Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is often caused by peripheral artery disease (PAD), which is usually the result of a buildup of plaque in the arteries. Plaque buildup, or atherosclerosis, can be the result of excess calcium and cholesterol in the bloodstream. This restricts how much blood can flow through arteries. Reduced blood flow to a certain area of the body severely limits the amount of oxygen and nutrients that part of the body receives. This leads to degeneration in the muscles and other tissues. Sometimes, poor blood circulation in the feet and legs can be caused by other conditions, such as the damaging or inflammation of blood vessels, known as vasculitis.
The lack of oxygen and nutrients caused by poor blood circulation can restrict muscle growth and development, as well as cause muscle pain and cramps, weakness, and stiffness. Other common symptoms include numbness in the legs and feet, skin discoloration in the affected limbs, slower nail and hair growth, and erectile dysfunction in men. In more severe cases of PAD, pain can be present even when a person isn't exercising, and may range from mildly uncomfortable to completely debilitating.
Poor blood circulation in the feet and legs is more common in those who are overweight or obese, have diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, who smoke, or who have a family history of PAD or related conditions such as a heart attack, stroke, etc. Diabetes and smoking place a person at greatest risk for developing poor blood circulation, although advanced age, over 50, can also increase risk.
If you are experiencing poor blood circulation in the feet and legs caused by PAD, it is important to make changes to your lifestyle in order to reduce your risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke caused by this condition. If you smoke, quit completely. This will increase the amount of oxygen in your bloodstream. Exercising and reducing the saturated fats in your diet. Saturated fats come from fatty meats, fried foods, whole milk, etc., can make a difference in improving blood circulation in feet. It is also important to avoid developing influenza and to carefully control your blood sugar if you have diabetes.
Your doctor may recommend combining lifestyle changes with a prescription medication regimen to improve blood circulation. The most commonly-used medications for PAD are called statins and work by blocking the amount of enzymes in your body that produce cholesterol. They are known by the brand names Zocor, Lipitor, Crestor, and others.
Testimonials
John Addeo
One of a very few of Medical Offices I go to where my Appointment time is when the Doctor SEES me. The Very efficient and professional staff is kind, welcoming and very helpful. Dr. Dupont treats you as a valued customer, as he is extremely though, asking all the right questions, with easy to understand answers. He is committed to explaining what, why, and how long each step of his treatment will take and its part in the total treatment.
A visit to Dr DuPont’s is an Excellent experience by an excellent practitioner with a terrific staff.
Wendy Grahman
My husband Richard and I have been seeing Dr. DuPont for the past several years. We see him for periodic nail care and he attends to any other foot problems we have.
He is professional, efficient and personable. His office is always very clean and the staff is helpful and friendly. I heartily recommend Dr. DuPont to anyone seeking podiatric care.
Ann Shrum
I've been a patient of Dr. Dupont's since he began his practice here in Sonoma at Golden Gate Foot & Ankle on 1st St W. I had bunion surgery on my left foot and it went beautifully. He is professional, pleasant, and very responsive to discuss any concerns with my feet and ankles. His office personnel are so good at working with you on your appointments (which I've needed to get in sooner a couple of times), and treat their patients with great respect. They are always pleasant, and the office is open and welcoming. I highly recommend his practice and have to several friends that are now his patients.
Lynnette Bourne
Dr. Dupont was very helpful with my recent foot pain due to a probable neuroma. I went in to the office having a lot of difficulty walking because of the foot pain and left pain free after treatment. He was good at explaining why I had the condition, options and treatment. He is professional and friendly.
Tanya Marsh
I walked into his office fighting back tears because my feet were hurting me so terribly, every step had become an effort. By the time I left his office 30 minutes later, the pain that had bothered me for years had been resolved and has not returned. Within minutes of looking at the issues with my feet, Dr. Dupont accurately diagnosed, treated and bandaged the painful spots that I had been dealing with. My primary care Dr had treated me, but without any success and my dermatologist completely misdiagnosed, offering no support. This left me extremely discouraged and I struggled for many months before discovering Dr. Dupont.
Sandy Pollack
Choosing Dr. Dupont for your footcare is a step in the right direction. He is very knowledgeable, on time with appointments, has a very courteous staff, and has a terrific, easy-going, friendly manner. Thank you Dr. D for your expert care!
Randy Cook
I trust Dr. Dupont. He listens well, asks good questions, helps me understand my condition and my options. Just what I want in a podiatrist! (And my feet think so too!)
Stephanie Hamilton
I recently had hammertoe surgery performed by Dr. DuPont. I am sorry I waited so long. I had excellent care from Dr. DuPont and I am so happy with the results,.
Dun W
Dr. Dupont was great. Saw him for ingrown toenail service. it was literally painless. great job!
Tobin Hansen
Brett is very professionally qualified and shows a caring manner to his patients
Amelia Morgan
Dr. Dupont to care of my dad. He had bunion surgery with excellent results.
Skip Wangbickler
A most pleasant experience.
