A UK woman named Layla Sanai was diagnosed with scleroderma, a rare disease that causes the body to attack the tissues that connect major organs and limbs, when she was 35 years old. Sanai’s symptoms included tissue scarring, organ damage, and poor circulation.
Her decreased blood flow caused ulcers which turned into gangrene over the years, resulting in the loss of four fingers and a toe. But things got even worse when she stopped taking her blood thinners. The clotting in her foot became so bad that the pain was unbearable, and she had to go to the hospital. Her left leg had to be amputated from the knee down.
Although her condition is hard to get used to, Sanai is trying her best to be strong, and is considering the use of a prosthetic once her stump has fully healed.
If you or a loved one is suffering from poor circulation, don’t wait—it could be serious. See podiatrist Dr. Neal A. Mozen of Foot HealthCare Associates. Dr. Mozen will fully diagnose and explore your various treatment options.
Circulation
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries.
Plaque buildup or atherosclerosis results from excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. It usually restricts the amount of blood which can flow through the arteries. Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs are sometimes caused by inflammation in the blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
Causes
Lack of oxygen and oxygen from poor blood circulation restricts muscle growth and development.
It can also cause:
-muscle pain    -numbness in legs
-cramps            -skin discoloration
-weakness        -slower nail & hair growth
-stiffness         -erectile dysfunction
Those who have diabetes and or smoke are at greatest risk for poor circulation, or who are over 50.
If you have poor circulation in the feet and legs it may be caused by PAD, and is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce risk of getting a heart attack or stroke. Exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle will dramatically improve conditions
As always see a doctor as they will help try and fit a regime that suits you. A doctor will also prescribe you medication which will help for PAD.
For more information about poor circulation or PAD, read the following article.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office in Southfield, MI. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot and ankle needs.
Read more about poor circulation.