POOR CIRCULATION

POOR CIRCULATION can occur in any area of the body. The two areas most prone are the upper and lower extremities. For now we will be discussing the lower extremities, and the onset of this disease and how to cope with the condition as it progresses.

The most common manifestation of poor circulation is caused by Venous Thrombosis, more commonly known as Thrombophlebitis. This is an acute disease, usually, self limiting and lasting from 1 to 2 weeks. The symptoms generally are tenderness, a warmish feeling, bluish discoloration, pain, accumulation of fluid (edema), and a distention of the superficial veins that affect the groin, buttock, and lower abdomen and thigh areas.

When the acute phase is over, the painful symptoms usually are abated. The initial acute attack causes injury to the epithelium or inner liner of the vein resulting in venous thrombosis or blockage of the vein. Symptoms at this chronic stage are, pain or soreness when standing or walking and relieved only on rest and elevation of the leg. There can be tenderness over the calf and the patient complains of a feeling of fullness in the lower leg.

Anyone experiencing these or the above symptoms must see their physician to be examined and evaluated. An evaluation may require different tests, such as a venogram, Isotope venography, Plethysmography or Doppler ultrasound. When the condition is definitively diagnosed, the physician will decide on the proper treatment. Blood thinners may be the treatment of choice of which there are several. In conjunction with this treatment, he will most likely advise being fitted for an elastic below the knee stocking which should be worn from the time you get up in the morning to bedtime.

The condition can become serious if left untreated and the results can be disastrous. A venous stasis occurs, causing a pooling of blood that stagnates in the lower limb. The formation of varicose veins further complicates the condition. The leg aches, and will feel hot and tired. These symptoms are somewhat relieved by the compression hosiery and elevation of the leg. Wrapping the leg with an elastic bandage is not advisable because it is difficult to wrap evenly and it may be too tight. It will also have a tendency to slip.

If the elastic hosiery is not worn, an area of pigmentation can occur. This pigmentation may fade in time, but can be permanent. An ulcer over the inner or the outer area of the ankle can be another result. Ulcers should be taken seriously and medical help should be sought. If left untreated, they become larger and more difficult to heal. Further complications can be the development of gangrene, which is a very serious condition, could be life threatening, and require heroic treatment.

As mentioned earlier there are many conditions that affect the circulatory system. These conditions range from heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease and diabetes. The next most important factor can be the environment. We are exposed to all sorts of chemical irritants that affect the body in many ways. The weather is also a factor and cold will depress the circulatory system. Exposure to extreme cold causes the blood vessels to constrict, cutting off the normal blood supply. Smoking is extremely harmful, and if you smoke you must STOP immediately. Drinking alcohol to excess will also tend to constrict the blood vessels. Caffeine will also have a deleterious affect on the circulation.

The important thing is to recognize your condition and do everything in your power to alleviate the symptoms and prevent further damage to the circulatory system. There are many things you can and must do. 1. Stop smoking. 2. Stop excessive drinking of alcohol. An occasional drink is okay. 3. Stop excessive drinking of caffeine beverages, coffee, sodas, etc. 4. If you need to wear an elastic stocking, get it fitted, so that it won’t be too loose and yet not too tight. 5. Exercise can be an important factor in maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. Walking, swimming, riding a bicycle and doing your exercise at home will help tremendously. 6. Proper nutrition is of course important. Eating a well balanced diet and reducing your animal fats, spices, fried foods, and sugars will help circulation. 7. In addition to eating properly, supplementation of the proper vitamins and minerals are a needed necessity. Important are the antioxidants, vitamin E, C, A and Beta-Carotene. An excellent supplement is Titan Labs FACTOR ONE: BIO-IMMUNIZER. Please see the Factor Series under products to learn more about this excellent product that can help the Cardiovascular system and enhance your immune system as well. It is also a cancer preventative. 8. Be sure to sit properly. Do not sit in a seat that puts pressure on your thighs. Your feet should easily touch the floor. When sitting in your car and driving, again be sure that there is no or very little pressure against your thighs. 9. When you walk, be certain to wear comfortable shoes and sox. A shoe with a good gum sole that will prevent undue pressure on your legs is excellent. Good fitting cotton sox will prevent pressures that can cause sores on your feet, which can become difficult to heal. 10. Sleeping can be the most important part in the preventative treatment of poor circulation. We do spend at least a third, or even more of our lives in bed. When lying down, gravity is a tremendous force in aggravating the poor circulation. As previously discussed, there is a pooling of blood and stagnation that leads to the symptoms we discussed. Therefore, the legs must be raised so that there is proper drainage of the legs. Again in my efforts to find the best products available, I have found that the Medisana® "ORTHOPEDIC LEG SUPPORT" is the best and most convenient way to attain this anti-gravity effect and sleep comfortably. This pillow is ergonomically correct so that there isn’t any undue pressure on your legs. It also comes in two sizes for persons up to 5’6" and for persons over 5’6". The leg cushions can also be adjusted to fit comfortably to the individual. Please see our products for more information.

The important thing is that we don’t accept a condition such as poor circulation and just live with it, but what it is that the individual can do to help themselves live a more vigorous lifestyle, without the pain and discomfort. It also keeps the condition from progressing and further complicating their lives.