Poor circulation or restricted blood flow can be a serious health problem, leading to a variety of conditions such as kidney failure, stroke and hypertension. Many things can lead to poor blood circulation in the body, such as peripheral vascular disease, blood clot inflammation, poor nutrition and the natural effects of aging. Poor circulation may go undetected, but many easily detectable signs and symptoms can identify circulation problems.
Numbness
Often the first complaint for individuals with circulation problems is numbness and tingling sensations in the hands and feet. Blood flow that is impeded and then restored--common with poor circulation--can also produce a feeling of "pins and needles" in the extremities, according to healthiertomorrow.org. Along with numbness, cold hands and feet are also common as the inadequate blood flow is unable to warm the surrounding tissue.
Swelling
Poor circulation can lead to redness and swelling of the affected area. Swelling is often apparent upon visual inspection, but can be determined in other ways. Pressing a finger firmly against the skin for five to 10 seconds and then releasing can identify swelling if an indentation is present and the skin does not bounce back quickly, as it does in healthy individuals without swelling. Another test of swelling is to measure and compare the circumference of the afflicted area at several different times during the day.
Pain
Pain is a common sign of poor circulation, especially in the extremities like the hands and feet. It is caused by the retention of fluid in the respective area that is not cleared fast enough due to improper circulation. Increasing blood flow to the area, such as by physical activity or by using compression clothing, can reduce fluid retention and alleviate the associated pain and discomfort.
Wounds and Infections
Wound healing requires a sufficient amount of blood flow to the injured area for prompt and proper healing. Blood contains the molecules needed to repair a wound, as well as to fight and clear infections. Individuals with circulation problems may notice an increase in wound healing time or no healing at all. It also increases the risk of infection.
Headaches
The brain contains a large network of blood vessels and requires sufficient circulation for optimal activity. Inadequate blood flow can lead the occurrence of unexplained headaches or migraines. It can also cause memory problems, dizziness and fatigue, according to nativeremedies.com.
