If you’re searching for how to improve leg circulation in the elderly, this tip can do wonders. For the best results, you’ll need a pillow that’s designed to keep the legs above the heart and prevent blood from pooling in calves. Swelling in this case happens when blood is moving too slowly through the blood vessels. Follow these six strategies to help seniors improve their blood flow and regain their quality of life. You've been added to our list and will hear from us soon. Leg ulcers are unhealed sores or open wounds on the legs. As the circulation of blood improves, the individual’s overall health will be significantly enhanced as well. As a caregiver, there are several steps you can take to improve leg circulation in elderly patients. Foods spiced up by cayenne pepper, garlic and ginger provide anti-inflammatory benefits throughout the body and blood vessels in legs including. While the amount of exercise and movement that a person can handle each day is variable, the more gentle movements that you can incorporate into your daily life or exercise routine, the better. Elevation also causes blood to move back toward the heart using gravity to ease the process, thereby promoting better blood flow overall. Have a question or concern — or just want to learn more? Relaxing activities like this can minimize stress. How to Improve Leg Blood Flow Circulation Poor circulation in the legs is a common problem in many people especially the obese and the elderly. But sometimes stress and some health conditions can impede proper flowing of blood, thereby leading to swollen veins or varicose veins. The heart may develop fibrous tissues and fat deposits, the walls might thicken or the valves might stiffen. However, it’s important to keep in mind that only massaging your legs will not be enough to improve circulation permanently or over the long-term. (a.k.a. Poor leg circulation can be improved by starting simple habits and making changes to your diet. Approximately 30 minutes per day of movement can make a dramatic difference in a person’s cardiovascular health. The main issue with poor circulation is that the extremities of the body may not receive enough oxygen. Allow you to advance your leg during walking with greater ease. Stomach Trouble. As a caregiver, there are several steps you can take to improve leg circulation in elderly patients. For example, curcumin is a particularly good supplement for reducing inflammation in the body, which can, in turn, promote blood flow! Let's take a closer look at the issue of leg circulation and seniors, along with a few ways caregivers can help get the blood flowing and improve circulation. While it may sound fancy, if you’ve ever applied a cold ice pack to a sprain or used a steamy hot bath to loosen up sore muscles, then you’ve used hydrotherapy. To strengthen your abdominal muscles. The best form of hydrotherapy for circulation is doing a warm/hot water soak. When the body is cold, vessels constrict, making blood circulation even harder to regulate. While you may or may not be the primary caretaker for your elderly parent(s), you can ensure that they are eating healthy, circulation-improving foods that benefit their overall health as well as their cardiovascular health specifically. Therefore, good leg circulation not only is a question of health, but also of beauty. The walls of your capillaries thicken, and the arteries thicken and stiffen as well. Go for dress shoes with rounded or almond-shaped toes instead of pointy toes. Good blood circulation in your legs allows tissues to take in nutrients, get rid of waste and is an essential function of long-term leg health and strength. The heart can also develop abnormal rhythms (arrhythmias) caused by heart disease. Elevating... Do a Warm Water Soak. Certain foods also seem to act as mild blood thinners, including turmeric, ginger, cinnamon, cayenne peppers, vitamin E and garlic. 2. If you’re struggling to get through the day due to physical or mental fatigue, you may have a circulation problem. Preparing a warm foot soak for your elderly parent (s) can help improve their circulation … While it’s always important to consult with a doctor or healthcare professional before starting to take any new vitamin or supplement, most of the supplements on this list are extremely safe and are likely to be acceptable for most people. Legology Exfo-lite is a powerful scrub made from stimulating salts that smoothe skin, energise legs and ease excess fluid. Many elderly patients complain of cold hands and feet and numbness or swelling in their extremities—all classic signs of poor circulation. We have strict non-discrimination and privacy policies. If you’re worried about your parents’ blood circulation here are some things that you can do to help them improve general blood flow by working with their legs: Sometimes, all that’s needed to improve circulation is a slight change in positioning. These include: swelling; water retention; soreness in the legs Wear support hosiery or socks to improve circulation. However, the treatments and techniques listed above should always be included if you want to successfully overcome blood flow issues. There are many exercises that improve circulation! If your patient’s doctor has prescribed blood thinners or other pharmaceuticals to improve their cardiovascular health, then make sure they’re taking the medication at the designated dosage and schedule. Poor circulation is rarely what it seems to be, so it must be treated holistically in order to manage it successfully. Privacy Policy Leg cramps are a painful and somewhat frightening side effect of poor circulation in the legs. For best results aim to keep your legs … Yes! Circulation is particularly important for elderly people. Heel lifts Hold onto a chair for balance. They target the quadriceps — muscles on the front of your upper leg. The legs are the most common body part to suffer from the effects of PAD, Dr. Shin says. Straight Leg Raise. This is commonly attributed to diabetic neuropathy (DN). In order to relieve built-up pressure, the body allows some of the liquid from inside the blood vessels to leak into the surrounding tissues. If you are not personally preparing meals, encourage the caregivers to prepare meals with foods that are rich in these specific nutrients. This is a particularly good activity to do during stressful situations, since stress can have a negative effect on blood flow. Elevate your legs. For proper hemoglobin circulation, using the best blood circulation machine for legs will keep your legs healthy. In general, eating a healthy, nutrient-rich diet with lots of lean protein and fruits and vegetables will also encourage better cardiovascular health. Follow this link to learn more about some of the best movements for improving circulation in the legs. Unfortunately, it’s almost impossible to avoid lying down when you sleep! If they have truly bad cardiovascular health and circulation, medications can be a huge help and maybe even save their lives, so don’t let them neglect it. 11. Ways to Improve Leg Circulation Poor circulation in the feet can cause unbearable pain in your legs and feet. Improving blood circulation in the legs can be accomplished using simple tools, dietary changes, and exercises. Especially for seniors, it's impossible to overstate the importance of healthy circulation. Elevate Their Feet. These socks are sometimes referred to as resting socks or therapeutic socks and they make use of a minimal amount of constriction to encourage blood flow in the legs. Bypass uses a graft (man-made or a vein from the patient's body) to reroute circulation. Do you have a question or do you just want to speak with us? In fact, exercise in general can be an excellent way to improve circulation quickly and effectively. Lying flat on the mattress can cause circulation issues, but sleeping with your feet propped up even just a little bit can make major improvements in circulation while you sleep. Vigorously buff in circular motions working your way up the leg, from ankle to knee, to improve circulation and reduce puffiness. How can I improve the circulation in my elderly parents’ legs? As your body ages, numerous changes take place that can slow the circulation of your blood. How to Improve Circulation in the Legs and Feet Naturally Exercise Your Body. Even if you’re not having leg cramps, other kinds of pain in the limbs (like the feeling of a bruised limb, or extremely tight muscles) may be present. Elevating one’s feet can improve circulation throughout the body almost immediately. 1. As such, inexplicable numbness and tingling may be a sign of poor circulation. water therapy) is the therapeutic use of water. Compression gear is a great choice for those who sit all day—such as the elderly—especially if they have limited mobility, since compression gear passively encourages better circulation without any effort on the wearer’s part once they put it on. By raising the legs above the level of the heart, the blood can drain back up the leg to the trunk. Here are some of the best vitamins and nutritional supplements for improving blood circulation in the elderly: ●       B-complex vitamins (niacin and vitamin B6 are particularly important), ●       Curcumin (a flavonoid found in turmeric), ●       Coenzyme Q10 (also known as CoQ10), ●       Resveratrol (an antioxidant compound found in the skins of red, purple, and blue fruits and vegetables, including grapes, berries, eggplant, and more). The circulation … Many of these poor leg circulation remedies will also help reduce poor circulation in other parts of the body and improve your overall quality of life. If your skin has a bruised appearance or if it has even just a slightly bluish tinge, this can be a strong indicator of poor blood circulation, especially if you are also experiencing other symptoms as well. 118-35 Queens Blvd, Suite 414, Forest Hills, NY 11375, 749 E 135th St., Suite 105, The Bronx, NY 10454, 300 Cadman Plaza West, One Pierrepont Plaza, Suite 12093,Brooklyn, NY 11201, 300 International Drive, Suite 149, Williamsville, NY 14221, 20 Miller St. Suite 200, Plattsburgh, NY 12901, 510 Clinton Square, Suite 538, Rochester, NY 14604, 4583 North St, Suite 2,  Jamesville, NY 13078, 747 Third Ave, 29th Floor, New York, NY 10017, 445 Broad Hollow Road, Suite 25 Melville, New York 11747, 73 Market Street, Suite 350, Yonkers, NY 10710, 150 Motor Parkway, Suite 414, Hauppauge, NY 11788, 418 Broadway, 2nd Floor, Albany, NY 12207, 115 Broadway, Suite #3, Newburgh NY 12550, 3900 W. Alameda Ave, Suite # 1200, Burbank, CA 91505, An Easy to Understand Guide on MLTC in New York, To see if you are eligible, fill out this form. There are massage therapists who can provide massage therapy that is designed to treat circulation issues throughout the body, though it’s best to find a masseuse who has training in this type of treatment. If they’re treated early, leg ulcers can improve … To combat this situation, make sure your patients stay at a comfortable temperature at all times. Antioxidants also play a role in improving blood circulation. Complications of Poor Circulation. In addition to the activities listed above, there are also special exercises and movements that are designed to stimulate blood flow in the legs. Fortunately, this foundational exercise works the largest muscles in your lower body to encourage improved circulation to the legs… If you’ve ever had your foot or hand “fall asleep”, then you know how unnerving and distressing numbness and tingling can be when experienced anywhere in the body. Hold this position for two to three seconds, then lower the leg. Here are six strategies to try: Whatever exercise is appropriate to the patient’s mobility level, whether it’s a brisk walk or wheelchair aerobics, will help get their heart pumping and their blood flowing. Wear tennis shoes or loafers that give your feet room to breathe. That means you can get CDPAP wherever you are in New York. People have the right to get care from those they love and trust — people who bring them comfort & joy. The exercise does not have to be strenuous or hard, doing something simple like going for a walk or going to the grocery store would count as exercise. Partial Squats. To increase your quadriceps and hip flexor strength with this leg workout. Besides the fact that socks keep feet warm, special socks designed specifically for the purpose of improving circulation can be used to effectively promote blood flow among the elderly populations. Now slowly bend at your hips and knees, but keep your back straight, like you’re sitting in a chair. However, remember that visiting or consulting with a physical therapist or a doctor is a good idea before starting any exercise program! Staying warm with a blanket and socks can improve blood flow to the legs and feet. ), ●       A daily exercise routine that caters specifically toward improving circulation, ●       Attention to proper posture and positioning throughout the day, ●       Massage, acupuncture, or some other similar form of natural healing. Adding foods to increase circulation throughout the body will naturally increase circulation in legs and body. Or Enroll Now! While it may sound fancy, if you’ve ever applied a cold ice pack to a sprain or used a steamy hot bath to loosen up sore muscles, then you’ve used hydrotherapy. As previously mentioned, blood clots may lead to fatal consequences. Bypass surgery can improve circulation in the legs, depending on the extent and location of the blockage. If you have cold hands and/or feet when the rest of your body is warm and you know that your environment is also a comfortable temperature, this can be a sure sign of poor blood circulation. The majority of people struggle with drinking enough water, and in fact, most people are a little bit dehydrated because of this. Straight leg raises are another circulation-encouraging exercise. Compression gear can be tight, so if you and your patients have trouble getting it on, look for donning aids. Circulation and Seniors. Getting regular exercise will promote healthy blood flow throughout the body, while healthy diet will provide the ultimate vitamin and mineral intake. It is partly due to a sedentary lifestyle … There are some very specific vitamins and nutritional supplements that have been proven to improve blood circulation. However, any kind of massage is likely to offer some significant benefits in regard to circulation. The best treatment for poor circulation depends on the cause, and problems in the arteries or veins are often responsible. 4. Also, clots that become dislodged can result in a stroke or heart attack. Copyright 2020 Lounge Doctor Pedal exercisers are particularly useful for the elderly as they allow them to simply sit on their chair and exercise their legs and arms. There are actually a number of simple steps you can take to improve your peripheral circulation, whether you are at home or out and about. You’re looking to move blood back to the heart, so it can be redistributed from there. Especially for seniors, it's impossible to overstate the importance of healthy circulation. Any kind of movement, walking included, can improve blood circulation in the legs as well as the rest of the body. Other kinds of limb pain, such as an unusual stinging or throbbing pain in the legs, can also be an indicator of poor leg circulation. Blood flow is necessary for your body to feel good, and also for your mind. Yes, absolutely. Hydrotherapy (a.k.a. But, there are some ways to improve circulation through conscious posturing during the nighttime hours. If legs are massaged regularly, it can be a part of a leg circulation improvement protocol, but it should never be done as a primary treatment. Read on to discover why circulation slows down as we age and how to improve leg circulation in elderly patients. To manage this condition, you’ll need a … The blood in your body is approximately 92% water, so you can imagine how important it is to stay hydrated when it comes to having good circulation! ← Next Post Try to simply adjust your position once every half an hour, as a minimum, to avoid being motionless for too long. ●       Use a pillow between your knees to maintain proper alignment while you sleep on your side. Moving the body is … Seniors who maintain a regular walking schedule tend to have not only better circulation, but also improved energy, mobility, balance, mood, and general well-being! Warmth causes vasodilation that helps improve blood circulation and can also relieve symptoms of cramping that can occur from lack of oxygen carried in the bloodstream to the tissues. Call us now on 718.989.9768 to learn more about the Consumer Directed Personal Assistance Program (CDPAP). Blood carries heat from the core outward toward other parts of the body. Get the advice of a chiropractor, doctor, or another licensed professional to find a pillow that will correctly support the upper areas of your body. Water and adequate hydration is the most important thing you can do to improve leg circulation as well as blood flow throughout the body. While there are many causes of digestive issues, poor circulation can reduce blood flow to the digestive system. Because your hands and feet are farthest from your core, they’re the most likely to experience the effects of poor blood circulation as a result. In this article, we’ll explore seven of the best tips to combat poor leg circulation. Add magnesium to the foot soak to further enhance the cardiovascular benefits of this blood-flow-promoter. As you age, the receptors that monitor your blood pressure also become less sensitive, making it difficult to regulate your blood flow as closely. Getting a full body massage (or a massage that targets the areas where you specifically have trouble with circulation) can also be a relaxing and extremely beneficial treatment. It also may be possible for your elderly parent(s) to take a supplement of these vitamins and nutrients as well. Some key things to include in a natural treatment protocol for poor circulation are: ●       A healthy diet rich in whole, fresh foods (remember to avoid all refined sugars, refined salts, and refined grains! Poor circulation can also cause inflammation of the brain, which can slow neural connections, diminish mental acuity, and make it difficult to concentrate for extended periods of time. In general, eating a. Eating a healthy diet and following a specialized nutritional supplementation protocol is a great way to holistically treat blood circulation problems in the elderly. Raise your heels slowly so that you’re standing on tiptoes. Activities such as cleaning, cooking, doing housework and car repairs, and other similar activities all count as movement and are also excellent ways to improve blood circulation throughout the day. For example, heavy legs, varicose veins, and cellulite are all signs of poor leg circulation. This type of pain in the legs is often worse when sitting or standing for long periods. Repeat 10 to 20 times on each foot. In many cases, poor circulation in seniors is related to an underlying medical condition that requires the attention of a physician. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. The more you nourish your body with plenty of clean water, the more improvements you’ll see in leg circulation and blood flow throughout the body. Good circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and helps fend off cardiovascular issues like heart attack and stroke.. Hydrotherapy is inexpensive and easy to use, making it an ideal therapy to experiment with. Compromising lifestyle habits—such as smoking, a bad diet or lack of exercise—can also contribute to poor circulation no matter your age, and the effect is only magnified in elderly patients. Then, buy a new pillow either every 6 months or when the old pillow loses its shape so that you always have the best support. 3. The term circulation describes the constant movement of blood around the body, made possible by the pumping action of the heart. When blood circulation in your leg is poor, there are some common symptoms that you might notice. When you're focused on improving leg circulation, it's important to wear comfortable, low-heeled shoes with plenty of cushioning. Supporting the legs on a leg elevation pillow can be done while the patient is reading, watching TV, sleeping or otherwise resting, making it a great choice to conveniently encourage better circulation. When you’re dehydrated, the blood in your body is more sluggish. Without treatment, these ulcers can keep recurring. Working with a nutritionist, doctor, or licensed healthcare professional will improve your chances of being able to manage circulation issues, and possibly cure them forever! Oxygen-rich blood is bright red and transfers that richness of color to the skin. For leg … Vitamin C, vitamin E, and all the B vitamins, as well as omega-3 fatty acids have all been scientifically proven to improve circulation. Changes also occur in the blood itself: Total water volume in your body decreases, which in turn reduces the volume of the blood, and your red blood cells are replaced at a slower rate. Some older adults are less mobile than others and … If you notice them wearing multiple layers in summer or constantly asking for a blanket, it might be time to turn the heat up a couple of degrees. The healthy circulation of blood throughout the body is an extremely important bodily function for anybody at any age, but for seniors, blood circulation is particularly important. In this article, we explore why its important to increase circulation in the feet and how one can achieve to do so. If you experience swelling in the legs or feet, see a doctor right away. This is an ancient practice that elderly Chinese people use regularly to maintain good circulation to stay fit and mobile well into old age. Keep in mind that these are not the same as compression socks and should not be used as such. Massaging your legs gently will help increase blood flow and thus will help improve blood circulation. Poor circulation occurs when these clots develop in either the arms or the legs. Improve your ability to get up from a chair and walk. If you find yourself having trouble keeping your legs still at night and you wake up feeling tired because of it, you may have restless leg syndrome. Here are six strategies to try: Encourage a Healthier Lifestyle Whatever exercise is appropriate to the patient’s mobility level, whether it’s a brisk walk or wheelchair aerobics, will help get their heart pumping and their blood flowing. Raising the legs encourages blood and other fluids to flow back towards the core, which can also reduce pain and act as leg swelling treatment. Giving your legs or arms a massage regularly stimulates blood flow. Foods rich in vitamin C (tomatoes, citrus fruits, leafy green vegetables), vitamin E (vegetable oils and nuts), omega-3 fatty acids (seafood) and vitamin B (leafy greens, dried beans, fish, meat and eggs) have all been proven to improve circulation. If you want to improve leg circulation, be sure to get up and move around at least once per hour, especially if you have a desk job that requires a lot of sitting. Good circulation delivers oxygen and nutrients throughout the body and helps fend off cardiovascular issues like heart attack and stroke.. This article will look at the symptoms of poor blood circulation along with natural treatments and exercises for improving blood flow in elderly individuals. Compression gear encourages blood flow by gently squeezing your extremities to push the blood to flow back to the heart. Most doctors and other experts recommend that seniors plan for one 30 minute walk per day that includes a short warm up and cool down before and after the walk. That’s why vitamin C is so important when a patient has circulation issues. However, there are many options available that can be combined into a protocol for treating poor circulation naturally! Elevating the legs is also helpful in circulatory problems in the legs veins. Sometimes, all that’s needed to improve circulation is a slight change in positioning. Besides containing nitric oxide, many of these supplements also play a role in reducing inflammation. Going for a walk each day has a wonderful effect on improving circulation. Magnesium also has an excellent profile in terms of its effects on cardiovascular health. You should aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water every day, and more if possible! Other factors may also impact circulation in elderly patients. Soaking the feet or the legs in warm/hot water can be incredibly relaxing for the elderly, reduce stress and of course, encourage blood flow. Flex the foot of your extended leg and slowly raise the leg no more than 12 inches off the floor. Sitemap, Whatever exercise is appropriate to the patient’s mobility level, whether it’s a brisk walk or wheelchair aerobics, will help get their heart pumping and their blood flowing. Numbness and tingling in the hands and feet is an indicator that blood is rushing back into these parts of the body after having been cut off. Anyone who is not very active may experience poor circulation as the Vein Clinics of America points... Elevate Your Legs. For people who already have problems with circulation in the legs, lying down for prolonged periods of time without effort toward maintaining good circulation can cause some issues in certain cases. They’re easy to use and comfortable, making them an ideal tool. Keeping weight within reasonable limits will ensure the prevention of unpleasant symptoms of poor leg circulation. Some of the most significant problems in leg circulation start at the hips, and because your hips can be poorly affected by bad alignment when you sleep on your side, it’s important to give them a little bit of extra attention. Regular cramps are a sign of poor circulation that are usually caused by a lack of certain nutrients. From a leg elevation pillow to hydrotherapy, there are many ways to help your elderly patients treat poor leg circulation. 10 Methods to Improve Your Peripheral Circulation. Let's take a closer look at the issue of leg circulation and seniors, along with a few ways caregivers can help get the blood flowing and improve circulation. It’s essential to pay attention to strange pains and sensations if you suspect that you’re having circulation problems, since this can indicate serious issues that need treatment immediately. Lower your heels slowly in a controlled movement. Some elderly individuals struggle with circulation however and finding ways to improve circulation then becomes essential for their health and well being. Fatigue by itself can’t diagnose poor leg circulation, but when paired with one or more of the other symptoms on this list, it can be a strong indicator. Leg extensions are another exercise that can help with circulation. How to Improve Circulation One simple way to improve circulation and reduce the risk of getting some cardiovascular diseases would be to increase movement activity. In many cases, poor circulation … Lying down doesn’t have to be bad for circulation, but it can cause problems if you aren’t conscious of your position and posture during sleep. Poor circulation in the legs and arms can also cause these areas to ache, including the calf muscles. Previous Post →. water therapy) is the therapeutic use of water. Ulcers in the legs or feet: Poor circulation affects the body’s ability to heal, which can lead to ulcers in the legs and feet, known as stasis ulcers. … During the time when you are sitting down, it helps to keep your feet flat on the floor and avoid crossing your legs… You can get either a specially designed support pillow made particularly for this purpose, or use a regular pillow with adequate support. While poor circulation is indeed common in seniors, there are plenty of steps that caregivers can take to help mitigate it. ●       Elevate your feet slightly when you’re sleeping. Plus, water is capable of clearing out impurities in the blood that might get stuck in blood vessels and impede circulation. Choose wedges instead of heels if you want extra height. FreedomCare proudly services all 62 counties of New York. Dietary changes can help relieve this problem. While restless leg syndrome can be caused by many different things, poor leg circulation is a common cause.

how to improve leg circulation in the elderly

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how to improve leg circulation in the elderly 2020