What problems will I get?

When the circulation to the leg is poor you may feel a number of symptoms including

• Pain in your calf when you walk, this is a cramp like ache which will ease when you rest or stand still.
• A cold foot or leg.
• Loss of hair on the foot or leg.
• Change of colour of the skin, ofter blue, occasionally white or red.
• A more serious pain is one in the toes and foot when resting, this usually is worse at night and relieved by hanging your foot over the edge of the bed.

What causes poor circulation?

Poor circulation (Medically known as Peripheral Vascular Disease) is caused by hardening and narrowing of the arteries. Hardening of the arteries is very common as we get older and will only cause a problem if the narrowing is quite severe. Smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and high blood cholesterol will all tend to make the problem more severe.

What treatment is available?

Your doctor will want to check your leg carefully and look for problems that require attention such as blood pressure.
Your doctor may recommend that you take an aspirin daily to help the blood flow and prevent small blood clots forming.
You may be referred to a surgeon for assessment of your circulation as some people can be helped by stretching of the narrowed blood vessel by a special balloon, or if needed by by-pass surgery.

Can I do anything to help?

Yes you can help yourself.

• Stop smoking.
• If you are overweight reduce your weight with a healthy diet.
• Takeexercise regularly, it can double your walking distance. Walking at a moderate pace for 30minutes three times a week is sufficient. If you develop pain in your calf then you should stop and when the pain eases then start again at a slightly gentler pace.
• Look after your feet, wear good warm socks and comfortable shoes. Try to keep your feet warm but do not burn them in front of a fire.
• Keep your toe nails trim but do not cut the flesh of your toes. If you have difficulty caring for your feet ask your doctor about seeing a Chiropodist.
• Avoid injury to the legs as wounds may take a long time to heal and can form ulcers.

By following this advice you may well find the problem will improve without need or operations. If you feel the problem is getting worse, or you develop pains at rest or have any difficulty healing then please see your doctor.

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