If your blood vessels were pipes, then your heart would be the pump pushing water throughout the system. When a pump moves slowly, not as much fluid circulates. When a pump pushes hard, however, plenty of water rushes through the pipes. The same is true for your heart and your blood. When your heart beats harder, more blood is pumped more quickly to where you need it—including your lower limbs. That’s why exercises to improve poor circulation can actually benefit your foot health.
Lack of good circulation limits the amount of blood flowing to your lower limbs. This is unhealthy for your feet and can have some pretty uncomfortable side effects, from cramping and pain to foot ulcers. To keep your lower limbs healthy, you have to improve your circulation so more oxygen and nutrients are able to reach the tissues on a regular basis. Exercising is the best way to do this because it forces your heart to pump harder, pushing more blood past any blocks and PAD-related restrictions in your blood vessels.
At the same time, you have to be careful that you don’t accidentally hurt yourself, particularly when your feet are vulnerable. Here are types of exercise that benefit poor circulation while still keeping your feet safe and protected:
Remember not to push yourself past the point of fatigue. Check your feet for changes after you’ve been active, too, so you can address any immediate issues that arise. Our staff at Rocky Mountain Foot & Ankle Center can help you establish a plan to exercise safely and maximize the benefit for your lower limbs. Just call (303) 423-2520 to make an appointment at our Wheat Ridge, Golden, Evergreen, or Granby, CO, office.
