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.
Top 3 Pink Eye Natural Remedies
There are many notorious diseases that spread easily and quickly. While they are not all life-threatening, many of these illnesses cause pain or discomfort people want to avoid. Luckily, common diseases, like pink eye, are very treatable and don’t pose much risk. There are many effective remedies you can even try right in your own home.
What Is Pink Eye?
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, refers to the infection or swelling of the tissue that frames your eyelids. This area of the eye, the conjunctiva, is full of tiny blood vessels that are barely noticeable most of the time. However, when inflammation occurs, it exaggerates the vessels and makes the eyes have a reddish or pink appearance.
Redness is a trademark symptom of pink eye, but it is not the only sign of the disease. In addition to discoloration in the whites of one’s eyes, individuals may also experience other symptoms in their eyes, including:
- Itchiness
- Grittiness
- Tearing
- Discharge
Some of these symptoms may result in a crust forming on the eye that can make it challenging to open them.
What Causes Pink Eye?
Many different events can cause pink eye. To better understand this, consider that “pink eye” is a broad term that classifies several different phenomena. For the most part, pink eye is the result of bacterial or viral infections. It can also be caused by allergens, blocked tear ducts, or deformities (especially in newborns and infants).
It’s important to note that depending on the cause of pink eye, the disease may be highly contagious. While pink eye from things such as allergens or incomplete tear ducts are not contagious, individuals may spread infections through contact.
A physician’s evaluation is needed to determine the exact cause of pink eye. If there is concern about a contagious state of the disease, consider disinfecting contaminated articles to reduce the spread.
Reducing the Spread of Pink Eye
Reducing the spread of pink eye is crucial to keep your household clean. Practicing regular personal hygiene goes a long way. Even if you are not in direct contact with someone suffering from pink eye, you should wash your hands often and avoid touching your face.
You should also regularly wash your clothes, towels, and pillowcases. Avoid sharing cosmetics, washcloths, and any other personal hygiene products. If you contracted pink eye, immediately wash any items you’ve been in contact with. Dispose of any products used directly on your eye (e.g., mascara or eyeliner) and refrain from using contacts until the infection cleared. You can still wear glasses but disinfect them.
Are There Natural Remedies for Pink Eye?
Although there are pharmaceutical interventions to address severe cases of pink eye, there are many natural remedies one may try. In many cases, you just need to wait for pink eye to “run its course.” Treatments involve reducing symptoms for comfort. Top home remedies doctors often recommend include:
- Artificial tears — these can be purchased over the counter and help alleviate the irritation
- Regular rinsing — washing out eyes and keeping them clean reduces build-up that prohibits you from opening your eyes
- Warm compresses — apply several times a day to help break up the build-up and reduce swelling
Most cases do not require further treatment; however, if symptoms persist, you may need antibiotic drops available only through prescription.
When Should I Visit a Doctor?
It is a wise idea to visit a doctor whenever you or your loved one experience any troubling symptoms. Trained medical care physicians are educated to help keep their patients safe and direct you towards the most effective treatment options available.
Pink eye shares many symptoms with other, more severe diseases, so it is important that you have a doctor examine you to make sure that your distress is not a sign of another illness. It’s especially important to keep this in mind if your symptoms are accompanied by light sensitivity, vision disturbances, pain, or feeling like something is lodged in your eye.
It’s highly recommended that you should make an appointment with your doctor if symptoms do not disappear on their own after 12 hours.
Remember that just because something is natural or homeopathic does not mean the treatment is for everyone. Even some holistic interventions have side effects or interactions you should discuss with your doctor. Your doctor can recommend some natural treatments that are safe and effective for you or your loved one.