This past summer, when Donald Trump’s medical team claimed that the President had been diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, many of us learned that this was just a common form of vein-related poor circulation, which may impact a good chunk of the population.
Curious what the exact symptoms of poor circulation were, I spoke with Dr. Sukgu M. Han, a vascular surgeon and co-director of the USC Comprehensive Aortic Center with Keck Medicine of USC.
Venous — or vein-related — circulation issues can cause a pooling of blood in body parts, such as the legs and feet, because the vessels are not circulating the blood back from the arteries to the heart properly. “The most common vein problems are leg swelling,” Han said, though other experts we have spoken to also cite leg cramps and leg heaviness.
Han explained that normal circulation is key to the body’s healing process because it helps supply the necessary blood and oxygen to cuts and scrapes that most of us experience daily. Otherwise, these can develop into ulcers and, even limb loss in more advanced stages.
Han was careful to note that there’s an important distinction between the vein-related impediments discussed above and “arterial” circulation issues, which affect the movement of blood from the heart to various parts of the body – though these two separate conditions may cause similar symptoms, depending on the part of the body is being impacted.
“If there are any symptoms that [you’re] experiencing chronically, I think seeking care from a vascular surgeon or vascular specialist and doing the necessary testing to diagnose the problem early is very important,” Han said.
With that disclaimer in mind, Han helped to suggest the upcoming selection of over-the-counter products that can help improve mild to moderate cases of poor circulation.
The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted.
A pair of compression socks with 93,500+ Amazon ratings
Podiatrists have previously referred to compression socks or stockings as “the gold standard” for treating foot, leg and ankle swelling, so it’s no surprise that Han also suggested these accessible items as a routine choice for treating poor circulation, especially when it comes to venous-related circulation problems.
“[They] prevent leg swelling, support venous return and reduce the consequences of poor venous circulation from getting worse and reaching the advanced stages of ulcers, [which] are open wounds in the toes, feet or fingers,” Han said.
In terms of over-the-counter compression socks or stockings, Han didn’t mention any, however, we frequently feature this popular pair of knee-high socks with over 93,500 Amazon ratings. made with an athletic knit fabric and have targeted compressive support on the heel, foot and calf to avoid squeezing your joints. Their compression level is 20-30 mmHg (a commonly prescribed grade of pressure), and they are available in three different sizes.
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Or, a pair of rubber high-level compression stockings
Han explained that compression stockings come in different grades and can even come in perscription strengths depending on the degree of venous insufficiency. Taking that into consideration, we selected this pair of natural rubber and nylon stockings because they offer 40-50 mmHg of pressure — a level of strength that is typically considered medical grade and often used for chronic venous insufficiency, according to the sock’s maker.
The high-stretch material promises to be comfortable and offer a “custom-like fit,” according to the brand. They come in several gender-neutral sizes, length options and both an open-toe and closed-toe design.
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A tool to help put on high-pressure compression stockings
“The drawback of using compression stockings that are really high in pressure is that, even though they support the best, they are also the most challenging to put on because they are very small and tight,” Han said.
To help make these socks easier to put on and thus be worn more consistently, Han said that there are tools available, like this soft Donner device that we found, specifically made for compression garments and for those with limited mobility. It’s essentially a rubber sleeve that helps roll on a compression stocking and ensure proper placement.
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A wedge pillow to help keep legs elevated
“I usually tell my patients who have venous insufficiency, when they sleep at night, to elevate their legs above their heart level and use gravity to their advantage in draining,” Han said.
According to Han, using elevation pillows to help achieve this will reduce leg swelling caused by poor circulation and make compression stockings more effective.
This particular wedge pillow was previously suggested to us by a podiatric surgeon for its ability to comfortably elevate legs and features a design that’s optimal for reducing foot swelling. Made from high-density foam and covered in a removable and machine-washable case, this pillow can also be used as a back pillow to help reduce back pain and prevent acid reflux.
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Leg massager boots recommended by podiatrists
Han agreed that leg massage machines can help relieve symptoms caused by poor circulation, as have other experts in the past. We’re told that this is because this lymphatic-type massage is a way to help draw fluid away from the lower extremities.
One of the compression boots recommended to us is this popular pair by Fit King, which uses large air chambers throughout the boot to stimulate real kneading. These knee-high boots have two massage modes, offer 10 different massage techniques and three intensity levels.
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A pair of heated therapy mittens
Han said that cold hands and feet can sometimes be associated with poor circulation, and warming items applied to the impacted extremities can help in dilating microcirculation, which can improve blood flow through the smaller blood vessels.
Based on his guidance, we selected this pair of machine-washable therapy mittens that can be warmed in the microwave to provide a steady, moist heat to the hands. They are filled with heat-retaining flaxseed, clay beads and lavender for soothing aroma therapy.
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A heated foot massager
Similar to the purpose of the mittens above, this plush foot device offers warming support for the feet, with the added benefit of compressive massage. It features one level of soothing heat and kneading shiatsu-style massage on the soles of the feet.
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A fish oil supplement that’s rich in omega fatty acids
For arterial circulation issues, Han said that fish oil and omega fatty acids have been shown to be beneficial, whether as a supplement or in your daily diet.
We selected these daily supplement capsules, which have 4.6 out of 5 stars on Amazon and don’t have a strong fishy flavor, according to plenty of reviews.
You should always speak to your own medical health professional before taking supplements of any kind.
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