Circulatory Disease: Why Your Feet May Be the First Place You Notice It

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“Circulatory disease” is a broad term for issues that affect how blood moves through your body. When blood flow is reduced, tissues don’t get the oxygen and nutrients they need. Over time, that can lead to pain, slow-healing wounds, infections, and serious complications.

Your legs and feet are often where circulatory problems show up first. That’s because they’re farthest from your heart, and they handle a lot of work every day. If you’ve noticed changes in your feet or legs, don’t ignore them. Getting checked early can help you protect your health and keep moving.

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How common is circulatory disease and what does it cost?

Circulatory problems in the legs are extremely common in the U.S., and they create a major burden for patients and the healthcare system.

Chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) is a condition where leg veins struggle to move blood back toward the heart. A review published in Seminars in Vascular Surgery reported that CVI affects more than 25 million adults in the United States, with more than 6 million experiencing advanced stages of venous disease. The same review notes that total care costs are estimated at more than $3 billion per year. 

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) happens when arteries (often due to plaque buildup) narrow and limit blood flow to the legs and feet. A study using the U.S. National Inpatient Sample identified 286,160 hospitalizations for PAD in 2014 and estimated an annual hospitalization cost burden of about $6.31 billion. 

These numbers are a big reason to take your symptoms seriously. The earlier circulatory disease is found, the more options you have to manage it and avoid major problems.

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5 common causes of circulatory disease

Many circulatory diseases share similar root causes. Genetics and age can play a role, but these 5 causes are some of the most common drivers you can act on:

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Top 5 signs of circulatory disease

Circulatory disease doesn’t always start with “big” symptoms. Often, it begins with small changes that are easy to brush off. Here are five warning signs to watch for:

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How Upperline Health podiatric physicians evaluate circulatory disease

Upperline Health Podiatric Physicians focus on the health of your feet and lower legs, which makes their care a key part of catching circulatory problems early. While every patient’s visit is different, an in-clinic evaluation often includes:

• A detailed symptom and health history
  Your Podiatric Physician may ask about any pain you have with walking and any swelling, numbness, smoking history, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, and any past vascular issues.
• A thorough foot and leg exam
  This includes checking skin color and temperature, looking for wounds or pressure points, and examining nail and skin health.
• Pulse checks and circulation screening
  Your physician may check pulses in your feet and assess capillary refill (how quickly blood returns after pressing on the skin).
• In-office, noninvasive circulation testing (when appropriate)
  Many Upperline Health clinics use tools like Doppler assessments and may recommend or perform tests such as an ankle-brachial index (ABI) or related vascular studies to compare blood flow in the legs to the arms.
• Imaging or referral when needed
  If there are signs of PAD, CVI, or a non-healing wound, your podiatric physician may coordinate additional testing (like ultrasound studies) and collaborate with vascular specialists when appropriate.

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How Upperline staff help patients manage circulatory disease

Managing circulatory disease usually takes a team approach. Alongside your podiatric physician, clinic staff can help support day-to-day steps that make a real difference, such as:

• Foot checks and prevention planning
  Learning what to look for at home like skin cracks, blisters, redness, and hot spots and how often to check—especially if you have diabetes.
• Wound care support
  If you have a sore or ulcer, wound care plans often include cleaning, dressings, pressure offloading, and frequent follow-up to track healing.
• Compression and swelling management (when appropriate)
  For venous disease, compression can be a powerful tool. Staff can help educate you on safe use, fit, and daily routines to relieve swelling.
• Shoe and pressure-point guidance
  When circulation is limited, proper footwear can reduce friction and pressure that lead to wounds.
• Lifestyle coaching and care coordination
  Walking programs, smoking cessation support, and coordination with your primary care provider or specialists can all be part of your care plan.

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Don’t wait until symptoms get “bad”

Circulatory disease can worsen over time, and in the legs and feet, waiting too long can turn a small issue into a serious one. If you’re noticing leg pain when walking, swelling, color changes, or slow-healing sores, take it as a sign to get evaluated. Don’t end up in the hospital with a major limb event. An appointment now can prevent bigger problems later.

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Ready to get checked?

If you think you may have signs of circulatory disease, or if you have diabetes and want to stay ahead of complications, call Upperline Health or schedule an appointment with a clinic near you. A quick evaluation can give you clarity, a care plan, and the peace of mind you deserve.

Don’t let symptoms linger. Get checked, get answers, and keep your feet healthy.

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