Poor circulation to the feet is a common complaint from patients seen by the podiatrists at East Texas Foot & Ankle Centers in Tyler, Texas. It is a treatable problem, but its causes are complex, and patients must work alongside their Tyler podiatrist to manage it. Dr. 
James Kent and his podiatry staff have offered some information about poor circulation and how it can affect your feet and potentially your entire life.
Symptoms of poor circulation to the feet
If you have reduced blood flow to your extremities, you may experience a burning pain in your feet during normal activity. You may also have numbness and weakness in the legs. There may be a weak pulse in your feet and they may feel cold to the touch when compared to other body parts closer to the heart. Other patients at East Texas Foot & Ankle Centers have sores on their feet or lower legs that heal very slowly or not at all.
Complications of poor circulation
Poor circulation can contribute to a number of health problems. It can also worsen the ones you already have. Patients who have diabetes, high blood pressure, or high cholesterol often experience reduced blood flow to their feet due to plaque buildup inside the arteries. This puts them at risk for developing ulcers that do not heal, and can become infected. Since these conditions can also cause nerve damage, many people with foot ulcers don't experience pain, and don't seek medical intervention from their Tyler podiatrist until it's too late. At this point, toes, feet or even the entire leg may need to be amputated to stop the infection from spreading.
Treating poor circulation
The most important way to treat poor circulation is to manage the underlying cause. People with diabetes, for example, need to maintain their blood glucose levels to keep their disease under control. A healthful diet, smoking cessation, and appropriate exercise will also help to keep the blood in the arteries flowing freely.
If you've been told by your Tyler podiatrist that you are at risk for foot ulcerations, you should practice stringent hygiene to keep your feet clean and safe. They should be inspected daily for any wounds - even tiny blisters or splinters can quickly spiral out of control if they are not promptly addressed and treated by your Tyler podiatrist.