POOR CIRCULATION IN THE FEET & LEGS/LEG CRAMPS

Do you have to bundle up your feet to keep them warm, even though the weather is hot?  Or maybe you get cramps in your calf muscles if you walk a short distance?  This can be a sign that you have poor circulation (problems with the blood vessels in your legs and feet)

Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) is 20 times more common in people with diabetes.  Diabetics are at a greater risk for circulation problems then a non-diabetic.   If you get an occasional leg cramp or if your feet get cold sometimes that doesn't necessarily mean you have circulation problems.  If either of these symptoms become a regular occurrence or more severe, that is a signal you may need to contact your doctor.

Leg cramps might go away if you rest awhile.  If they last for a long period of time and the underlying cause isn't found the distance you can walk without getting leg cramps can get shorter and shorter.  As the problem becomes more severe the pain may even occur when you're not walking.  It
can start happening when you're sitting or lying down.

With no treatment your arteries can become completely blocked which can result in gangrene.  This can lead to amputation of the affected limb.
 

IS IT POOR CIRCULATION OR NEUROPATHY?

If you have pain or a cold sensation in your feet or legs it's important to find out whether the problem is due to nerve damage (neuropathy) or from poor circulation.  Neuropathy pain is different from a pain caused by poor circulation.

The pain you get from neuropathy may most likely be cold, stabbing or burning.  This pain may come and go and can't really be predicted.

The pain you get from poor circulation is more predictable.  It can occur when you walk or when you lie down.  Neuropathy can cause a loss of sensation in your feet that can hide the pain caused by poor circulation.
 

PROBLEMS WITH HEALING

Poor circulation can also cause problems with healing.   Normally your body makes a good supply of blood to heal tissues heal after you injure yourself.  If you have a problem with poor circulation healing may be quite slow.  Even a small cut or ingrown nail may take a long time to heal.  Slow healing can not only be uncomfortable, but it can also increase your risk for spreading an infection
beyond the area you injured.
 

HOW YOUR DOCTOR CAN TELL IF YOU HAVE POOR CIRCULATION

If you think you are developing poor circulation in your feet you should contact your podiatrist (foot doctor) as soon as possible. The podiatrist will check the pulse on the top of your foot and behind your ankle.  If he feels a weak pulse that may indicate a problem with circulation in the blood vessels in your foot.  This check should also be done every time you visit your podiatrist.

The doctor should also check for changes in skin color, variations in temperature and hair growth on your toes.  Any variations from "normal" can be a sign of poor circulation.  Your doctor can also use special machine to monitor the blood flow in your feet and legs.
 

TREATMENT

If poor circulation is discovered you may be referred to a vascular surgeon.  A vascular surgeon specializes in circulation problems.  This type of doctor can also prescribe medication to improve your circulation, especially to the blood vessels to the muscles that are affected by leg cramps.

Exercise improves circulation in some people.  Others may need surgery to enlarge narrowed blood vessels or to bypass any clogged blood vessels entirely.
 

PREVENTION TIPS
 There isn't anything you can do to completely keep yourself from developing circulatory problems but there are some things you can do to lower your risks.

The first thing you can think about doing is keeping your blood glucose in good control.  If you haven't been following a diabetes management plan start today.  You need to follow your meal plans, lose any excess weight, exercise regularly and take your medications (oral or insulin) as prescribed.  You also need to monitor your blood glucose levels to see how well your diabetes management plan is working.

If you're a diabetic with poor circulation you should be eating a diet that is low in fat.  This type of diet will help prevent fatty deposits from lining the blood vessels in your legs.

Your exercise program should include walking.  A good walking program can help you maintain a good supply of blood to your feet.

Another thing you can do is stop smoking.  Smoking constricts blood vessels with every puff you take.

Here are some other thingS you can to do ease your discomfort if you have poor circulation to your legs and feet:
 

a) Wear thermal socks when it's cold outside.

b) Wear insulated boots when it's cold outside.

c) Wear socks that will help keep the moisture away from your skin.  That will help keep your feet warm, especially at night.

d) Never use a hot water bottle or heating pads to warm  your feet.  If you have neuropathy your feet might get burned without you feeling it.

e) Don't wear anything tight on your feet (tight hose, tight socks, garters with elastic supports, etc...) These can cut down or cut off the circulation in your feet.