Sometimes we forget to recognize that our body is intelligent on its own, that it can even try to tell us when we need to change our lifestyles. It gives us signs that we need to make a change through subtle shifts in our appearance, how we feel when we wake up in the morning, or what we crave as just a few examples.
These warning signs often manifest before a more serious reaction; in the case of poor blood circulation, having this condition usually means that there are greater health issues at work in the body. The most common issues involve obesity, diabetes, heart conditions, and arterial issues. Since the circulatory system is responsible for carrying blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout your body, it’s a good idea for your overall well-being to look out for signs of blood flow interruptions to avoid complications in the future.
You have tingling and numbness
One of the most common symptoms of poor circulation is tingling and numbness, especially in your extremities like in your hands and feet. A person may also have a sensation of pins and needles when something is restricting the flow of blood and blood cannot reach the extremities in sufficient quantities. If you start to feel this sensation in your extremities, you should advise your doctor as soon as possible, since uncontrolled and undiagnosed poor circulation could even lead to amputation.
Your muscles and joints cramp
Poor circulation can also manifest through muscle and joint cramps in the hands, arms, legs, and feet. A lack of blood flow prevents your muscles and joints from receiving the oxygen and nutrients they need to function properly.
You have skin color changes
Similarly, if you have poor circulation you can also experience skin color changes in the nose, lips, ears, nipples, hands, and feet. When an insufficient amount of arterial blood reaches the body’s tissues, the skin may appear pale or blue. Existing varicose veins may also become more visible with poor circulation.
You have cold hands and feet
Another common symptom of poor circulation is having cold feet and hands even in warm temperatures since the blood isn’t reaching these parts to keep them warm. When blood cannot flow at healthy rates, this can lead to temperature fluctuations in the skin and nerve endings of the hands and feet.
You have memory loss and difficulty concentrating
Poor circulation can also lead to cognitive dysfunction or memory loss. This can result from a reduction in the flow of blood to the brain, a reduction in the amount of blood pumped throughout the body, and certain changes in blood pressure.
