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Blood Circulation
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Gravity does its best to pull the blood to the feet, but it is not ensuring a return trip. Because, in the human body, the major foot arteries are the farthest away from the heart, many circulatory problems will first display themselves in the feet.
The arteries carry blood away from the heart and the veins carry blood returning to the heart and lungs for regeneration - for nutrients and oxygen - after the blood's supply of oxygen has been used up to nourish the tissues of the body. There are two main arteries that supply the feet with the essential blood supply: the dorsalis pedis artery and the posterior tibial artery. These two major arteries distribute oxygenated blood through smaller arterioles to the many tissues of the feet. Healthy arteries have thick walls that are strong and elastic. To accommodate the pressure created by the pumping of the heart, they must stretch with each heartbeat. |
Leg cramps are an aching, crampy, tired, and sometimes burning pain in the legs that comes and goes -- it typically occurs with walking and goes away with rest due to poor circulation of blood in the arteries of the legs.
CAUSES |
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Exposure to cold temperatures or water, pressure from shoes or long periods of sitting can reduce blood flow to the feet. Even sitting with your legs crossed or wearing tight, elastic garters or socks can affect circulation.
Discoloration of the skin is another indication of poor blood circulation to the legs and feet. |
Warm feet are the product of good circulation. Warmth is brought to the foot by way of arterial blood flow. Warm blood nourishes the tissue of the leg and foot providing oxygen and stabilizing the body temperature. The most obvious reason for cold feet is a decrease in normal circulation.
Raising the feet, standing up and stretching, walking, and other forms of exercise promote good circulation. Gentle massage and warm foot baths can also help increase circulation to the feet.
A program of daily walking for short periods, and stopping for pain or cramping, often helps improve function by encouraging the development of new small blood vessels that bypass the area of obstruction in the artery.
Improving the circulation of blood to the feet can help prevent many problems.
Raising the feet, standing up and stretching, walking, and other forms of exercise promote good circulation. Gentle massage and warm foot baths can also help increase circulation to the feet.
A program of daily walking for short periods, and stopping for pain or cramping, often helps improve function by encouraging the development of new small blood vessels that bypass the area of obstruction in the artery.
Improving the circulation of blood to the feet can help prevent many problems.
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Therapeutic Synergy Solution
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