Poor Circulation In Feet: Causes, Treatments, And How To Improve It

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Medical News TodaySubscribeHow to improve poor circulation in the feet

Medically reviewed by Adam Hotchkiss, DPM — Written by Hana Ames — Updated on November 13, 2023

Symptoms
Underlying causes
Risk factors
Diagnosis
Improving circulation
Contacting a doctor
FAQ
Summary

Tips for improving symptoms include keeping moving, avoiding tobacco, and massaging the feet. People should speak with a doctor if they experience persistent poor circulation for a proper diagnosis and treatment.

The body transports blood, oxygen, and nutrients to cells around the body through the circulatory system. If blood vessels in an area close, harden, or narrow, a person may develop reduced circulation.

Poor circulation in the feet can cause the feet to become cold, discolored, or numb. Cold weather or an underlying condition, such as Raynaud’s disease, can cause it.

In this article, we will look at the symptoms of poor circulation in the feet, potential causes, treatments, and self-care techniques.

Signs and symptoms

A person wearing warm red socks, warming their feet on a radiator to help with poor circulation. — perfectlab/Getty Images

People with poor circulation may notice their feet feel cold or numb. They may also notice discoloration. The feet may turn red, blue, purple, or white.

These symptoms may worsen in certain situations, such as when a person sits still for long periods or goes outside in cold weather. However, for some people, these symptoms may be constant or flare up due to an underlying condition.

Additional symptoms of poor circulation can include:

dry or cracked skin
hair loss on the legs or feet
weak toenails
slow wound healing

Underlying causes

Below are some of the underlying conditions that may cause reduced circulation.

Raynaud‘s disease

Raynaud’s disease syndrome causes blood vessels to narrow when someone is cold or, sometimes, when stressed. This limits the amount of blood flowing to the fingers and toes. Rarely, it may affect other areas, such as the nose and ears.

The symptoms include:

fingers or toes turning white or blue
cold extremities
pain
numbness
tingling
a burning sensation

These symptoms can last as little as 1 minute or as long as several hours.

Most people with Raynaud’s disease have the primary form of the condition. Some people have secondary Raynaud’s, which occurs due to another illness. Secondary Raynaud’s tends to be more severe.

There is no cure for Raynaud’s, but it is possible to reduce the symptoms and potentially reduce the frequency of attacks with medical treatment and lifestyle changes.

Acrocyanosis

Acrocyanosis is a condition that causes the extremities, such as the toes, to turn blue. This occurs when the blood vessels constrict, preventing blood flow and oxygen from moving through that part of the body.

It is a rare condition that is similar to Raynaud’s phenomenon. The main symptoms include:

blue-tinged fingers or toes
cold, clammy skin
swelling
a typical pulse

As with Raynaud’s, there are two types of acrocyanosis: primary and secondary. Primary acrocyanosis occurs on its own and typically affects both sides of the body, for example, both feet. Further research is necessary to understand the cause.

Secondary acrocyanosis often affects only one side of the body and can be a result of many conditions, including eating disorders, blood disorders, and genetic conditions.

Diabetes

If a person has diabetes, they are at risk of blood vessel damage. This may happen if they experience high blood glucose levels for extended periods.

If a person with diabetes does not receive any treatment, they could develop reduced circulation in the feet, as well as foot ulcers that do not heal.

Managing diabetes effectively can help prevent foot problems. People with diabetes should receive an annual foot examination to ensure they do not have poor circulation, ulcers, or neuropathy.

Arteriosclerosis

Arteriosclerosis occurs when the arteries harden, and blood cannot travel through them easily.

Some people with arteriosclerosis exhibit no symptoms, while others may develop some. The symptoms vary depending on which arteries the condition affects and may include:

pressure in the chest
shortness of breath
irregular heartbeat
weakness
problems with breathing
confusion
dizziness

Treatment for arteriosclerosis may include medication, such as medication to control a person’s cholesterol or surgery to open blocked arteries or remove plaque buildup.

Peripheral artery disease

If left untreated, arteriosclerosis can turn into peripheral artery disease (PAD). PAD occurs when plaque builds up in arteries. This can reduce or even stop blood flow, resulting in tissue death and potentially amputation.

Symptoms may include:

leg pain
weakness in the legs
leg cramping
toenails not growing
a pale or blue foot

Prescription medication can improve symptoms in people with reduced circulation. In more severe cases, a person may require surgery.

Risk factors

Factors that can increase the likelihood of low circulation include:

smoking
high cholesterol
high blood pressure

Smoking can reduce blood flow by affecting a person’s cardiovascular system. It raises the risk of arteriosclerosis and PAD.

Additionally, smoking is a risk factor for a form of vasculitis known as Buerger’s disease, which can cause severe Raynaud’s. In some cases, Buerger’s can cause gangrene.

Caffeine, alcohol, and stress can also constrict blood vessels, causing or worsening circulation problems.

Diagnosis

A doctor can diagnose circulation problems and any underlying issues causing them. They may ask about a person’s medical history, as well as their symptoms.

Doctors may diagnose Raynaud’s or acrocyanosis from symptoms and a physical examination. They may also try cold stimulation to observe the body’s response or a nailfold capillaroscopy, which can detect changes in the capillaries.

Doctors diagnose PAD with a physical examination and by comparing the blood pressure in a person’s arm versus their ankle. They can diagnose diabetes using a blood sugar or urine test.

How to improve circulation at home

The best way to improve foot circulation is to treat any underlying conditions that may be causing it. If doctors cannot pinpoint a cause, however, several self-care strategies may help.

People can try:

Move more: A 2020 study found that simple leg stretches can help improve vascular function after 12 weeks. The stretching regime made arteries less stiff, helping them dilate. If sitting for a long time, set reminders to get up and move around.
Massage: Massaging the feet can stimulate circulation. People with Raynaud’s may also find it helps prevent or shorten attacks.
Relaxation techniques: Breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and tai chi can help manage unavoidable stress.
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, and alcohol: Caffeine and alcohol can constrict blood vessels and exacerbate Raynaud’s.
Wear compression socks: Compression socks apply pressure to the legs and feet, forcing blood to travel back toward the heart.
Stay warm: If circulation problems worsen in cold conditions, keep the home at a comfortable temperature and wrap up in layers. Use hand or foot warmers when necessary.

When to contact a doctor

Anyone experiencing persistent circulation problems in the feet should speak with a doctor. Sometimes, this is a symptom of an underlying condition that requires treatment.

A person should call 911 or contact the local emergency department if they experience:

swelling in one or both limbs
pain that begins at the calf in the affected limb
warmth
skin discoloration

These symptoms can indicate deep vein thrombosis, which can be life threatening.

Frequently asked questions

Below are some common questions about poor circulation in the feet.

How can someone check the circulation in their feet?

People can look out for the following symptoms of poor circulation in the feet:

skin discoloration
dry or cracked skin
hair loss
slow wound healing
weak toenails

What vitamin is good for circulation in the feet?

According to the United Kingdom’s National Health Service (NHS), some people with Raynaud’s phenomenon may benefit from taking additional vitamin C and E.

However, further research is necessary to understand how effective these vitamins are at improving circulation.

More vitamins and supplements for circulation.

Does soaking feet in hot water help blood circulation?

Soaking the feet in hot water can increase blood flow. It is also a common treatment recommendation for people with Raynaud’s phenomenon to reduce the severity and length of a flare.

Summary

Poor circulation can occur for many reasons. Sometimes, it is due to a disease that requires treatment. However, it can also occur on its own due to a condition such as primary Raynaud’s.

Staying warm and active, wearing compression socks, and managing stress may help people relieve the symptoms of poor circulation in the feet. However, it is important to seek guidance from a doctor so that they can rule out underlying conditions.

Read this article in Spanish.

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How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

An J, et al. (2019). The thermal effects of water immersion on health outcomes: An integrative review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6479732/
Bisconti AV, et al. (2020). Evidence for improved systemic and local vascular function after long-term passive static stretching training of the musculoskeletal system.https://physoc.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1113/JP279866
Diabetes & foot problems. (2017).https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/diabetes/overview/preventing-problems/foot-problems
Kent JT, et al. (2020). A visually striking case of primary acrocyanosis: A rare cause of the blue digit.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7395312/
Nawaz I, et al. (2022). Raynaud’s phenomenon: Reviewing the pathophysiology and management strategies.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8884459/
Poor blood circulation. (2023).https://www.diabetes.co.uk/diabetes-complications/poor-blood-circulation.html
Qaja E, et al. (2023). Buerger disease.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430858/
Raynaud's phenomenon. (2021).https://www.niams.nih.gov/health-topics/raynauds-phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon. (n.d.).https://www.oxfordhealth.nhs.uk/wp-content/uploads/2014/01/OP-042.14-Raynauds-phenomenon-leaflet-Oxfordshire.pdf
Raynaud's phenomenon. (n.d.).https://rheumatology.org/patients/raynauds-phenomenon
Smoking and cardiovascular disease. (n.d.).https://www.cdc.gov/tobacco/data_statistics/sgr/50th-anniversary/pdfs/fs_smoking_CVD_508.pdf
What Is atherosclerosis? (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/atherosclerosis
What is peripheral artery disease? (2022).https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/peripheral-artery-disease
Wollina U, et al. (2018). Acrocyanosis – a symptom with many facettes.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5816301/

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Medically reviewed by Adam Hotchkiss, DPM — Written by Hana Ames — Updated on November 13, 2023

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Tag » Why Do My Feet Turn Red When I Stand

Poor Circulation In Feet: Causes, Treatments, And How To Improve It

Signs and symptoms

Underlying causes

Raynaud‘s disease

Acrocyanosis

Diabetes

Arteriosclerosis

Peripheral artery disease

Risk factors

Diagnosis

How to improve circulation at home

When to contact a doctor

Frequently asked questions

How can someone check the circulation in their feet?

What vitamin is good for circulation in the feet?

Does soaking feet in hot water help blood circulation?

Summary

How we reviewed this article:

Latest news

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