Poor circulation to the feet is a difficult and serious problem for many people, particularly older adults. The effects of poor circulation include sores that don't heal, numbness, cold sensitivity and skin changes. Several etiologies commonly cause poor circulation to the feet.
Diabetes
Diabetes causes arteriosclerosis of the arteries in the lower extremities, according to the American Diabetes Association. Arteriosclerosis is the narrowing and hardening of the arteries that supply blood and oxygen to the tissues. High blood glucose affects the arteries and destroys the lining of the inside of an artery, making it stiff. Stiff arteries do not have the capacity to dilate when more blood is needed; for example, during exercise. Because the arteries cannot get more blood to the tissues, cells begin to die. This is called ischemia. An ischemic foot is cold, lacks pulses and often has severe pain secondary to cellular death. According to the ADA, people with diabetes are more likely to suffer an amputation of their foot or leg than people without diabetes.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is the medical term for blockages in the arteries. Fatty deposits find damaged arteries to attach to, causing diminished blood flow. These deposits prohibit the necessary blood from reaching the lower extremities, and the feet are particularly sensitive to poor circulation. Small blisters on the feet of patients with poor circulation can develop into nonhealing ulcers of the foot. According to Baylor College of Medicine's Department of Surgery, people with poor circulation to their feet complain of pain in the arches of their feet and also in their toes while at rest. This is a sign of critical artery disease in the lower extremities.
Smoking
According to The Merck Manuals Online Medical Library, poor circulation due to arterial blockages is very common in patients who smoke. Smoke contains more than 4,000 chemicals, some of them known carcinogens, notes Merck. These chemicals affect the lining of the arterial walls, making them very sticky. Nicotine is also a potent vasoconstrictor. As the lining becomes damaged, fatty deposits stick to the walls and cause blockages. According to the Cancer Institute, smoking is the cause of at least 50 percent of all peripheral artery disease. When patients develop critical limb ischemia or severe pain at night due to blockages in their feet, they may develop gangrenous ulcers and require amputation.
