A lack of circulation to your hands and legs has a variety of causes and therefore a variety of names. Sometimes the result of pregnancy, age, varicose veins, deep vein thrombosis, peripheral artery disease and a variety of other conditions, numbness, tingling and even blood clots are the earmarks of poor circulation in your extremities. While some circulation problems are minor and fixed through simple remedies, others require medical attention and can be life-threatening.
Step 1
Move your body and participate in at least 30 minutes of exercise on a daily basis. Physical movement, especially incorporating your hands and legs, helps to stimulate circulation to the area. If you're stuck in a sedentary position for a long period of time, such as on an airplane, move your wrist and your ankles in circles regularly and get up to go to the bathroom if possible.
Step 2
Take breaks when you're required to remain in one position. For instance, when working on a computer and resting your wrist on a mouse pad, it's likely you lose some circulation due to pressure on the arteries. If you notice a throbbing, tingling or numb sensation, take a break and rotate your wrists and ankles to restore proper blood flow.
Step 3
Wear compression garments on your legs and arms, especially if you need to remain in one position for an extended period of time. Compression garments help to facilitate proper circulation, so they're ideal for working jobs which require long periods of repeated movement, such as typing or standing. When sizing garments, look for a size the feels snug but doesn't cut off your general circulation.
Step 4
Drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Water helps your body's processes to work more effectively, while other types of drinks have the opposite effect. Avoid alcohol, which acts a depressant and slows your processes. Instead, aim for at least 8 cups of water intake per day. It helps to keep a water bottle on hand so you always have water within reach.
Step 5
Lose weight if you're overweight. Poor circulation is often the result of high cholesterol, which is especially dangerous as it could lead to plaque buildup in the arteries and subsequent blood clotting. Schedule an appointment to talk to your doctor about your circulation to see whether it's weight-related. If so, a daily exercise and healthy diet plan helps you reduce your weight in a safe and efficient way for better blood flow to your extremities.
Step 6
Stop smoking if you're a smoker. Smoking shrinks the size of your arteries, which are responsible for carrying oxygenated blood to your hands and legs. Smoking also exacerbates plaque buildup in those arteries, putting you at a higher risk for poor circulation and even deadly blood clots.
