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.
Side Effects of Radiation for Breast Cancer
Around 13% of women in the United States will develop an aggressive form of breast cancer. Although this looks alarming, breast cancer can be treated in many ways. Radiation therapy is one of them, but there are side effects of radiation for breast cancer. What is radiation therapy, and is it effective and safe? This article will explain what it is, why it is used to help treat breast cancer, what the most common side effects are, and how you can manage them.
What is Breast Cancer?
Cancer is a disease wherein the cells lose regulations in cell division and continuously replicate. This uncontrolled growth and division of cells form a mass which is known as a tumor. Breast cancer occurs when these abnormal cells are found in the breast. The most common cells affected are the lining of the milk ducts. Usually, a mass is felt in the breast, but invasive breast cancer can spread through the blood or the lymphatic system and be transported throughout the body. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women. It is second to lung cancer as the highest cause of cancer-related death among women.
Breast Cancer Symptoms
Changes in how the breasts look and feel are important in identifying breast cancer. These changes could look like this:
- Breast lump
- Changes in breast size or shape
- Breast swelling or pain
- Dimpling of the skin in or around the breast (resembles an orange peel)
- Changes in the nipple (inward turning of the nipple, nipple that is dry or flaky, nipple discharge, nipple pain)
- Lymph nodes that are swollen or painful
Having these symptoms does not automatically point to breast cancer. However, when these are encountered, it is important to see a doctor right away to have them evaluated. Checking for symptoms also does not replace routine screening for breast cancer, especially for high-risk populations.
Treatment for Breast Cancer
There are many options to treat breast cancer, depending on the type and severity of the cancer. As some forms of breast cancer are very aggressive and invasive, treatment usually consists of combining different treatment options. These include surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and hormonal therapy. It all depends on the stage and invasiveness of the cancer. For some forms, conservative surgery may be done first, followed by radiation therapy and chemotherapy or hormonal therapy.
What is Radiation?
Radiation is energy produced and released from electromagnetic waves or subatomic particles. Radiation therapy works by preventing cancer cells from dividing and multiplying. It exposes cells to high-energy rays, which can either directly kill the cells or result in genetic changes that can cause cell death.
Radiation therapy for breast cancer is done in various areas. Radiation can be performed in the breast, chest, underarm area, and above or below the collarbone. It is regularly done in short courses for over 3 to 4 weeks or sometimes longer. It is also usually done along with hormonal therapy.
Why is Radiation Used to Help Treat Breast Cancer?
Radiation therapy is an important addition to the treatment of breast cancer. After surgery, it decreases the rate of cancer recurrence, the chance of complications and death, and improves patients' chances of survival. It is also a good treatment option as breast-conserving therapy. After conservative surgery, which can still preserve the breast, radiation therapy helps with local control of spread.
What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Radiation?
Radiation therapy is beneficial to patients with breast cancer. It is non-invasive and preserves the structure of the breast. However, every treatment has its side effects. Side effects of radiation vary, and some may be immediately evident while others take time to manifest. It is important to know about the side effects to be able to make an informed decision before therapy.
Some side effects may be immediately noticeable weeks after starting treatment. These include breast pain or discomfort. It can become itchy, red, and peel like it was sunburnt. Another side effect is fatigue, feeling weak or tired, and lacking energy. This usually begins after radiation treatment and can last for months after the treatment ends. Fatigue can also lead to sleeping problems such as insomnia.
More long-term side effects include discoloration of the breast and changes in the size of the breast, becoming smaller over time. Swelling of the breast, back, or chest area can also occur due to the accumulation of fluid in the arms. This condition is called lymphedema and occurs if radiation therapy includes the lymph nodes in the underarm area or above the collarbone.
How to Manage the Side Effects of Radiation
Despite radiation therapy having side effects, there are ways by which we can alleviate them. Some are simple remedies, while others may need the evaluation and help of a doctor. For breast soreness or pain, common pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen can be helpful. If the breast becomes red, itchy, or beings peeling, some creams can be used for relief.
Exercising and getting enough sleep can help combat fatigue. Short, simple exercises such as walking for 20 to 30 minutes per day can help alleviate this side effect. If fatigue or sleeping problems persist or lymphedema is evident, a doctor can help manage them.
Breast cancer is a very challenging illness, but we have many treatment options for people with it. Remember, no treatment is without side effects. It is crucial to be aware of these treatment options and their side effects to give the best management for every person.