cramping pain is the muscle’s way of warning you that it is not getting enough blood during exercise to meet its increased demand. 3. Numbness or Weakness Reduced blood flow to different body parts may cause slow and irreversible damage to the nerves, which may be felt as tingling, numbness or weakness in that area. This is particularly alarming because having numbness on the extremities decreases your skin’s sensitivity to pain. As a result, there may be instances where your skin has already been damaged or wounded, but you cannot feel it. 4. Temperature Differences in the Extremities Poor circulation can lead to fluctuations in your skin’s temperature regulation. For example, reduced blood flow to your hands or feet may make them colder than the other parts of your body. To assess the temperature of your skin, you can use the back of your hands for a more accurate assessment. 5. Wounds That Do Not Heal or Heal Slowly Wounds heal by the different components and cells delivered through the bloodstream to the affected area. When blood flow is compromised, the healing process takes much longer and may even lead to infections. Even the slightest break in the skin may lead to catastrophic changes that could lead to amputation, especially in people with diabetes. 6. Change of Skin Color When there is insufficient blood flow, the skin may appear pale or blue (cyanosis). The change of color in the skin indicates that the oxygen-rich blood is unable to reach those tissues. The commonly affected body parts that may have this symptom are the toes, fingers, palms, soles and lips. [youmaylike] 7. Poor Hair or Nail Growth Hair and nails need the nutrients in your body to keep them healthy. Nutrients are delivered to the hair and nails through the blood. Therefore, any blockage or hindrance of the normal circulation of blood may affect the growth of healthy hair and nails, which can lead to hair loss or poor nail growth. 8. Shiny Skin on Legs Shiny skin on the legs can indicate that the skin stretched due to excess fluids in the legs. Poor circulation can cause blood pooling in the legs, resulting in fluid leakage from the blood vessels to the surrounding tissues. In turn, the skin will stretch, giving it a shiny appearance. 9. Weak Pulses When blood flow is restricted, the usual, brisk pulses on the extremities become weaker. Doctors usually include this in their physical examination to rule out any peripheral arterial disease. 10. Erectile Dysfunction in Men The penis is made up mostly of blood vessels. Penile erection happens because the arteries of the penis are filled up with blood to elongate and stiffen the organ. When there is poor circulation, blood cannot fill up the blood vessels in the penis. Most cases of impotence are a complication primarily of the arterial system. What is Poor Circulation? Poor circulation is not a condition in itself, but having any of its symptoms may indicate more serious conditions, such as: Peripheral artery disease (PAD). Uncontrolled diabetes. Blood clots. Atherosclerosis (buildup of fatty deposits in the vessels). Heart conditions. Having poor circulation may not be apparent initially. Still, whether you experience symptoms or not, it is important to be aware of them early on to help detect the underlying cause. For example, smoking, a sedentary lifestyle and obesity are all factors that increase the likelihood of a person experiencing poor circulation symptoms. In Review The symptoms of poor circulation may vary for each person. In general, conditions that cause poor circulation are easier to treat when your doctor detects it early. If you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that it may be caused by a dysfunction in your normal blood circulation, it is essential that you see your doctor for assessment and treatment right away.
Ankylosing Spondylitis Diet
What you eat has a direct effect on your health. While small changes won't cure you of anything, it may help manage flare-ups. Those suffering from ankylosing spondylitis may experience a reduction in symptoms by changing their diet a bit. So, let’s take a deeper look at ankylosing spondylitis diet recommendations.
What is Ankylosing Spondylitis?
Ankylosing spondylitis is a disease that impacts your spine. The body exhibits an inflammatory response that, over time, causes your vertebrae to fuse. Depending on the exact vertebrate that becomes fused, patients experience different types (and severities) of symptoms.
For example, the fusion of the lower vertebrate may make it difficult to bend over or cause stiffness and back pain. However, it becomes more severe when vertebrae are fused near the ribs. Patients suffering from this particular type may have problems breathing over time.
Early Signs and Symptoms
Pain and stiffness of the spine are some early indications of ankylosing spondylitis. As time goes on, symptoms will worsen. Sometimes, the worsening (or experience of) early symptoms comes and goes in waves.
While this may happen anywhere at the spine, the most commonly impacted areas are located:
- Between the end of your spine and pelvis
- At the lower back
- Areas where tendons and ligaments attach to
- Near your shoulders
- Near your hips
Many patients experience the worst symptoms after periods of inactivity. While no one knows the exact cause of the disease, there is evidence to suggest that there is a genetic basis to a diagnosis. The disease has a wide range of complications that span beyond direct, physical constraints.
Such possible complications include:
- Eye inflammation
- Compression fractures
- Problems with your heart
Doctors come to a diagnosis through imaging techniques, laboratory results, and physical examinations. Once they officially diagnose your condition, they can assess which steps should be taken next.
The Ideal Diet for Ankylosing Spondylitis
Many experts recommend a specialized diet to target the symptoms of ankylosing spondylitis. It is important to highlight that these are not meant to replace other interventions in many cases, but help enhance the quality of life.
This diet suggests eating a balanced diet with foods rich in antioxidants, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Guidelines also warn that patients should cut back on substances such as fat, sugar, alcohol, and salt. When diets alone are not enough, talk to a doctor about which supplements are right for you.
Maintaining a healthy weight also helps manage symptoms, so it is important to try to stay fit and eat in moderation.
Foods to eat to manage ankylosing spondylitis and maintain a healthy weight include:
- Fruits
- Vegetables
- Whole grains
- Fatty fish (like salmon or tuna)
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
- Almonds
- Broccoli
- Chinese cabbage
- Kale
Ankylosing Spondylitis Treatments
Getting a diagnosis means a doctor can start designing a treatment plan. Treatments help relieve symptom pain and discomfort and delay complications. Treatments are most effective when they are performed earliest. If left untreated, the disease may cause irreversible joint damage.
Medications
Pharmaceutical intervention is a popular and effective method for treating different diseases. One particularly popular class of drugs is nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), like naproxen or indomethacin. These medications treat ankylosing spondylitis by reducing inflammation, which causes the symptoms and damage.
However, when not effective, doctors may also suggest other drugs such as TNF blockers. There are currently five official approved TNF blockers for ankylosing spondylitis treatment, including Humira, Cimzia, Enbrel, Simponi, and Remicade.
Surgery
Surgeries are only necessary in extreme cases. However, if you suffer from extreme damage, you may need to have a damaged joint, such as a hip, replaced.
Physical Therapy
Learning how to stay active and maintaining movement and flexibility is important. It helps with the treatment and enhances your prognosis. A physical therapist can design an effective lesson plan for you to thrive off of.
Lifestyle Changes
Many different lifestyle changes positively influence patients and treatment outcomes. This includes many things such as staying happy, treating stiff joints when swollen with heat/ice, and avoiding unhealthy habits, like smoking. Practicing good posture and regular exercise is a great way to stay healthy – regardless of your diagnosis. There are also many different dietary changes you may want to consider.
Keep in Mind
While the internet is a useful tool to explore different options, ultimately, medical advice may only be provided by a licensed care physician. Always contact your doctor for expert advice and recommendations as they have the medical training and education to best serve their patients. Even “holistic” approaches, such supplements or dietary changes, are worth discussing with your doctor if you suffer from any medical conditions.