How To Tell If You Have Good Circulation

As we get older, the talk of circulation becomes more prevalent. Your primary care physician may ask about your circulation and you honestly may have no idea on how to answer.  After all, how can you even tell if you have good circulation or not? It may not be something that you think of often. You’re not alone.

 

However, even though you don’t think of it often, circulation is pretty important. In fact, poor circulation can lead to varicose veins and even more serious conditions such as deep vein thrombosis and blood clots. If you’re wondering if you have good blood circulation, check out some of the most common signs and symptoms of bad circulation.

 

1. Numbness – Numbness in your feet and hands is a common symptom of poor blood circulation. This can be described as tingling sensations or even discoloration depending upon the severity.
2. Temperature changes – If you notice that your hands or feet are always cold, this could be a sign of bad circulation. Good blood flow brings natural warmth to your extremities.
3. Swelling – Swelling of your hands or feet and even joint pain or muscle aches/weakness are signs of bad circulation.
4. Skin color changes – If left untreated, poor circulation can lead to skin color changes and even varicose veins or DVT.

 

Bad circulation is nothing to take lightly. It’s important that you speak to your doctor regularly about your circulation and heart health. The more on-top of your circulation you are, the better.

 

Here are three easy, at-home ways that you can increase circulation.

 

1. Quit smoking – smoking is hard on your body in general. It also negatively affects your veins and eventually your circulation. While it’s not “easy” to quit smoking, it’s totally worth it in the long run.
2. Eat a healthy, well-balanced diet – Eating well and maintaining a clean lifestyle is essential for improving and promoting good circulation. They key is everything in moderation. You don’t have to give up Friday night pizza, but add in a few more salads and water during your week. Lots of small, healthy choices add up to big, healthy results.
3. Exercise regularly – Exercising 30 minutes a day 5 days a week is no easy feat for modern day working people. However, if you can add in a 10 minute walk during your break at work, or a 30 min walk after work with your dog Max, it will help! The more exercise you get, and the better your diet is, you will find yourself in a healthy weight range. This all adds up to better circulation.

If you have concerns about your veins because you have symptoms of vein disease or risk factors mentioned, be sure to make an appointment with Vein Specialists Dr. Eston Wenger of Premier Surgical Associates in Cleveland, TN. Call (423) 472-5423 or CLICK HERE to request an appointment online!