Poor leg circulation can signify poor general health, but it can also be a symptom of many other conditions. If you are older than 65 and have poor leg circulation, you must see your doctor to rule out other possible causes. A Weston leg circulation test is a common way to check for leg circulation. A doctor or nurse can perform a leg circulation test.
When you have poor leg circulation, your legs may feel cold to the touch or even numb. You may also experience pain in your feet or lower legs, especially when lying down at night. Several common medical conditions can cause poor leg circulation among senior citizens, including:
Diabetes
Diabetes is when your blood glucose (sugar) levels are too high or too low. When blood glucose levels are too high, they can damage blood vessels in the legs, causing poor leg circulation. When blood glucose levels are too low, they can also damage blood vessels in the legs, leading to poor leg circulation.
Hypertension
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is a condition where high blood pressure damages arteries throughout the body, including those that supply blood to your legs and feet. High blood pressure can cause poor leg circulation among senior citizens if it occurs at night while lying down or after standing for long periods.
Arthritis
Arthritis is a common cause of poor leg circulation among senior citizens. The disorder causes inflammation of the joints, which disrupts your body’s normal flow of blood and oxygen to your legs. The most common form of arthritis is rheumatoid arthritis, which affects the joints of the hands and feet. This type of arthritis can be painful and cause you to walk with a limp.
Scleroderma
Scleroderma is a disease that causes inflammation in the skin and connective tissue. The inflammation can make it difficult for blood vessels to function normally, leading to poor leg circulation.
Osteoporosis
Osteoporosis is an age-related condition that causes bones to become weak over time, leading to fractures and broken bones if not treated properly. Due to osteoporosis, poor circulation in the legs can make it harder for you to walk without feeling pain or discomfort until your bones become fragile enough to break easily. As a result, you may need surgery or even amputation of a limb if you do not receive proper treatment for your bone problems early enough.
Venous insufficiency
Venous insufficiency, also known as varicose veins, is another common cause of leg circulation problems among senior citizens. It is a condition where there are insufficient blood vessels in the veins of your legs, which leads to poor blood flow and less oxygen supply in those areas. This condition can occur for several reasons, including aging, obesity, and pregnancy. Over time, venous insufficiency can weaken your leg muscles and cause them to become weak and unable to support themselves adequately.
Polycythemia vera
Polycythemia vera is another condition that can affect your circulation and lead to poor leg circulation among senior citizens. The most common symptom of polycythemia vera is an enlarged spleen or liver, but it can also cause leg ulcers and poor circulation due to increased pressure on your veins and arteries.
Healthy leg circulation is vital for all body parts, including your heart and brain. Poor leg circulation can cause fatigue, dizziness, skin rashes, and headaches. If you are experiencing these symptoms or any other health issue related to your legs, contact Soffer Health Institute to schedule an appointment.