Circulation delivers life-supporting blood throughout your body. It allows your heart to beat, your body to move, and your brain to function. When this natural blood flow is not working properly, it can lead to symptoms that initially appear in the feet and legs.

Poor circulation is often a sign of other health issues, such as obesity, high blood pressure or cholesterol and diabetes. Another common cause of poor circulation is peripheral vascular disease (PVD), a condition that restricts normal blood flow to and from the heart. A related condition, venous insufficiency, occurs when your veins are unable to effectively send blood from your legs back to your heart. This condition may result in severe leg swelling, varicose veins and skin discoloration.

Because poor circulation may be related to other medical conditions, the Podiatry Institute recommends a visit to your general physician or vascular specialist to assess your overall health and blood flow.