How can you tell whether your circulatory system is in good shape? Here are some symptoms of poor blood circulation that you may experience. As always, you should discuss your concerns with your primary care physician.

1. Muscle cramping

Did you realize that varicose veins may be the cause of the leg cramps you occasionally experience? The waste materials from the cells become blocked as well when the veins are unable to adequately remove blood from the legs.

What does that have to do with cramping in the muscles? As the venous blood collects in the varicose veins, waste products like lactic acid absorbed from the cells damage the vein walls over time, allowing blood to flow through the vein wall into the tissue. The muscles in the legs may cramp as a result of this sluggish leak, which irritates and inflames the tissue and muscles, especially after we lay down at night.

2. Heaviness

Do you notice that your legs start to feel heavy as you walk or run during the day? Does it get worse as the day goes on? Does it make it difficult for you to desire to engage in routine activities? If so, you could be one of the millions of Americans who suffer from a common sign of chronic venous insufficiency (CVI)! Varicose veins are caused by the illness process known as CVI.

You start to experience high venous pressure when venous flow cannot leave your legs adequately, which causes the venous flow to pool and give you the dull throb you may be feeling.

3. Numbness

Is there ever a time when your hands or feet feel numb? There are several causes for this, many of them have to do with venous or arterial problems that influence your nerves. This numbness could be caused by anything as straightforward as a magnesium or B-12 shortage, or it might be a sign of something more serious, such artery narrowing brought on by diabetes. Numbness can be a first-stage symptom of conditions including multiple sclerosis, thyroid problems, or even CVI. If you encounter this symptom, talk to your primary care doctor for more advice.

4. Swelling

Do you feel an indentation at your ankle or calf from your sock as you sit down to take your socks off at the end of the day? Do you frequently get swelling in your ankles, feet, or legs? While swelling can happen for a variety of causes, your circulation may also be a factor. If you’re unsure about whether you need to see a vascular or vein specialist, talk to your primary care doctor.