The main signs that your body shows when your legs are not getting enough blood are as follows:
1. Claudication
You may feel a sharp pain or a pulling sensation in your thigh or lower leg after walking for a short distance. This pain goes away when you rest and comes back when you walk. This is a major sign of poor blood flow.
2. Coldness in the legs
You may feel your feet or legs are colder than the rest of your body. If only one leg is colder, it may indicate a blood clot.
3. Color change
Look for a change in the color of the skin on your legs that looks pale or has a slight blue/red tint.
4. Slow healing of wounds
Even small wounds on your feet or toes may take weeks to heal due to poor blood flow. This can later lead to infection and ulcers.
5. Reduced hair growth on the legs
Hair loss on the legs or failure to grow new hair is a sign of reduced blood flow. Similarly, nail growth may slow down and the nails may become thicker.
6. Numbness and tingling in the feet
Feeling numb or tingling in the feet when sitting or lying down. Some people may feel their feet are heavier.
What can you do to increase blood flow?
Regular walking: Walking for at least 30 minutes a day can help form new blood vessels and improve blood flow.
Quit smoking: Smoking causes blood vessels to narrow.
Control cholesterol: Eat a low-fat diet.
