When the legs and feet receive a reduced flow of blood than what is considered normal, it is what is known as poor peripheral circulation. Circulation issues can develop for many reason, though there are a few primary causes. The most common one is obesity, though advancing age and a sedentary lifestyle definitely add to it. Many people do not think much of them when they begin or even learn how to recognize the symptoms of poor circulation because the initial signs are so mild.
Even though the symptoms of bad circulation begin in very mild forms, they have the potential to lead to much more dangerous complications down the road if they are not treated before then. Edema is one of the first symptoms of poor circulation that you are likely to notice. Edema refers to the swelling of the lower legs that can often be accompanied by itching and aching, as well as discoloration. These cosmetic concerns, however, can further lead to much more worrying consequences.
Many people develop varicose veins as a result of their poor blood circulation. When someone refers to varicose veins, they are talking about a raised, bumpy, usually purple vein that bulges out from the leg. In addition to being less than attractive, people with varicose veins are more likely to develop blood clots later on. As things continue to worsen, poor blood circulation will eventually lead to the development of unhealing wounds, mostly on the lower legs. When a wound does not receive an adequate supply of blood, especially one that is infected, it continues to break down and can eventually reach the point where it cannot recover and some or all of the leg needs to be amputated.
Poor circulation and diabetes, when you combine them, are responsible for most of the lower limb amputations that are performed each year. If you start developing any sort of circulation problems in your legs, it is important that you take action right away to protect them. Varicose veins and skin discoloration may not sound like a big deal to most people, but there are worse things down the road, such as amputation. You are born with only one set of legs. Do everything you can to protect them so that they last you a lifetime. There are all sorts of easy ways to improve leg circulation.