Leg Pain and Poor Blood Circulation — Why You Shouldn’t Ignore It: Heart Vascular and Leg Center: Vascular Specialists

Leg pain is often the first symptom of vascular disease, but each person’s experience varies. Your leg pain may range from mild to severe. You may feel the pain when you’re active or at rest.

As the pain comes and goes, it’s easy to ignore it and wait for it to go away. But ignoring leg pain is never a good idea.

If your leg pain is caused by vascular disease and you don’t get treatment, you’re on the road to developing poor circulation and serious complications that can lead to amputation.

At Heart Vascular & Leg Center in Bakersfield, CA, Vinod Kumar, MD, FACC, a board-certified cardiologist, and his team, offer comprehensive care for leg pain, and best of all, you get all the medical attention you need in one location. We have a team of multidisciplinary experts who specialize in diagnosing and treating vascular and cardiology conditions.

Here’s a rundown of the vascular conditions that cause leg pain, and the top five reasons you should never ignore leg symptoms.

Vascular diseases that cause leg pain

Peripheral artery disease and venous insufficiency are the primary vascular diseases responsible for leg pain. You will also end up with leg pain if you develop deep vein thrombosis.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

PAD begins when cholesterol and other fats build up in the artery wall, a condition called atherosclerosis. Without treatment, the fats keep accumulating and the resulting plaque enlarges and hardens.

As the plaque restricts blood flow, your muscles, skin, bones, and other tissues in your lower leg don’t get the oxygen they need to function. That’s when you develop leg pain.

Venous insufficiency and varicose veins

Venous insufficiency develops when valves in a leg vein fail. These valves keep blood flowing up your leg, working against gravity as deoxygenated blood returns to your heart.

When a valve fails, it allows blood to go back down your leg. The refluxing blood accumulates in that area of the vein, resulting in engorged, twisted, varicose veins. 

Though most people think of varicose veins as nothing more than a cosmetic problem, they’re actually the first sign of venous insufficiency, a vascular disease that leads to complications.

Varicose veins commonly cause leg pain as well as symptoms such as heavy-feeling legs, aching, cramps, leg swelling, and restless legs.

Spider veins

Superficial leg veins, known as spider veins occur when tiny veins congregate below the surface of the skin, causing red, blue or purple discolorations. Spider veins are harmless but can be removed for cosmetic reasons. If spider veins make you feel  self-conscious, we offer several ways to get rid of them: sclerotherapy, laser treatment, or radiofrequency treatment.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Deep vein thrombosis occurs when you have a blood clot in a vein that runs through the center of your leg. Venous insufficiency increases your risk for DVT, and DVT can contribute to venous insufficiency.

Five reasons you should never ignore leg pain

No matter how much you may hope the problem will go away on its own, it’s always dangerous to ignore leg pain.

These are the top five reasons you should see us if you develop leg pain:

1. If you have a DVT, it needs immediate medical care

If you have a deep vein thrombosis (DVT), it’s a blood clot which can break away, travel to your lungs, and block blood flow. This condition, called pulmonary embolism, is a life-threatening condition that needs emergency treatment.

2. Untreated PAD can lead to amputation

Studies show that 11% of patients with untreated PAD develop critical limb ischemia, and 22% of those with ischemia will need an amputation within one year.

Critical limb ischemia occurs when PAD causes severe blockage in the artery. The loss of oxygen-carrying blood leads to tissue death and gangrene.

3. Venous insufficiency and PAD cause leg ulcers

Venous insufficiency increases pressure in the vein. The high pressure forces fluids out of the vein and into the surrounding skin. Before long, these fluids break down the tissues and cause a venous ulcer.

PAD causes arterial ulcers. As your skin is deprived of oxygen, it deteriorates, and a deep ulcer develops.

Both types of leg ulcers pose a significant threat because they don’t heal on their own. Without intensive wound care at Heart Vascular & Leg Center, the ulcers keep enlarging. As a result, you develop skin and bone infections that put you at risk for amputation.

4. PAD is a sign of widespread cardiovascular disease

People with PAD also have a high risk of developing atherosclerosis in other arteries. There’s a good chance you have blockages in your coronary, carotid, or cerebral arteries.

5. PAD and venous insufficiency cause symptoms beyond leg pain

Vascular disease has a wide-reaching effect on the blood vessels and muscles in your legs.  

Without treatment, you can develop:

• Skeletal muscle damage
• Reduced leg strength
• Loss of balance
• Slow walking speed
• Ischemic peripheral neuropathy
• Eczema-like skin rashes on your lower leg

Ongoing vascular disease results in a slow but steady decline in your overall functioning as well as loss of mobility.

If you need help with leg pain, call our Heart Vascular & Leg Center office in Bakersfield, California, or schedule an appointment online today.

Causes Symptoms and Treatment for Poor Circulation in the Feet

The purpose of the body’s circulation system is to transport blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. A reduction of blood to a specific part of the body may cause one to experience symptoms of poor circulation. The most common causes of poor circulation in the feet are obesity, diabetes, and heart conditions such as peripheral artery disease (PAD). Common symptoms of poor circulation include tingling, numbness, throbbing, pain and muscle cramps.

Peripheral artery disease is a common cause of poor circulation in the legs. Symptoms of PAD are cramping, pain or tiredness in the leg or hip muscles while walking or climbing stairs. This pain tends to go away with rest and starts back up when you begin to walk.  It is a condition that causes the blood vessels and arteries to become narrow. Although PAD is more common in adults over the age of 50, it may also occur in younger people.  A similar condition called atherosclerosis causes arteries to stiffen up due to a buildup of plaque in the arteries and blood vessels.

Blood clots are also a common cause of poor circulation in the feet. Clots may obstruct blood vessels and if they occur in the legs, they may eventually lead to pain and discoloration. This occurrence is commonly known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and it may travel to the lungs. Varicose veins are another condition that may lead to poor circulation, and it is caused by incompetence of the valves in the veins. Women who are overweight are prone to developing this condition. Lastly, diabetes, which is correlated with poor blood sugar metabolism may lead to chronic poor circulation. Those with diabetes often suffer from cramping in the legs, calves, thighs and buttocks.

If you are looking for ways to avoid poor circulation there are some tips you can follow. One tip is to avoid sitting for too long. If you plan to sit down for a long period of time, you should try standing up occasionally, to improve your circulation. Another great way to avoid poor circulation is to exercise. Exercise is an excellent way to pump the heart and increase blood flow. Those who suffer from poor circulation should also avoid smoking, reduce their salt intake, and try to lose weight.

If you are experiencing symptoms from poor circulation in your feet, you should consult with your podiatrist to determine the best method for treatment for you. He or she may prescribe medication in addition to recommending specific lifestyle changes to improve your circulation.

Leg Cramping: Minor Annoyance or a Serious Problem?

Most of us experience some form of leg cramping at one time or another, and quite often it is nothing. But how would we know if leg cramps are due to a vascular problem that requires treatment?

In his practice in the Division of Vascular Surgery, Roman Nowygrod, MD, FACS, sees many patients who experience unexplained sudden cramping, usually at night. Such cramping can affect people of all ages, although it occurs more commonly in older people. Patients may ask their primary care physicians about this pain, and if it continues for several months or more, may find themselves in Dr. Nowygrod’s office.

First, Dr. Nowygrod performs a physical exam that includes special attention to any sign of problems with the arteries and veins. “I am looking for any reduction or asymmetry in arterial pulses, or history of claudication,” he says. “This often manifests as repetitive symptoms of cramping brought on by exercise and relieved by rest. ” Symptoms of venous insufficiency may include skin color changes, swelling, varicose veins, history of blood clots in the patient or in family members, ulcerations near the inner ankle, and other changes in the quality of the skin. Symptoms of arterial narrowing may include claudication (leg cramping while walking) as well as coronary artery disease, stroke, mini-stroke, and any past or present signs of arterial blockages in the legs.

Depending on the individual’s health history and physical exam, Dr. Nowygrod may then perform venous or arterial testing, or both. These circulation tests include Doppler and ultrasound, which are completely noninvasive and painless.

“When primary care or other physicians have referred a patient to my office, they have already ruled out thyroid disease, kidney disease, heart disease, abnormalities in blood chemistry, and other health issues that could be associated with leg cramping. My task is to determine whether vascular disease is involved,” says Dr. Nowygrod.

Venous Disease

Venous disorders, which affect about 80 million Americans and are about 20 times more common than arterial disease, encompass a broad spectrum from spider and varicose veins to leg ulcers and deep vein thrombosis. It is important that people receive evaluation and treatment at the earliest stage possible, because once venous problems cause significant damage to the skin, they can be extremely difficult to treat. The Vascular Surgery Vein Programs at NYP/Columbia offer minimally invasive treatments for all forms of vein disease.

Arterial Disease

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) is generally the result of a narrowing of the arteries in the pelvis and legs. Like arteriosclerosis (also called atherosclerosis), or narrowed arteries in the heart, PAD involves narrowed or blocked arteries to the lower body or extremities, and has many of the same causes as its counterpart in the heart. Arterial disease often occurs as part of the aging process and mainly affects people over age 65, but younger people who have history of diabetes, high blood pressure, smoking, and family history of arteriosclerosis are at a higher risk of developing PAD.

There are other relatively uncommon causes of arterial disease, such as popliteal entrapment syndrome, in which the calf muscle tendon impinges on the artery. This uncommon syndrome tends to affect younger patients.

In most cases, Dr. Nowygrod is able to rule out the presence of a serious underlying vascular condition. In the absence of vascular disease, Dr. Nowygrod provides advice about how to manage hydration, weight, exercise, and muscle fatigue. He also prescribes recommendations for prevention, which frequently include important lifestyle recommendations such as a healthy diet, weight loss, and physical activity.

When leg cramping is caused by vascular disease, treatment will depend on the severity and nature of the disease, says Dr. Nowygrod. In many cases, conservative, non-operative measures such as support stockings are sufficient, while in others, therapy may be needed to improve the problem. The most common procedures he performs are minimally invasive vein ablations, stab phlebectomy, balloon angioplasty with or without stenting, and extremity bypass operations.

“Prompt treatment is important for preventing complications in the future,” he explains. The full spectrum of treatment options are available at the Division of Vascular Surgery; “Regardless of the severity of a patient’s problem, we have the resources to provide effective care, and almost always through non-invasive or minimally invasive therapy,” says Dr. Nowygrod.

Learn more about vascular disease at columbiavascular.org, or call 855.CUSURGE to schedule a vascular screening or appointment.

Unexplained Leg Pain? It May Be a Sign of Poor Circulation: Ayim Djamson, M.D.: Cardiology

If you experience unexplained pain in your legs, especially during physical activity, but the pain lets up when you rest, you could have peripheral artery disease (PAD). 

This progressive condition affects an estimated 8-12 million adults in America, and if it’s left untreated, it can lead to serious complications, including infection, long-standing wounds, and amputation.

Cardiovascular physician Dr. Ayim Djamson and our team of highly trained professionals at Metropolitan Cardiovascular Consultants provide advanced treatments for patients with PAD and those at high risk of developing PAD.

Our experts have extensive experience in using the latest technology and innovative techniques to manage PAD in order to lower the risk of complications and improve the quality of our patients’ lives.

Peripheral artery disease 101

Your arteries are responsible for delivering oxygen-rich blood from your heart to the tissues throughout your body. Any damage or change to your arteries compromises your circulatory health. 

PAD is characterized by arterial stiffening and narrowing that reduces blood flow to the extremities. A buildup of fatty deposits in the arteries (atherosclerosis) is the most common cause of PAD, and the risk increases with age.

The reduced blood flow robs your tissues of oxygen and blood, putting you at risk for serious complications.

What are the symptoms of peripheral artery disease?

Many people who have PAD have no symptoms. This is particularly true in the early stages of the disease. Those who do have symptoms are most likely to experience:

• Aching pain in the legs, thighs, or buttocks
• Bruises that are slow to heal
• Sores on the feet or legs
• Legs that feel heavy 
• Numbness or weakness in the legs
• Burning sensation in the legs
• Leg cramps triggered by physical activity 

Who gets peripheral artery disease?

Smoking is a major risk factor for PAD. The chemicals in tobacco damage blood vessels and promote atherosclerosis. Roughly 90% of patients with PAD have a history of smoking. Other risk factors are:

Lifestyle and dietary changes can reduce both the risk of developing PAD and the likelihood of complications in people who have it.

How is PAD diagnosed and treated?

If you have symptoms of PAD, Dr. Djamson might use a combination of diagnostic tests, such as:

• Ankle brachial index: Measures and compares the blood pressure in your ankle with the blood pressure in your arm.
• Angiography: An imaging test that allows Dr. Djamson to look at the blood flow in your arteries.
• Ultrasound: An imaging test that enables Dr. Djamson to check for blood flow problems.

Dr. Djamson takes a comprehensive approach to treating PAD to ensure the best possible care. We offer a full range of treatment options, including:

• Medication
• Minimally invasive endovascular procedures
• Surgery
• Wound care
• Lifestyle changes

Restoring blood flow and preventing complications are the primary goals of treatment.

If you have symptoms of PAD, schedule a visit with Dr. Djamson for a comprehensive evaluation by calling or booking online. We have three locations in Beltsville, Bowie, and Columbia, Maryland. You can also send a message to Dr. Djamson and his team via our website. 

PAD doesn’t get better on its own. Appropriate treatment will help you feel and function better as well as protect your circulatory health.  

What Causes Lack of Circulation In Your Legs

Reviewed by: Dr. Satish Vayuvegula

You know that feeling when you’ve been sitting in the same place for too long and your leg falls asleep? Or when you caught your leg in a weird position and the tingling feeling starts to set in?

We’ve all been there, and that feeling is not something one would describe as “comfortable.” Rather, it feels like pins and needles in your legs and is something we’d rather not experience.

So why does this happen?

In short, your nerves have been pinched and your circulation has been restricted.

And when you have blood circulation problems, this tingling and uncomfortable feeling can happen more often than just when you sit in the same place for too long. For those that suffer from venous insufficiency, you may find yourself dealing with this feeling in your legs in addition to heaviness, aching, swelling, restlessness, and fatigue.

Because many conditions can cause poor circulation, it’s best to find out why circulation problems happen in the first place.

Why Are You Suffering From Poor Blood Circulation in Your Legs?

Circulation issues occur when blood flow to a part of your body (commonly legs) is reduced. Your circulatory system is what keeps blood, oxygen, and vital nutrients flowing throughout your body.

So, it’s safe to assume that when your circulation is not working well, it’s not something you should ignore because it means that your blood isn’t flowing as well as it should be.

The first question you may ask yourself is: Why is this happening?

There are a number of reasons you could be suffering from bad blood circulation in your legs.

Varicose Veins

Vein issues are a reason you may find yourself suffering from circulation problems in the legs. If your veins are at all damaged, blood will not be able to flow through them with the ease it needs in order to keep your legs looking and functioning correctly.

And this means circulation problems, possibly even blood clots if left untreated for too long. Varicose veins are found primarily in the legs, so pay attention to your circulation problems and what they could possibly mean.

Blood Clots

A blood clot, or a thrombus, is a common cause of slowed or reduced circulation. Depending on the size and the location of the blood clot, blood flow can be impacted to varying degrees. Thus, blood clots have the potential to be very dangerous. If you have a blood clot in your leg and it breaks away, it can travel up to your lung or heart, which has the potential to lead to death.

However, if found early, blood clots can be treated.

Explore more ways to prevent the dangers of deep vein blood clots on our blog.

Obesity

Carrying extra weight on your body can open the door to a great number of health issues, but including vein and circulation problems.

This is due to the fact that extra weight puts additional pressure on your veins and hinders their ability to do their job of circulating blood back to the heart.

Obesity can mask the visible signs of venous insufficiencies, such as bulging veins. Thus, it is vital to manage your weight to lower risk and improve your overall health.

Diabetes

Diabetes is known for its effect on your blood sugar, but unfortunately, the problems do not stop there. If left untreated, diabetes can lead to issues with poor circulation due to a lack of sensation in your hands and feet.

And these are just a couple of problems you’ll experience with diabetes. It is best to make sure your health is on track if your provider has diagnosed you with diabetes.

Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)

Numbness, tingling and pain in your thigh, hips, calf, and feet can happen because hardened and narrow arteries are limiting blood flow to your muscles in your legs. Typically, people feel these symptoms when walking, climbing stairs or exercising and symptoms are relieved with rest. Untreated PAD can lead to painful symptoms and increase your risk for a heart attack or stroke. Learn more about peripheral artery disease.

These are the leading causes of circulation issues in the legs and are things that you want to be paying attention to in order to avoid not only bad circulation but additional health problems as well.

Here are some of the main signs that you may have poor circulation in your legs because of venous insufficiency:

• Pain
• Cramping
• Swelling
• Throbbing
• Heaviness
• Itching
• Restlessness
• Fatigue (tired feeling)

If you think you are suffering from circulation issues related to your veins, schedule an appointment with a Vein Clinics of America provider today. It is best to tackle vein disease as soon as possible as it will become worse over time.

Poor Circulation Treatment & Causes

Treatment

Treating Poor Circulation in the Legs and Feet

Your first step should be a check-up with your doctor. A vascular physician will diagnose any conditions, prescribe any medications you might need, and formulate an actionable treatment plan for managing your poor circulation.

You may require medication or procedures to treat your conditions, but your doctor will also recommend lifestyle changes. Here are a few simple things you can do — with your doctor’s approval — to increase your blood circulation. 

Get regular exercise
Exercise is essential for heart and circulatory health. Low-impact exercise such as walking, stationary bicycling, yoga, and swimming can reduce the discomfort caused by poor circulation and other ailments.

Put your feet up
Elevation helps with edema, swelling caused by a build-up of excess fluid, which usually occurs in the feet, ankles, and legs. While not everyone with poor circulation experiences edema, elevating your legs if you’re going to be sitting for an extended period is still beneficial.

Wear compression garments
If your doctor approves, you can give compression garments a try. Compression increases blood flow, which helps to counteract poor circulation in the legs and feet.

Stop smoking
Smoking is one of the worst things you can do for your health. Speak to your doctor about a plan to help you kick the habit for good. Quitting decreases your risk of cancer, improves your blood circulation, and lowers your chances of having a heart attack or stroke.

Maintain a healthy weight
Carrying excess weight puts additional strain on your heart, joints, and vascular system. Maintaining a healthy weight reduces your risk of diabetes, heart disease, poor blood circulation, and arthritis.

Following a heart-healthy diet like the DASH diet — short for Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension — can lower your blood pressure, improve your blood circulation, and reduce your risk of diabetes and heart disease.

Eliminating sugar-laden beverages and fattening heavily processed foods will significantly improve your health. But eating healthfully doesn’t have to be bland and boring.

Some delicious ingredients you should eat more often:

• Cinnamon – Cinnamon has been proven to reduce cholesterol levels and improve blood glucose.
• Dark chocolate – Dark chocolate contains heart-healthy flavonoids, which cause the blood vessels to dilate.
• Nitrate-rich foods – Beets and dark, leafy greens have high levels of nitrate, a commonly prescribed blood pressure medicine.
• Dark berries – Like dark chocolate, dark berries such as black currants, blueberries, blackberries, and even strawberries contain potent antioxidants and flavonoids.
• Healthy fats – Unhealthy, saturated fats like butter and palm oil should be limited, but healthy fats in foods like olive oil and avocado are good for your heart.

A nutrient-rich diet of fruits, healthy fats, whole grains, and vegetables and decreasing your intake of processed foods filled with saturated fats will make it easier to maintain a healthy weight. This reduces strain on your joints and feet and improves your blood circulation and heart function.

Vascular Treatment for Poor Circulation

Your first step in treating poor blood circulation is a visit to your vascular specialist. They may recommend an exercise and diet program and medication, but some patients see the most benefit from a vascular treatment such as angioplasty or bypass surgery.

During an angioplasty procedure, your doctor uses an x-ray to guide a catheter (a thin, hollow tube with a small balloon on the end) through the femoral artery to the blockage in your leg. Your doctor then inflates the balloon to widen your artery, allowing for increased blood flow. In some cases, a thin, mesh tube called a stent is left inside the artery to prevent the blockage from reforming.

Bypass surgery involves attaching veins or synthetic grafts above and below the blockage to reroute blood flow, which increases circulation to the legs and feet.

There is some risk involved in any invasive medical procedure. Speak to your vascular specialist for more details regarding any risks that may pertain to your case specifically. 

What to Expect After Treatment From CVM?

At the Center for Vascular Medicine, our mission is to help patients with their vascular diseases in a cost-effective and compassionate manner. We specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of venous and arterial diseases in the legs, feet, and pelvis. Our world-class providers are the most experienced in the specialty and work with patients to develop a treatment plan that is custom-tailored to their unique situation.

Typically, this process involves an initial consultation and ultrasound scan at one of our accredited facilities. After reviewing the results of your scan and obtaining a thorough medical history, our providers will discuss the results with you and help you decide on the next steps.

Our health care providers use several diagnostic tests to help determine what vascular diseases may be causing your symptoms. Our initial evaluations utilize ultrasound because this non-invasive imaging modality helps us verify our suspicions on whether your symptoms are caused by underlying vascular disease.

Doctors to Visit

What doctors to visit for poor blood circulation in your legs and feet?

Some patients link their leg pain or feet pain to nerve damage, muscle pain, or bone pain. Many Center for Vascular Medicine patients are referred by other specialists or the primary care doctor. The OBGYN may refer a patient to an orthopedic surgeon or neurologist to treat chronic pelvic pain because of misdiagnosis that the pain is nerve-related. Pelvic pain is caused by poor blood circulation in the pelvic region.

The same can be applied to leg pain or feet discomfort. When you are showing signs and symptoms of poor blood circulation in lower extremities, you should see a vascular doctor first before ruling out other options. The vascular surgeon will conduct a physical, get a detailed history of the patient, analyze the symptoms, and conduct an ultrasound with a vascular technician before making a diagnosis. 

Vascular and Nerve Problems | Dr. Stephen Pirotta DPM

Veins carry blood back to the heart, whereas arteries carry blood from the heart. Venous stasis occurs when normal blood flow from the legs back to the heart is restricted. Improper vein function can result from superficial phlebitis, where superficial vein blood clots develop as a result of injury, or deep venous thrombosis, where blood clots form in the deep veins of the leg.

Venous stasis can cause pain, cramping, and swelling (edema) in the legs and ankles, as well as legs that feel tired, achy, throbbing, itchy, and/ or tight. The skin may thicken and darken, and ulcers may develop on the lower legs as a result of the blood pooling there. With varicose veins, the veins become enlarged and visible through the skin, taking on a ropy, bumpy appearance.

Treatment for venous stasis can include resting and elevating the legs, wearing compression stockings, and exercising to improve circulation. In some cases, doctors will prescribe medications or perform surgery on the veins (never take any medication without first consulting a doctor).

Although they usually do not last long, spasms, or sudden, intense muscle contractions, can be extremely painful. Spasms can occur in the feet, toes, hands, and thumbs, causing numbness, muscle weakness, tingling, and uncontrollable twitching. Foot and toe spasms are referred to as carpopedal spasms. Some causes of spasms are neuromuscular diseases, vitamin deficiencies, abnormal electrolyte or mineral levels, dehydration, and damage or injury to the nerves that connect to muscles.

Some spasms can be avoided or alleviated with proper hydration, vitamin or mineral supplements, and light activities that relax the muscles (never take any medication or supplement without first consulting a doctor). Since spasms may indicate an underlying medical condition, those suffering from any type of muscle spasm should immediately contact a doctor or healthcare professional.

Neuromas are benign growths of nerve tissue, or nerve tumors, that form when the nerves are irritated by surrounding tissue rubbing against them. Improper footwear that creates pressure on the foot, as well as foot structure abnormalities and injury to the nerves can cause or worsen neuromas. Symptoms of a neuroma include intense pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, and/ or a burning sensation in the toes and forefoot area. The pain usually intensifies when walking.

Neuromas most frequently develop between the third and fourth toes. Morton’s neuroma is a condition where the tissue surrounding the nerves thickens due to constant irritation or pressure, such as from wearing high-heeled or constricting shoes.

Treatment for a neuroma may include wearing properly fitting shoes with a roomy toe box, as well as cushioned shoe inserts or pads that alleviate pressure. The foot can be rested, elevated, and iced to relieve discomfort, swelling, and irritation. High heels or narrow-toed shoes that put pressure on the forefoot should be avoided. Since neuromas can worsen, consult a doctor for proper treatment, which may involve cortisone injections and even surgery in more severe cases to remove the neuroma.

Ischemic foot is inadequate arterial blood flow from the heart to the foot that can occur from arterial blockages, arterial spasms, and injury to the artery. Since blood flow is restricted to the foot, symptoms include cold feet, purplish or discolored toes, muscle cramping, and pain. Ulcers and gangrene can result from the lack of blood to the area. Treatment for ischemic foot involves exercises that increase blood flow to the feet, such as walking; orthotics and protective shoes can protect the affected skin from damage caused by rubbing or irritation. Medications may be prescribed to improve blood flow (always consult with a doctor before taking any medication).

Erythromelalgia, a rare condition, is enlarged blood vessels in the feet; it also can occur in the hands, but not as commonly. Symptoms include redness, intense warmth, burning sensation, and pain. The onset of erythromelalgia can be acute or gradual, and the condition can occur on its own or in relation to another disease. In some cases, erythromelalgia results from a genetic mutation.

For relief, affected areas can be cooled and elevated. Ice and water soaks are not recommended due to potential damage to the skin. Certain prescription medications can help alleviate erythromelalgia; it is important to see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment (no medication should be taken without the advice of a doctor).

Chilblains, an atypical response to cold temperatures, causes the formation of small, red bumps on the toes, fingers, nose, and/ or ears, the areas most susceptible to cold. Chilblains can also develop on other areas of the foot that are subjected to constant pressure. The bumps can swell and get worse, causing the affected skin to dry out and crack. The damaged skin can become blistered, ulcerated, and even infected. Those with poor circulation are more prone to chilblains. Chilblains can be chronic or acute.
Chilblains can be treated by keeping the body warm, particularly the areas usually affected by the condition. Skin with chilblains can be treated with antiseptic lotions to prevent infection, lanolin creams to maintain skin moisture, and calamine lotion to alleviate itching and discomfort (always consult a doctor before taking any type of medication). A doctor can properly diagnose the condition and treat any infections that develop.

Alcoholic neuropathy is nerve damage as a result of chronic alcohol abuse. The condition causes numbness, loss of sensation, pain, tingling, and weakness in the hands and feet that worsens over time. Alcoholic neuropathy can also affect other body parts and systems, including the brain. Drinking alcohol excessively can damage nerve tissue as a result of the ethanol found in alcoholic beverages; in addition, the problem may be compounded by a lack of vitamins and the poor diet alcoholics usually consume. The resulting nerve damage can become permanent if it is not properly treated.
To treat alcohol neuropathy, the underlying cause of alcoholism must be addressed so that the damaging alcohol consumption stops. In addition vitamin supplementation, particularly B vitamins, may restore the damaged nerves. Prescription medications are also available to alleviate the pain (always seek the advice of a doctor before taking any medication). In some cases, galvanic stimulation is administered to help improve nerve function. Magnetic therapy is another treatment option.

Acrocyanosis is a disorder that causes spasms in the arteries responsible for blood flow to the skin on the hands and feet. When the skin is deprived of necessary oxygen due to the constricted blood flow, it takes on a blue color, known as cyanosis. Acrocyanosis is not a common condition, although it afflicts women more than men. In addition to blue-colored skin, the hands and feet may feel moist and cold. Swelling may also be present, but the condition usually does not cause pain.

Since acrocyanosis can worsen with exposure to cold, acrocyanosis of the feet is treated by keeping the feet warm and dry so that the blood circulates as best as possible. Insulated boots and insulated socks can help with this. The condition does not worsen over time. Since acrocyanosis can be present alongside a serious medical condition affecting the cardiovascular system or connective tissue, it is best to seek the advice of a doctor or medical professional.

90,000 Headache and cramps. How to recognize disorders of cerebral circulation | Healthy life | Health

Violation of cerebral circulation is a pathological process that causes difficulty in blood circulation through the vessels of the brain. This problem is fraught with various serious consequences, the most severe of which can be paralysis and death. It also happens that acute forms can turn into chronic ones, worsening the situation even more. What exactly are the types of violations, and what should be done to avoid them, AIF.ru asked neurologist, doctor of medical sciences, doctor of the highest category of the St. Luka Institute of Pediatric and Adult Neurology Sergei Gulyaev .

AiF.ru, Anna Shatokhina: Sergey Alexandrovich, what are the types of cerebrovascular accidents other than stroke, and what can they be fraught with?

Sergey Gulyaev : Basically, two large groups of cerebral circulation disorders are distinguished: ischemic (arising against the background of local deaths of brain regions and manifested by focal neurological disorders – approx.ed.) and hemorrhagic (caused by hemorrhages – ed.). Any violation of cerebral circulation causes the development of irreversible reactions in the nervous tissue. But the nervous system has plasticity, and after a catastrophe it is capable of functional rehabilitation, i.e. recovery.

– How long can such a violation develop and persist until the situation becomes critical?

– Any situation with cerebrovascular accident is critical and requires prompt provision of qualified medical care.

– How can you quickly and accurately recognize the problem? Can symptoms be confused with other pathologies?

– The main symptoms of impaired cerebral circulation are symptoms of impairment and loss of functions, manifested by the development of central (due to the shutdown of cerebral mechanisms) paralysis. With the development of hemorrhagic types of stroke, symptoms of irritation of the nervous tissue and meninges may come first – this is when an unbearable headache appears, rigidity (increased tone – approx.ed.) of the occipital muscles, photophobia and phonophobia, and sometimes convulsions.

It is possible to make a mistake in the diagnosis, therefore, only a specially trained specialist can evaluate this symptomatology, since a symptom is only a constituent part of the overall clinical picture of the disease.

– How is the situation corrected, and is it possible to provide a person with first aid?

– Only doctors treat violations of cerebral circulation and only in a specialized neurological hospital.The earlier the patient is seen by the doctor, the more favorable the outcome of the disease will be, all other factors being equal. Stroke treatment is long-term, the diagnosis of stroke itself lasts for a year, when the risk of a recurrence of the catastrophe is greatest, and recovery sometimes takes many years. First aid can be provided only in this way: call a doctor or deliver the patient to a specialist as quickly as possible.

– Who is at risk? And is there any way to prevent the development of such a problem?

– Unfortunately, in modern society, any person is associated with the risk of developing acute cerebrovascular accident.Previously, this pathology was relatively rare in young women with preserved reproductive function, since female sex hormones have a protective function. But in recent years, due to changes in the social activity of women, the development of a stroke is becoming not uncommon.

– Can a cerebrovascular accident be inherited?

– As a rule, constitutional factors and disorders of the blood coagulation system are inherited, but this does not mean that a person, with other equal opportunities, will necessarily develop a stroke.Rather, these are aggravating factors, but no more. On the other hand, the family may have certain food addictions, certain behavioral stereotypes, which can lead to the development of cerebrovascular accident more often than genetic factors.

– What are the options for preventing the problem?

– Most often, ischemic stroke develops in older patients, while hemorrhagic variants of stroke are the lot of young and able-bodied people.

To prevent this problem, you need to monitor your health, follow the doctor’s recommendations and avoid harmful effects on the body, such as smoking, drinking alcohol, etc.

See also:

90,000 Treatment of varicose veins in men – in the phlebology center of the SOYUZ clinic

Minimally invasive treatment of varicose veins

In most cases, varicose veins are treated with minimally invasive methods, without surgery.Skin incisions are unnecessary. The instruments are inserted into the vessel through a small puncture.

The following techniques are used:

Sclerotherapy – treatment of varicose veins by injecting a “glue” substance into a vein. As a result of treatment, the vessel sticks together and then grows together. Although the vein is not physically removed from the body, it is eliminated from the bloodstream. In studies, the method demonstrates comparable effectiveness with surgery. At the same time, the average recovery time is only 2 days instead of 13 days.

Radiofrequency obliteration – damage to the inner wall of the vessel with an electrode. Under the influence of high temperature, the endothelium (the inner layer of the vein) is destroyed. The vessel is glued together and overgrown. The procedure for treating varicose veins is not only safer and more gentle, but even more effective than surgery. The treatment efficiency rates for varicose veins reach 95%.

Endovasal laser coagulation is a method similar to radiofrequency obliteration, only the inner surface of the vessels is damaged by a laser.The technique is more gentle, has better tolerance. Today it is the “gold standard” for the treatment of varicose veins.

An adhesive method of treating varicose veins is the introduction of cyanoacrylate into the veins, which glues them together. The technique has comparable efficiency with laser and radio frequency methods. Advantages of the treatment of varicose veins: it is carried out without anesthesia, after its implementation there is less bruising (bruising) on ​​the skin. Disadvantage: the risk of developing thrombophlebitis reaches 15%.

Mechanochemical ablation – damage to the endothelium by a rotating catheter. At the same time, a sclerosant is injected into a vein. The method of treating varicose veins is new, has not yet been sufficiently researched, therefore it is rarely used.

When seizures are a serious symptom, what causes them and how to deal with them?

With a spasm, the muscle suddenly contracts and hardens. This is accompanied by intense pain that can last for several minutes.The most common cramps in humans are calf and foot cramps. Muscle cramps are usually harmless, but in some cases they can be caused by medical conditions.

Often non-dangerous causes are behind the seizure, for example, exercise, exposure to cold muscles, lack of magnesium, calcium, sodium or water. Therefore, seizures often occur with heavy sweating, insufficient drinking, diarrhea, vomiting, and dieting. Lack of physical activity due to poor circulation in the legs can also cause cramps.For this reason, at night they often appear among those who sit at the computer for a long time and those who spend a lot of time behind the wheel. Uncomfortable shoes can also cause seizures.

What diseases can be a symptom of a spasm of the calf muscles?

Occasionally, seizures hide serious medical conditions, such as thyroid dysfunction, bowel disease, kidney failure, inflammation of the pancreas, or circulatory problems in the legs. In some cases, doctors diagnose a disease such as atherosclerosis of the peripheral arteries.Diabetics often have seizures. This happens if the blood sugar level is very high. Then the kidneys begin to filter sugar from the blood and release it into the urine, thereby losing important minerals such as calcium and magnesium. Also, with diabetes mellitus, blood circulation is impaired, which leads to seizures and spasms.

When should I see a doctor in case of calf muscle cramps?

You should consult a doctor if:

– convulsions occur constantly;

– appear frequently, last several minutes;

– very painful;

– occur during certain movements;

– do not go away after muscle stretching exercises;

– cause insomnia, causing lack of sleep and fatigue;

– accompanied by swelling of the legs;

– accompanied by back pain;

– accompanied by numbness, paralysis and tingling – in this case, an urgent need to consult a doctor.

The doctor will conduct examinations and find out what causes the seizures. With the help of urine and blood tests, the level of sugar in the blood, the electrolyte balance of the body, the state of hormones, the function of the liver and kidneys will be determined. An ultrasound scan of the veins and arteries in the legs may also be done.

Quick Aid: Stretching Exercises

Stretching exercises can help with cramps by stretching your leg and pulling your toes towards the knee. A light massage of the calf muscles will also help to quickly get rid of the cramps.Changing the position to vertical can also help.

How to prevent seizures

To avoid cramps, you should drink enough water and eat properly. It is important to supply the body with the required amount of vitamins and minerals. For example, bananas, nuts, whole grains, legumes, oatmeal and milk contain a lot of magnesium, which is especially important in this case. Calcium is found in milk, yogurt, cheeses, legumes, as well as herbs and seafood.Before training, you need to warm up the muscles, after which you need to stretch. If the cramps start at night, stretching can be done before bed.

from which arise, first aid for seizures

Convulsions occur with an increased reflex of the muscles to contract, when metabolic processes deteriorate and the amount of ATP (adenosine triphosphoric acid) decreases. With its lack, the muscles are not able to relax on their own and a convulsive contraction occurs, which can last several minutes.Athletes, people with “standing” jobs, loaders and pregnant women are especially often affected by such spasms.

What can cause convulsive muscle contraction?

• Diseases of the nervous system: epilepsy, neurosis, acute psychosis.

• Poisoning and metabolic disorders.

• Diseases of the endocrine system, eg diabetes mellitus.

• Deficiency of magnesium, calcium and hypovitaminosis.For example, with a lack of magnesium, the amount of acetylcholine increases, which leads to frequent and strong muscle contractions, up to the development of seizures. You need to adjust your diet or take magnesium supplements.

• Decrease in the concentration of ATP, which is necessary for muscle relaxation. Varicose veins, heart failure, thrombophlebitis are diseases that lead to stagnation of blood in the legs, the formation of blockages in the vessels and a decrease in the production of ATP. Hence the convulsions.To restore the blood supply to the extremities, venotonic agents are used.

• Muscle fatigue due to long walking, swimming, physical work with heavy lifting also leads to cramps. This is because sufficient rest and rest time is required to generate ATP.

Why do pregnant women often have seizures?

Pregnant women are at risk for several reasons:

• During pregnancy, the inferior vena cava syndrome often develops: the placenta and the fetus that has grown to a large size squeeze the vessels of the abdominal cavity.Stagnation occurs in the legs, edema develops, tissue oxygenation decreases – this increases the likelihood of seizures.
• Eclampsia, in which blood pressure reaches very high levels, threatening the health of the mother and baby. It is characterized, among other things, by the strongest convulsions. Placental abruption and other health risks can occur during an attack. For the treatment of pregnant women, magnesium sulfate is also administered.
• Anemia is a lack of hemoglobin in the blood, often haunting the expectant mother and leading to a decrease in gas exchange in the blood.At the same time, the amount of oxygen required for the formation of ATP in the muscles decreases, and already its lack leads to the development of seizures. With low hemoglobin, iron supplements should be taken.

First aid for seizures: treatment and prevention

If a convulsive seizure has arisen due to epilepsy, it is necessary to call for medical help, and before her arrival to ensure the safety of the patient: lay on his back, turn his head to one side, it is strictly forbidden to try to fix the patient’s tongue, this is fraught with vomiting and finger injury (and serious) around the person should not have objects that can cause harm.It is permissible to hold your head and if, after an attack, the person fell asleep – you cannot wake him up! The cramps may stop if the muscles are pulled and straightened a little. To do this, you need to stand up abruptly, holding onto the support with your hands or pull the sock towards you. Massage the contracted muscles, try to pinch yourself sharply to “switch” the nerve to another stimulus.

Moderate physical activity, a balanced diet, and a healthy sleep and rest routine are best for preventing seizures. It is useful to do muscle stretching complexes and do yoga.

And remember that seizures are a symptom of a disease. Therefore, for recurring episodes, see your doctor for cause and treatment.

What causes leg cramps?

Leg cramps are something that many people experience from time to time. There are many different reasons why leg cramps can develop. Some of these are nutritional related, while others are due to over-straining the legs themselves.

One of the most common causes of leg cramps is old-fashioned fatigue. Cramps can occur when the legs are simply tired from walking or standing for a long period of time. This can be especially true in environments where walking and standing occur on a hard and unforgiving surface such as concrete. Oftentimes, adding cushioning inserts to your shoes will help minimize some of the stress and strain on your feet and help relieve frequent leg cramps.

Leg pain and cramps can also be a sign of decreased circulation.When the blood flow to the limbs is not what it should be, those limbs are not getting the oxygen they need. When it comes to the feet, inadequate oxygen supply can cause leg muscle cramps. Addressing a health problem that causes decreased circulation will help minimize the incidence of leg cramps.

Lack of essential vitamins and minerals can also lead to leg cramps. Low potassium levels often cause leg and foot cramps.Nutrient deficiencies can be corrected by following a balanced diet and using supplements to provide the body with something that it does not get from food. Leg cramps due to poor nutrition can be resolved within a few days, when the body begins to receive the correct balance of vitamins and minerals on a daily basis.

Poor hydration can also cause leg cramps. Drinking water will often help; however, anyone who regularly smokes or drinks alcohol will want to try quitting these habits.Both smoking and drinking alcohol can increase the likelihood of dehydration and therefore can be a major cause of leg cramps.

General health problems can also lead to leg cramps. People with diabetes sometimes experience leg cramps due to reduced oxygen flow to the legs. There are treatments that can help minimize the physical discomfort caused by diabetes and other medical conditions and minimize the chance of cramps in one or both legs.

Leg cramps are often temporary pain that quickly resolves with lifestyle or dietary changes. If leg cramps persist, it is important to see a doctor immediately. Leg cramps can be a sign of an underlying medical condition that can be effectively treated if caught early.

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90,000 Leg cramps in the elderly. Causes and methods of treatment 🚑

In the process of aging, people begin to develop various pathologies.They do not harm the body as a whole, but they bring severe discomfort. These disorders include leg cramps in older people. Of course, this pathology worries people of different sex and age. However, in most cases, it is the elderly who suffer from seizures. Typically, seizures occur at night. The involuntary contraction of the muscles causes unbearable pain that does not diminish even after the spasm ends.

To get rid of this problem, it is recommended to see a doctor.Experts do not recommend taking medications on your own, which, according to friends, help to remove discomfort. Seizures are common in older people. It is important to note that the older the patient is, the more difficult the disease is to treat.

Causes of seizures in elderly people

Seizures occur for similar reasons in both young and old people. However, with age, the list grows as health conditions begin to deteriorate.The group of the main reasons that cause seizures include:

• weakening of the muscles in the legs due to minimal activity: doctors recommend doing morning exercises even for the elderly;
• Constant emotional stress: emotional distress is also a common cause of involuntary muscle contraction;
• circulatory disorders in the extremities: blood stagnates, in this condition atherosclerotic plaques and blood clots can form;
• Lost minerals, vitamins due to metabolic disorders: to get rid of cramps, you need to take foods that contain potassium, as well as magnesium and vitamin D.

Night cramps occur due to too high or, conversely, low temperature in the room. The wrong posture, which many take in a dream, also provokes pain. Seizures most often occur due to imbalance in micronutrients. Regular painful muscle contractions can also cause diabetes mellitus, varicose veins, chronic stress, kidney failure, and liver disease.

Treatment of seizures in the elderly

If seizures occur regularly, consult a doctor.The specialist will conduct an examination and prescribe measures to help get rid of this problem. As a rule, the treatment regimen includes:

• complete rejection of bad habits;
• the appointment of a special vitamin diet;
• exercise, gymnastics for the elderly;
• the patient undergoes a course of therapeutic massage.

First of all, the specialist seeks to eliminate the main causes of spasms. These can be headaches or poor blood supply.If the cause of the disease is varicose veins, the legs are tied with an elastic bandage. To relieve stress and relax muscles before bed, you can use a tincture of valerian.

Actions for night cramps

In some cases, the muscles constrict so strongly that a person experiences a painful shock. Severe pain can last for 20 minutes. After the seizure is over, inflammation may develop on the surface of the skin. This state not only interferes with sleep, but also gives a person severe torment.To facilitate them, you can perform the following exercises:

• with the reduced leg, you should move a little and start rubbing the area;
• a warm compress should be placed on the limb to help the muscles relax;
• if your leg starts to bend, you need to get up on it as soon as possible and walk slowly barefoot.

If a warm compress does not help, rub the flattened area with an ice cube.

Nutrition correction – elimination of mineral deficiency

Muscle contractions depend on the ratio of potassium, magnesium and calcium.Pensioners often have a shortage of them due to a violation of the blood supply to the legs. It is for this reason that nocturnal cramps occur. A balanced diet allows you to make up for the lack of required substances.

To maintain normal health, people of age need a special diet. It is important for this group of patients to limit the intake of salt, sugar, protein products, smoked meats, animal fats, and spices. The following products should prevail in the diet:

• oats, buckwheat;
• sea fish;
• nuts and greens;
• cottage cheese, milk;
• vegetable oils;
• fresh vegetables and fruits;
• dried fruits (dates, raisins).

In the process of normalizing mineral metabolism, it is important to remember that calcium is fully absorbed only in conjunction with vitamin D. The level of magnesium cannot be increased without an optimal amount of vitamin B6. To normalize the content of the listed trace elements, the doctor recommends taking special complexes.

Seizures are very common in the elderly. Many elderly patients experience and suffer greatly from this problem. However, if you seek help from a doctor on time and follow his recommendations, the frequency and severity of seizures can be significantly reduced.Taking medications, normalizing the diet will allow the elderly person to sleep peacefully at night.

In our nursing homes, the staff monitors the condition of the elderly, the condition of their legs. We try to make the stay and life of our elderly guests comfortable in boarding houses. All the prescriptions of doctors are fulfilled, and the staff monitor the intake of the necessary medications by the guests.

Legs are often the first to react to a malfunction of the body

September 27, 2017, 08:00

The onset of diseases and malfunctions in the body is far from always manifested in the places of their location.Often the legs are the first to react to failures in organs and systems, since they are the ones that bear the greatest load, and they often become victims of tight clothing and uncomfortable shoes that pinch blood vessels and disrupt blood circulation. What changes in the legs can tell when it’s time to see a doctor and to which one? We asked our experts about this.

I will not take the violent ones, but you will pay for the call. Doctors told how they are preparing for the reform

“Electrical” pain

This may be evidence of a malfunction of the kidneys.With insufficient function of these organs, excess fluid is not completely removed from the body. Because of this, there is swelling of the lower extremities and excessive pressure on the nerve endings, which leads to the appearance of periodic pains resembling an electric shock. If you notice this symptom in yourself, contact your urologist and do a kidney screening (blood and urine tests).

Spider veins

This may be an early sign of liver malfunction. Capillary networks appear due to impaired blood circulation between the intestines, spleen, pancreas and liver.Therefore, it is better to consult a gastroenterologist and check the liver – take a blood test for biochemistry, and then – according to indications.

Numbness and prolonged wound healing

This is a sign of the development of diabetes mellitus. With the onset of this disease, wounds on the skin can heal for weeks (due to circulatory disorders in the limbs, accompanied by diabetes, due to which skin cells receive less nutrition). Therefore, take a blood sugar test in the laboratory and contact an endocrinologist.

Gout

If the bone near the big toe begins to swell, hurt and turn red, contact a rheumatologist and take a blood test for the pH level in the body.Increased levels of uric acid in the body often lead to gout. Urea is deposited in the joints and provokes their inflammation. In addition, it is worth consulting with a nutritionist about your diet – an increase in acidity in most cases is a consequence of an excess of acidic foods (meat, fish, coffee, etc.).

Feeling hot and bruising

Squeezing the legs with jeans and tight shoes can lead to the manifestation of varicose veins, which is accompanied by an increase in the temperature of the lower extremities, burning, pain and bruising.With this disease, there is a violation of blood circulation and the development of an inflammatory process. To clarify the situation, contact a phlebologist and undergo an examination of the vessels of the legs – ultrasound, MRI or Doppler ultrasonography.

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Sensation of coldness and cramps

If cold legs are felt even in warmth, and cramps are becoming an increasingly frequent companion, contact an endocrinologist to check the functioning of the thyroid gland (palpation examination, ultrasound of the thyroid gland and blood test for hormones).When the thyroid gland malfunctions, the hormonal background and metabolic processes are disrupted, due to which circulatory problems arise, which leads to the above symptoms.

Severity and Pigmentation

The appearance of heaviness in the legs in the evenings and age spots may indicate venous insufficiency against the background of dysfunction of the heart. So, in case of malfunctions in the work of the heart, the blood circulates poorly in the direction from the extremities to the heart, therefore severity arises and there are malfunctions in the production of melanin pigment in the skin.In this case, you should contact a cardiologist and do an ultrasound of the heart or a cardiogram.

Weakness and pallor of the skin

Noticing that the skin on the legs has become paler, and the muscles are weakening, contact a cardiologist or phlebologist to check the vessels for the presence of calcium or lipid deposits (more likely, you will be referred for vascular Doppler ultrasonography). With the development of atherosclerosis, the lumen of the vessels becomes narrower and less blood flows to the legs, from which the skin acquires a bluish tint, and the muscles weaken.

As reported by “Vesti”, doctors do not understand how to work in the new medical reform. Some specialists pack their bags and leave for Europe.