Home Remedies for Poor Circulation in the Legs

Bad circulation in the legs causes pain, cramping and swelling in the feet, ankles and legs. Home remedies may be able to help relieve this painful condition and get the blood pumping more freely through your arteries. However, discuss your poor circulation symptoms with your doctor before using a home remedy. Circulation problems could be a sign of a more serious condition that could lead to heart attack or stroke.

Compression Garments

Compression garments are prescribed after surgeries to improve blood circulation in the affected area, promoting a healthy recovery. You can use these types of garments to stimulate the blood flow in your painful legs.

These garments work on blood circulation by providing constant pressure on the legs to get the blood to flow upward toward the heart. Choose a compression stocking that applies graduated pressure to your legs. Pressure is applied to the leg in the greatest amount near the ankles and gradually decreases as the stocking moves up the leg. This squeezes the blood up and prevents swelling and the pooling of blood in the legs. Compression stockings can be purchased online or in a medical-supply store.

Nutrition

A lack of exercise and a poor diet are two of the most common causes of poor blood circulation. Develop a healthy diet that boosts circulation by including foods such as whole grains along with fruits and vegetables.

Foods that contain omega-3 essential fatty acids can greatly improve blood circulation. Choose foods such as nuts and seeds for this essential fat. Oily fish such as tuna and mackerel are also good sources of these healthy fats.

Drink at least eight 8oz. glasses of water and include a daily vitamin C supplement in your diet to help blood circulation in the legs.

Smoking and Weight Loss

Smoking also constricts blood vessels and leads to poor blood flow. Quit smoking to improve the condition of your vessels and improve your overall health.

Lose weight to decrease the pressure on your limbs and help treat poor circulation. Like smoking, obesity can lead to poor blood flow throughout the body, including the limbs. Increase your activity level to lose weight and promote healthy blood flow.

Exercise is often used to determine the extent of peripheral artery disease and poor circulation in the legs. Discuss your exercise regimen with your doctor to make sure that you are healthy enough for regular physical exercise.