Almost everyone has experienced the feeling of pins and needles in their feet and or legs. This happens because of poor circulation. The blood is not flowing as it should and the body is sending a warning sign.
Diabetics need to be more aware and take a proactive approach to foot care. Poor circulation or slow blood flow can have devastating consequences like decreased ability to fight infection and heal properly. The blood vessels of the foot and leg narrow and harden in diabetics, restricting the amount of blood that can flow, causing poor circulation.
Help your body help you:
- Stop Smoking. Smoking hardens arteries faster.
- Control blood pressure.
- Control cholesterol levels.
Poor circulation can also hinder the ability to feel temperature. Wear warm socks. Don’t put feet and legs in warm water, use hot water bottles or heating pads. If feet are unable to feel proper temperature, the changes of burns increase.
Some diabetics have intermittent claudication, which is pain in the calves when walking fast or uphill. Resting ends the pain, but needs to be treated by a podiatrist. Poor circulation can be improved, so see your Podiatrist frequently.
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