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.
How to Cure Hemorrhoids
If you have ever experienced hemorrhoids in your life, then you know it is not a fun journey. However, for those who have been fortunate, here is what you need to know: while uncomfortable and painful, hemorrhoids are treatable, and as long as you take the proper steps early enough, you will not have to suffer too much. Here we will dive into learning about how to cure hemorrhoids.
But, before we go into the treatment phase, you must understand what hemorrhoids are and what causes them. Let’s have a short but essential human biology lesson!
What Are Hemorrhoids?
Hemorrhoids are particularly common among people 50 and over. However, many women experience hemorrhoids during pregnancy and childbirth as well.
Hemorrhoids occur when you put extra stress on the blood vessels in your pelvic region, mainly your lower rectum and anus. When that happens, these veins and vessels swell up, causing pain and discomfort. Hemorrhoids can occur inside and outside the anus.
What Causes Hemorrhoids?
Aside from extra stress, other sources increase your chances of getting hemorrhoids, such as:
- Pregnancy
- Older age
- Chronic diarrhea or constipation, or long-term conditions
- Straining during regular bowel movements
- Family history
What Are the Symptoms of Hemorrhoids?
Typically, itching and pain around your anus are clear signs that you may have hemorrhoids. This itchiness and pain can also become extreme, in which case, you will also experience other symptoms, including:
- Fecal leakage
- Painful bowel movements
- Painful swelling or itchy lump near the anus
- Extreme itching around the anus (you may also feel itchiness inside)
- Irritation and sensitivity around the anus
- Signs of blood after you have had a bowel movement
There’s no doubt that these signs are scary, and you may be worried that there is something wrong. But do not fret. The best way to deal with any health problem is efficient care.
If you experience these symptoms and find yourself having black bowel movements, book an appointment with your doctor right away.
How to Treat Hemorrhoids
Once you visit your doctor, they will likely conduct a visual examination of your pelvic area, including the anus. They will also conduct an exam known as the digital rectal exam to check for abnormalities. The doctor will use a lubricated, gloved finger to check your rectum for any signs, swelling, or irritation.
If you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, gastronomical diseases, or others, they may also order additional tests, such as a colonoscopy, anoscopy, or sigmoidoscopy.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed, they will begin by putting you on painkillers. They may also prescribe some fiber supplements, but if your condition is severe, they will recommend a medical procedure, such as rubber band ligation.
Treating Hemorrhoids at Home
A silver lining to the commonality of hemorrhoids is that you get plenty of home remedies.
One in particular is to soak your bottom in a sitz bath. Sitz baths are commonly recommended to soothe the posterior for after-birth pain in the perineum or period cramps. These are also useful for those who have itching and pain from hemorrhoids. The sitz bath relaxes the muscles and relieves pain in the anus, which helps ease the swollen muscles.
Anal hygiene is also crucial for those who get hemorrhoids. Use warm water before cleaning yourself with toilet paper after you defecate. Use soft toilet paper that does not scratch your skin. Wash with warm water every day or take a quick shower, but do not use soap or body wash on your anus because that may aggravate the hemorrhoids.
Also, use a cold compress if you experience excessive swelling. Place the pack right on your anus, but cover it with a cloth so the cold does not sting. Alongside, use over-the-counter medication such as ibuprofen, aspirin, and hemorrhoid or hydrocortisone cream to prevent the hemorrhoids from getting worse.
Slowly but surely, the swelling that is causing your pain will deflate and return to normal.
Treating Hemorrhoids Naturally
Natural treatment processes mainly depend on you taking the proper steps to prevent further pain.
This means doing everything you can to make your bowel movements smooth and pain-free. For that, some habits you should acquire are:
- Drinking at least two liters of water a day
- Using the restroom as soon as you feel the pressure of a bowel movement
- Exercising regularly or taking an energetic daily walk after a meal to prevent constipation
- Avoid sitting in the same spot for hours at a time
- Maintaining a dietary fiber-rich diet to prevent stomach issues
Your everyday habits can make a world of difference for your overall health. If you want to impact your health truly, so you do not get hemorrhoids again, you must change your routine and include more movement and healthy eating, so the anal vessels and veins do not come under stress.
Otherwise, you will end up with a chronic condition, and hemorrhoids are not something you want to have long-term.
Final Thoughts
Hemorrhoids are a painful problem, one you would not wish on your worst enemies. So, why endure it yourself?
Heed our advice and get in touch with your doctor. Follow their recommendations and revise your daily schedule. Taking care of yourself now will prevent all unfortunate pain for you in the future!