Daily, your heart pumps approximately 10 pints of blood, circulating more than 59,000 miles throughout your body. Sometimes, the blood flow through your circulatory system can be hindered. Ariel Soffer MD, FACC, provides diagnosis and treatment if you have poor blood circulation in your lower extremities (legs, foot, and ankle).
If you have a problem affecting the circulation system in your legs, expect varicose veins and aching legs. Additionally, your legs will feel cold, and your toes can be tingly. Unhealthy circulation in your lower extremities can be due to medical issues, such as weakened valves.
Also, arteries in your legs can be blocked or narrowed; thus, your legs do not receive an ample supply of oxygenated blood. Below are effective home remedies to help you boost circulation in the arteries and veins in your legs.
1. Increase your levels of physical activity
Aerobic exercises you should perform regularly are brisk walking, swimming, and running. These exercises can condition your heart to pump blood in healthy amounts daily.
Increased blood circulation from and to your lower extremities enables maximum delivery of nutrients to your tissues and reduces waste buildup. Low-impact activities such as yoga can also lower the pressure on your blood.
If your job requires you to sit for long periods almost daily, find time to stand up, walk around, and stretch. Sitting or standing for long can lead to the deterioration of the health of the valves in your lower extremities.
2. Position your body and legs in a healthy manner
Crossing your legs while sitting can limit the volume of blood circulation in your lower extremities. As a result, the tissues in your legs cannot receive an adequate supply of various nutrients, including oxygen.
You can promote better blood circulation by slightly elevating your legs as you rest. For instance, you can put your feet to rest on a stool. You can also place a pillow underneath your legs to keep them raised. When resting your legs on an even surface, keep them slightly apart.
3. Wear compression socks or stockings
When you wear compression socks or stockings, they gently help squeeze or massage the structures of your legs. The gentle pressure on your lower extremities can improve blood flow and thus discourage the development of swelling and blood clots.
4. Blood pressure management
If your blood pressure is elevated, a medical issue known as arteriosclerosis can appear. Arteriosclerosis is a vascular disease associated with damaged arteries because of excess cholesterol levels or hypertension.
Consult your primary doctor regarding the healthy blood pressure range you should maintain depending on your age and health condition. Use a medical instrument called a sphygmomanometer, which you can buy from your nearest pharmacy, to measure and monitor your blood pressure.
5. Drink plenty of water or fluids regularly
Water or fluids forms a major part of your blood. Proper hydration improves circulation throughout your body. A healthy blood flow will keep your blood pressure low and reduce heart disease risk.
Contact Soffer Health Institute today to book an appointment with a medical doctor providing services that can improve blood circulation.
