Treatment for poor circulation often depends on the underlying condition that causes it. Methods for treatment may include insulin for diabetes, special exercise programs, surgery for varicose veins, or compression socks for swollen legs. As always, see a podiatrist as he or she will assist in finding a regimen that suits you.

A podiatrist can also prescribe you any needed medication. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our office located in Pooler, GA. We offer the newest diagnostic and treatment technologies for all your foot care needs. We are proudly serving the Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Georgia and Savannah areas.

Request Appointment. Home Our Doctor Office Services New Patients Videos Blog Contact Us Rate Us. Increase Font Size Decrease Font Size Grayscale Negative Background Light Background Underline Links Reset All. Every year thousands of people have toes, feet and even legs, amputated because of diabetes related foot problems.

Most of these could have been prevented by proper foot care. Footcare advice As well as maintain healthy feet as outlined in our simple guide, diabetics should follow these guidelines:. Never walk barefoot as this may lead to cuts and damage to the skin.

Never sit cross legged as this will further reduce circulation to your feet 3. Always ensure you wear suitable, well fitted footwear. Shoes which do not fit can cause corns and callouses and increase your risk of infection. Keep your toenails well maintained, cutting and filing regularly.

DO NOT SMOKE! Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Diabetes and feet Circulation in people with diabetes Foot care for people with diabetes Buying new shoes Nerve supply to the feet How to avoid injury to feet with damaged nerves See a podiatrist When to see your doctor Where to get help.

Diabetes and feet Foot care is particularly important if you have diabetes. Foot problems are a common complication of this condition. Circulation in people with diabetes Poor blood circulation can affect the blood supply to your feet. Common causes include: smoking high blood fats raised blood glucose levels.

How to improve circulation for people with diabetes Suggestions to improve your blood circulation include: Control your blood fat levels. Keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Smoking causes spasm and narrowing of blood vessels. Smokers have more heart attacks, strokes and circulation problems than non-smokers.

Exercise daily. A brisk walk will help keep the blood flowing around your body. Foot care for people with diabetes All people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a doctor or podiatrist.

This is important to detect problems early and to prevent ulcers and other complications. Daily foot care Suggestions to help prevent foot problems in people with diabetes who suffer from neuropathy or vascular disease include: Check your feet daily for signs of swelling, redness or heat — these may be signs of infection.

Wash your feet daily and dry well between the toes. Use methylated spirits if there is a lot of moisture between your toes. Moisturise dry skin, especially cracked heels for example, with sorbolene cream but not between the toes.

Avoid open-toed shoes and narrow toes. Have your feet measured and try on the shoes to check they are long enough, wide enough and deep enough. How to avoid injury to feet with damaged nerves Suggestions include: Never go barefoot. Wear appropriate shoes to protect your feet. Avoid injury by wearing well-fitting, protective shoes — do not wear open-toed shoes.

Keep toenails trimmed. Cut toenails along the shape of the toe and file rough edges. Have corns or calluses treated by a podiatrist.

In addition, you should pay close attention to your feet and lower legs to spot signs of infection or changes to the skin. The Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes What Causes You to Always Have Cold Hands and Feet? Sign up to receive Baptist Health emails to learn more about your health from our blog, e-newsletter, and Flourish.

Or follow one of our social media accounts. September 25, How Does Diabetes Cause Poor Circulation? Common Symptoms of Poor Circulation Poor circulation affects the body in several ways.

People with poor circulation may also have symptoms like: Pain in the calves, thighs, and buttocks when walking Hair loss on the feet or legs Chest pain when exercising Brittle toenails High blood pressure Diminishing eyesight Infections in the feet Tingling in the arms or legs Numbness in the arms or legs Stinging or pulsating pain in the limbs Muscle cramps Tissue damage What Helps with Poor Circulation?

Here are some tips: Quit smoking. If you smoke, quitting is the best thing you can do to improve circulation to your feet, as smoking hardens the arteries, decreasing blood flow.

Wear support socks. These special socks, also called compression stockings, apply pressure to the lower legs to help support proper blood flow. Maintain healthy blood pressure. High blood pressure can damage blood vessels and adversely affect circulation.

Exercise regularly. Adopting a healthy lifestyle and getting frequent exercise provides a wide range of health benefits, from improving overall circulation to helping lower high blood pressure.

Manage your blood sugar. Allowing your blood glucose to be outside the normal range can contribute to poor circulation in the feet. Watch your cholesterol. Getting the right amount of good cholesterol, bad cholesterol, and triglycerides is helpful for people with diabetes.

Your doctor or dietician can provide guidance. How to Improve Poor Circulation If You Have Diabetes Can poor circulation be reversed? Next Steps and Useful Resources The Signs and Symptoms of Diabetes What Causes You to Always Have Cold Hands and Feet?

Learn More. Family Health. Related Blog Articles 10 Nutrition Tips for Someone With Diabetes Learn More. What is the Difference Between Type 1 and Type 2 Diabetes?

Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional.

The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances.

The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Skip to main content. Home Diabetes. Diabetes - foot care. Actions for this page Listen Print. Summary Read the full fact sheet. On this page. Diabetes and feet Circulation in people with diabetes Foot care for people with diabetes Buying new shoes Nerve supply to the feet How to avoid injury to feet with damaged nerves See a podiatrist When to see your doctor Where to get help.

Diabetes and feet Foot care is particularly important if you have diabetes. Foot problems are a common complication of this condition. Circulation in people with diabetes Poor blood circulation can affect the blood supply to your feet.

Common causes include: smoking high blood fats raised blood glucose levels. How to improve circulation for people with diabetes Suggestions to improve your blood circulation include: Control your blood fat levels.

Keep blood glucose levels as close to normal as possible. Smoking causes spasm and narrowing of blood vessels. Smokers have more heart attacks, strokes and circulation problems than non-smokers.

Exercise daily. A brisk walk will help keep the blood flowing around your body. Foot care for people with diabetes All people with diabetes should have their feet checked at least once a year by a doctor or podiatrist. This is important to detect problems early and to prevent ulcers and other complications.

Daily foot care Suggestions to help prevent foot problems in people with diabetes who suffer from neuropathy or vascular disease include: Check your feet daily for signs of swelling, redness or heat — these may be signs of infection.

Wash your feet daily and dry well between the toes. Use methylated spirits if there is a lot of moisture between your toes. Moisturise dry skin, especially cracked heels for example, with sorbolene cream but not between the toes. Avoid open-toed shoes and narrow toes.

Have your feet measured and try on the shoes to check they are long enough, wide enough and deep enough. How to avoid injury to feet with damaged nerves Suggestions include: Never go barefoot.

Wear appropriate shoes to protect your feet. Avoid injury by wearing well-fitting, protective shoes — do not wear open-toed shoes.

Keep toenails trimmed. Cut toenails along the shape of the toe and file rough edges. Have corns or calluses treated by a podiatrist. Check the temperature of your bath water with your elbow before stepping into the bath. Be careful not to put your feet too close to radiant heaters.

Every 6 months, check for signs and symptoms that may indicate you have a problem. These may include reduced circulation or sensations, abnormal foot structure or poor hygiene. See a podiatrist Podiatrists are experts in looking after feet and lower limbs.

If you have circulation problems or reduced feeling in your feet: See a podiatrist at least once each year.