Does a Circulation Booster Actually Work?

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Circulation booster for legs

Can a Leg Circulation Booster Help With Poor Circulation?

Do you know how well your body’s circulatory system is functioning? Are you worried that you may have poor circulation and are looking for easy ways to improve it, such as using a circulation booster for the legs? Here’s a look at the common causes of poor circulation, what leg circulation boosters may do, and the importance of maintaining good blood flow.

Common Causes of Poor Circulation

Your body’s circulatory system sends oxygen, blood, and nutrients throughout the body. When your circulatory system is healthy, all your body’s organs receive what they need to function optimally. When you have poor circulation it reduces the amount of blood that flows to the affected part of your body. This is a common reason many people turn to a circulation booster for relief.

Some of the most common causes of poor circulation include:

  • Blood clots — A blood clot can develop anywhere in your body, blocking the flow of blood through a blood vessel, either partially or completely. If you develop a blood clot in your arm or leg, you may experience circulation problems as a result.
  • Diabetes — Diabetes can cause poor circulation in your body, particularly in your legs and feet. High blood sugar levels can damage blood vessels and impact blood flow. Diabetes also can cause diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage, so you may not notice the lack of circulation.
  • Obesity — Carrying around extra weight can make it harder for your heart to pump blood throughout your body, leading to circulation problems. If you’re obese, you also may be more likely to sit for long stretches of time. This can increase the likelihood of having circulation issues, as well as developing varicose veins.
  • Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD) — This condition  usually occurs due to atherosclerosis, which happens when plaque builds up in your arteries. When you have PAD, your blood vessels are narrowed because of plaque buildup, decreasing blood flow to your extremities.
  • Raynaud’s disease — This condition causes the arteries in your feet and hands to narrow when you’re cold or feeling stressed. Narrowed arteries impact blood flow.
  • Varicose veins — These veins, which are swollen and bumpy, occur when their valves are weak and damaged and cannot efficiently move blood back up to your heart. While varicose veins are usually not a life-threatening condition, they can cause blood clots.

Causes of Poor Circulation

Symptoms of Poor Circulation

Symptoms of poor circulation can include these sensations in your extremities:

  • Muscle cramps
  • Numbness
  • Pain
  • Stabbing or throbbing pain
  • Tingling

Does It Work?

The purpose of a leg circulation machine is to artificially encourage blood flow in the legs and ankles. Most devices use a technology known as Electric Muscle Stimulation (EMS). This causes the muscles to contract and relax, increasing blood flow to your legs and feet. There has been some research that has shown EMS may improve blood flow, which can help to alleviate swollen ankles or feet.

If these machines are used regularly, they may improve circulation. However, the benefits may be insignificant compared to getting regular exercise and incorporating more healthy habits into your life.

Just doing a quick internet search will reveal all the kinds of circulation machines marketed to stimulate blood flow. There are various forms of the machine, even circulation boosting sandals, but in this section we will only cover the most commonly used devices:

  • Circulation Machine Platform

    • Similar to a weight-scale, you place your feet on the machine which sits on the floor. It works by rocking the platform back and forth, simulating toe-raises. This can be beneficial for promoting good blood flow, however it should not be substituted for medical treatment.
  • Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS)

  • This machine is similar to the platform, however it works by using small electrical shocks to stimulate blood flow and improves circulation in the legs and ankles.
  • You would put a gel on the bottoms of your feet and use it for a set period of time, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
  • Compression Pump Circulation Machine

    • This machine is commonly used in hospital settings. The mechanism of this device is similar to a blood pressure machine, a glove is placed over the legs and then as they compress and release, blood flow is stimulated through the lower extremities.

If you want to promote good blood circulation in your legs and ankles, you should first incorporate more mild activity into your day, especially to break up long periods of sitting or standing. Improving blood flow can help you feel more alert as well as reduce your risk of developing other conditions related to poor circulation, such as varicose veins, leg fatigue, muscle cramps, swelling, and discomfort.

Don’t Delay Treatment

If you are concerned about your blood circulation, or think you may already be at risk for chronic health conditions, speak with one our medical professionals about your options. Our team of specialists have years of experience in the treatment of vein disease and it’s symptoms, including varicose veins and spider veins. They will work with you to come up with a treatment plan that best fits your symptoms and lifestyle. If you are worried about the health of your veins, its important to pursue treatment before the condition becomes more complicated.

Contact Us for Personalized, Professional Care

Do you have more questions about how you can reduce your risk of developing circulatory problems? Give us a call today, one our representatives is happy to answer any questions you have regarding treatments, insurance coverage, doctor availability, or help you set up an appointment.

If you want to enjoy a healthy life again, give us a call to find out how we can help you get there.

FIND HOPE WITH US

Do you want to know more about vein disease? Sign up for our newsletter and check out some of our other blog articles:

Improve Circulation by Maintaining a Healthy Heart 

What is The Difference Between Superficial Veins and Deep Veins?

Can Varicose  Veins Cause High Blood Pressure?

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