Common signs of poor circulation in your feet are cold feet and toes, your legs falling asleep or feeling numb, cramps and your feet taking on a pale or slightly blue appearance, according to MedlinePlus, a service of the National Institutes of Health. Poor foot circulation is not unusual, especially if you spend most of the day sitting at a desk, and the initial treatment includes exercise, a healthy diet and good foot care. However, the condition can be a sign of more serious cardiovascular problems or diabetes, so you should always seek medical advice if your symptoms persist.
Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
When you sit still for long periods of time, your heart rate slows and the blood flows much more slowly and less forcefully around your body. This means your extremities, such as your feet and hands, receive less oxygenated blood and nutrients and this causes the numb sensation. Regular, moderate exercise will enlarge your arteries to push more blood around your body. If you have a desk job, try taking a short, brisk walk a couple of times a day to help get the blood pumping throughout your body. In between times–and on busy days when you can’t get out of the office–do foot circles at your desk to keep your legs and feet active. Simply raise one leg, circle your foot 10 times in one direction then the other and repeat on the other leg. It’s also important to eat a healthy diet that’s low in salt and saturated fats, which can clog your arteries and worsen circulation. Make sure you include foods that are high in omega-3 essential fatty acids, such as salmon and mackerel, which promote circulation, the Natural Old Home
Take Care of Your Feet
If you have poor circulation in your feet, you may find that it takes longer for cuts and injuries to heal, says Patient UK, a health information website based in the United Kingdom. This is because blood is essential for wound repair and preventing infection. To prevent damage to your feet, always wear supportive shoes and socks and avoid footwear that is tight as this will restrict blood flow further. Take extra care when cutting or filing your toenails and see a professional for more advanced foot treatments, such as dead skin and cuticle removal. It’s also important to attend to any injuries as soon as they occur to avoid infection, and see your doctor if they fail to heal or appear to get worse. Making foot massage a part of your regular foot care routine can also help stimulate blood flow and improve circulation to the area, says SteadyHealth.com. For best results, see a professional, but you will also feel the benefits from gently kneading your feet and calf muscles as you apply daily moisturizer to these areas.