Poor circulation in the legs is known as peripheral vascular disease, and it can involve the arteries that carry blood away from the heart to the limbs and/or the veins that carry blood back to the heart, says ePodiatry.com. The most common signs are cramps in your legs, cold feet and numbness and/or tingling in your legs and feet. A number of home remedies can try to boost leg circulation, but it is important to first seek medical attention if you believe you have poor circulation to this area.
Exercise Regularly
Exercise gets your heart pumping stronger and faster, which increases the flow of blood around your body, including to your legs. According to the Patient UK website, walking for at least 30 minutes every day will encourage the smaller veins and arteries in your legs to expand and deliver more blood to the area.
Maintain a Healthy Diet
According to MayoClinic.com, a healthy, balanced diet is essential for controlling blood pressure and reducing your cholesterol levels. If either of these are consistently elevated, you increase your risk of atherosclerosis, which is a thickening of your arteries due to restricted blood flow. The Patient UK website advises that you eat at least five portions of different fruits and vegetables every day and limit your intake of fatty, salty foods--both of which can elevate blood pressure and contribute to poor leg circulation. Opt for lean meat--turkey is a good choice--and include oily fish, such as tuna and mackerel in your diet to boost the levels of circulation-enhancing omega-3s in your blood.
Stop Smoking
The Patient UK website says that, if you smoke, quitting is the best way to improve circulation to your legs. This is because smoking greatly increases the thickening of your arteries, which in turn limits the blood supply to your whole body. Talk to your doctor about the support available to help you quit successfully.
