Poor circulation in the feet, one problem in a group of conditions called peripheral vascular disease, commonly results from arteries in the leg that become more blocked over time. Risk factors for developing circulation problems affecting the feet include diabetes, smoking, high blood pressure, high cholesterol and a lack of physical activity. Treatments for poor circulation in the feet include regulation of diabetes through glucose level monitoring, use of medications to prevent blood clotting and surgery.
Glucose Level Monitoring
Uncontrolled diabetic patients can have too much glucose in the blood. Too much glucose can lead to various health issues like cardiovascular disease. Narrowing of arteries, also called atherosclerosis, results in decreased circulation, particularly to the legs and feet. Monitoring the level of glucose, or sugar, in the blood may help to control diabetes and maintain health, preventing complications of diabetes that lead to poor circulation, the MayoClinic.com notes.
Anti-Clotting Medications
According to a website run by Dr. Leon Shingledecker, a podiatric surgeon based in Metairie, Louisiana, drugs to prevent blood clotting help with poor circulation in the feet. Anticoagulants, one type of drug that prevent the formation of clots in the blood, help prevent strokes by keeping the arteries clear of blockages. Also called blood thinners, these medications are given intravenously, subcutaneously or orally, and some anticoagulant drugs specifically target blood clots in the veins of the leg.
Surgery
Angioplasty and artery bypass surgeries may effectively treat poor circulation, including circulation in the feet, according to the Shingledecker website. Angioplasty opens blocked or narrowed arteries, improving blood flow caused by blood clot blockages. A surgical bypass utilizes veins harvested from the body to redirect blood around portions of the arteries that become blocked. The Baylor College of Medicine reports that the most commonly performed bypass surgery typically reroutes blood from the thigh to an alternative artery in the thigh, knee, lower leg or foot. Improved blood flow impacts circulation issues.
