When your leg muscles do not receive enough blood, they become painful. At El Paso Desert West Vein & Surgery Center, you can receive treatment for leg pain associated with poor blood circulation. Your specialist will use appropriate tests to determine your vascular disease.
What conditions cause poor blood circulation?
Poor blood circulation can result from various vascular diseases like varicose veins, peripheral artery disease, and deep vein thrombosis. The diseases will exhibit multiple symptoms, but leg pain is the most similar to the three conditions.
Symptoms of poor blood circulation in your legs
Other than pain, you can experience the following symptoms:
- Throbbing
- Restlessness
- Cramping
- Swelling
- Fatigue
- Heaviness
- Tingling or numbness
Diagnosis and treatment options
Before your vein specialist can offer treatment, they will conduct different tests to determine the cause of your leg pain. Although varicose veins are visible, a disease like peripheral artery disease (PAD) might need a different diagnostic approach, like the ankle-brachial pressure index (ABPI) test.
Your specialist can also use the leg-elevation test, which involves elevating your legs at 60 degrees. Then, bend and extend your knees for about 30 seconds or one minute. The leg with poor blood circulation might become pale or painful.
Your treatment options include lifestyle changes, medications, radiofrequency ablation, and surgery. Your vein specialist will inform you about the treatment method before administering it.
How to improve blood circulation in your legs
You can manage poor blood circulation at home by adjusting your lifestyle habits. Besides diet and exercise, you can visit your vein specialist regularly to check your legs. Use the following tips to increase blood flow to your legs and reduce the pain.
Exercise
Poor blood circulation is rampant in people who sit down or stand for long periods. Such people have restrictions on movement. Exercise can help you improve blood circulation by increasing your heart rate and blood transportation. Furthermore, cardiovascular exercises will strengthen your heart muscles.
Elevate your legs
You can elevate your legs if you have leg pain and swelling due to poor blood circulation. The elevation technique works by elevating your legs at a height higher than your heart’s. The method will help reduce pressure in your heart and legs, promoting a natural and healthy blood flow.
Use compression stockings
Vein problems like varicose veins require compression stockings to improve blood circulation and reduce the risks of blood clots. If your legs are swelling, the compression socks will help to reduce the swelling and the pain giving you relief.
Maintain a healthy diet
A healthy diet will help reduce the buildup of fatty deposits or plaque in your arteries. When you have plaque buildup, your arteries might experience difficulty transporting blood. If the plaque bursts, it can cause blood clots. Combining a healthy diet with exercise will improve your blood circulation.
If you have leg pain due to poor blood circulation in your legs, visit Desert West & Vein Surgery Center for treatment. You will meet experienced and caring staff ready to offer personalized treatment. Call or book an appointment online and improve your leg’s blood flow.
