Signs You May Have Poor Circulation

Learn more about poor circulation from your Boise podiatrist.

Cold toes, spider veins, and swollen feet after a night in heels — are these things just part of being human, or are they actually signs of poor blood circulation in the feet? Poor circulation is a serious condition. If you live in Boise, ID, you should seek help from a podiatrist at Idaho Foot and Ankle Associates. Here are five signs that you have poor circulation in your feet.

1. Cold Feet
Shivering on a bone-chilling, blustery day is often an inevitable part of life and usually nothing to worry about. There are times, however, when feeling cold cannot be cured by raising the thermostat. Your blood helps regulate your body temperature, and if there is decreased blood flow in your feet, they may become cold.

2. Discoloration
Bluish or white toes may yield in response to cold temperatures. The color of your skin is influenced by the oxygen supply, and when there is poor blood circulation, skin can change its color.

3. Muscle Cramps
Muscle cramps can be the result of poor blood circulation, as muscles no longer receive the proper amount of oxygen they need to function properly. When too little oxygen reaches the feet, they become cold and muscle cramps can occur.

4. Swelling
If your feet get swollen and puffy frequently and for no apparent reason, poor blood circulation may be the culprit. Swelling can occur in the feet because our circulatory system tries to reduce the load and leaves a build-up of fluid in the feet.

5. Numbness
When you have poor circulation, loss of sensation may occur for a few minutes in your feet. Although many individuals have experienced numbness in their feet, those with poor blood circulation in the feet will experience it more often.

Poor circulation in the feet affects individuals of all ages and if left untreated can cause damage to your liver, brain, kidney, heart and limbs. Do your feet a favor and call Idaho Foot & Ankle Associates at (208) 327-0627 to schedule an appointment with one of our world-class Boise, ID podiatrists.