A 35-year-old Australian woman was left unable to walk due to over wearing skinny jeans that had cut off her circulation resulting in extreme weakness in her ankles. The woman was helping a friend move out of her apartment and had spent much of the day squatting, restricting proper blood flow throughout her legs. The woman felt burning, numbness, and tingling in her legs that resulted in her falling down and not being able to get up for a few hours until she was found. Her legs ended up becoming so swollen that doctors had to cut the pants off of her and she could not properly move her ankles, feet, and toes.
Poor circulation is a serious condition and needs immediate medical attention. If you have any concerns with poor circulation in your feet contact one of our podiatrists of The Foot and Ankle Associates of North Carolina, PLLC. Our podiatrists will treat your foot and ankle needs.
Poor Circulation in the Feet
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:
-muscle pain -numbness in legs
-cramps -skin discoloration
-weakness -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness -erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.
If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions.
As always see a doctor as they will help try and fit a regime that suits you. A doctor will also prescribe you medication which will help for PAD.
If you have any questions please feel free to contact our offices located in Ahoskie, Raleigh, and Rocky Mount, NC. We offer the newest diagnostic tools and technology to treat your foot and ankle needs.