Signs and Symptoms of Poor Circulation
Medically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MDMedically reviewed by Scott Sundick, MD
Poor circulation refers to decreased blood flow throughout the body or certain parts of the body. It occurs when there is a disturbance to the circulatory system.
The circulatory system includes the heart and blood vessels that run throughout the body. As the heart pumps blood to the vessels—which include arteries and veins—nutrients and oxygen are delivered to every cell in the body. Sometimes, something like a blood clot interferes with the circulatory system, so blood cannot flow as normally.
Poor circulation can cause a variety of symptoms. The symptoms, their severity, and how quickly they develop depend on the cause of the circulation problems. Common symptoms include pain while walking or exercising, referred to as "claudication."
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Common Symptoms
One of the more common symptoms related to poor circulation is pain in the lower body, known as intermittent claudication. The pain usually develops during exercise as muscle cramping in the calves, thighs, hips, or buttocks. It goes away after rest.
Other common symptoms of poor circulation can include:
Tingling, stiffness, or pressure in the legs
Tiredness or weakness
Cold feet or legs
Symptoms by Condition
Poor circulation can be due to a condition that affects the heart or blood vessels. How poor circulation affects you may depend on your underlying condition. Here are some conditions that can cause poor circulation and the symptoms you might experience.
Atherosclerosis
Atherosclerosis is a condition in which plaque, a sticky substance, builds up inside the arteries. Plaque is formed by substances in the blood like cholesterol, fat, and blood cells and causes a narrowing of the arteries. This narrowing reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to vital organs, which can affect the organs' function.
The atherosclerosis symptoms you experience depend on which arteries are affected and the extent or severity of the blockage. Some common symptoms that may occur as a result of atherosclerosis-related poor circulation include:
Chest pain or pressure
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Pain or cramping in the legs during physical activities
Transient ischemic attack (TIA), also known as a mini-stroke
Severe pain after eating, a symptom of narrowed arteries in the small intestine (mesenteric artery ischemia)
Peripheral Arterial Disease
Peripheral arterial disease (PAD) happens when the arteries that carry blood from the heart to the arms and legs become narrowed or blocked. This is often a result of atherosclerosis. PAD typically causes pain in the legs during physical activities like walking, which improves with rest.
Other symptoms of poor circulation caused by PAD include:
Skin that is cool to the touch
Weak or absent pulses in the feet
Leg or foot ulcers (sores)
Toes that are cold to the touch or that feel numb
Varicose Veins
Varicose veins are twisted and swollen veins that appear just under the skin. They can develop due to weak or damaged vein walls and valves (flaps that open and close to control blood flow to the heart). Instead of flowing normally, the blood may pool or flow backward. The increased blood makes the veins larger, causing varicose veins.
While varicose veins can show in different areas of the body, they commonly occur in the legs. A person whose poor blood circulation causes varicose veins may have symptoms that include:
Intense itching, burning, or discomfort around the affected veins
Skin color changes around the affected veins
Leg swelling that causes legs and feet to feel heavy
Legs that ache or are in pain
Leg cramps that worsen at night
Blood Clots
Blood clotting helps stop bleeding when a blood vessel is injured. However, when clots form abnormally inside veins, the clots can block blood flow to the heart. As blood gathers behind the clot, you can experience symptoms, which can vary based on the clot's location.
A blood clot known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), can occur in major veins throughout the body. DVTs most commonly affect the legs but can also happen in your arms, pelvis, or areas where other large veins are. Symptoms of a DVT can include:
Pain or tenderness in the affected area
Red or discolored, warm skin near the affected area
If a clot travels to the lungs, a pulmonary embolism can develop. This is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition when the arteries in your lungs are blocked. Symptoms of a pulmonary embolism may include:
Intense chest pain
Increased heart rate
Sudden shortness of breath
Raynaud’s Phenomenon
Raynaud's phenomenon is a condition in which the blood vessels in the hands and feet narrow, reducing blood flow. This typically affects the fingers and toes, but it can sometimes occur in other areas, like the ears or nose.
Flare-ups of Raynaud's are often triggered by exposure to cold temperatures or emotional stress. Sometimes, there is no known cause of Raynaud's. Other times, conditions like autoimmune disorders, including lupus, can cause blood vessel narrowing.
Symptoms of Raynaud's flare-ups usually occur in three stages:
The affected area's skin turns paler as blood flow decreases.
The skin becomes cold and numb. Lighter skin may look blue, and darker skin can look darker than usual.
As circulation improves, the skin may swell, tingle, or burn. The skin returns to its usual color. In lighter people, the skin might first turn red.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a condition that affects how the body uses food as an energy source. Normally, the body breaks down food into glucose (sugar) and releases the glucose into the bloodstream. This prompts the pancreas to release insulin, which helps glucose enter your cells to be used for energy. In people with diabetes, the body either doesn't produce enough insulin or can't use it effectively. This leads to excess sugar in the bloodstream.
Blood sugar that is consistently outside of the normal range can damage the blood vessels and nerves, causing poor circulation.
Poor circulation in diabetes can cause leg pain that usually gets better at rest (intermittent claudication). You might also develop ulcers that don't heal or that heal slowly.
Symptoms in Children
Children can have circulation troubles if they have congenital heart defects, which develop when the heart or blood vessels do not fully develop before birth. The structural differences can affect how the heart works, including affecting how much blood flows through the heart and to the rest of the body.
Congenital heart defects do not always have a clear cause. Each year, about 1% of babies born have a heart-related congenital disorder. Most of these children grow up to lead full lives, but they may face some limitations with physical activities.
Discoloration in the skin, lips, or fingernails—for example, a blue hue in lighter skin—is one sign that a congenital heart defect is causing poor circulation. Another symptom could be fast or difficulty breathing.
When to Contact a Healthcare Provider
It's important to see a healthcare provider if you notice any potential symptoms of poor circulation. Underlying causes of poor circulation can be serious and may need to be treated, so getting prompt attention can help you get the care you need and avoid complications.
Consider scheduling a visit if you experience any of the following:
Persistent or unusual swelling in the limbs
Chronic numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
Persistent coldness in the extremities, especially if they appear pale, blue, or discolored
Sores or ulcers on the feet or legs that do not heal
Severe and unexplained fatigue
Noticeable changes in cognitive abilities, such as memory or concentration
Sudden, severe leg pain that does not improve with rest
Questions To Ask Your Provider
When visiting your healthcare provider, you might want clarity on some aspects of the cause, treatment, and severity of your poor circulation. Here are some questions you might want to consider asking:
What do you think is causing my poor circulation?
What treatment options are available for my underlying condition?
What are the potential risks or side effects of the treatments you're recommending?
What can I do at home to improve my circulation?
Are there any signs or symptoms that would indicate my situation is getting worse and that I should contact you immediately?
A Quick Review
Poor circulation refers to poor blood flow to certain parts of the body. It typically results from an underlying condition like atherosclerosis, diabetes, or Raynaud's phenomenon. Symptoms can vary based on the underlying cause of poor circulation, though tingling, stiffness, or pressure in the legs; tiredness or weakness; and cold extremities are common.
Consult a healthcare provider if you have symptoms like severe leg pain, chronic numbness, unusual swelling, or sores that do not heal. These can indicate serious underlying health issues that require swift attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you fix poor circulation?
Poor circulation can be a symptom of several conditions, including varicose veins, blood clots, and diabetes. Managing the underlying cause can help improve your circulation. Being physically active, reducing salt intake, and quitting smoking may also help fix poor circulation.
Does drinking water increase blood circulation?
Staying hydrated helps the heart pump blood more easily throughout the body, which improves circulation.
How can I check my blood circulation at home?
To check your blood circulation at home, look for several key symptoms. Noticeable cramping in the legs, numbness or swelling in the calves, and persistent coldness in the legs and feet can be signs of poor circulation. If you observe any of these symptoms, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation.
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