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Sometimes I have pain going down from my knee to my feet and also they feel uncomfortably cold. I feel it may be poor circulation. Any suggestion what to use?

Naturopath's Answer

Sometimes I have pain going down from my knee to my feet and also they feel uncomfortably cold. I feel it may be poor circulation. Any suggestion what to use?
Any symptoms of numbness and disordered sensation should be investigated by your Doctor before initiating treatment. Usually the diagnosis is one of poor circulation, sciatic nerve impingement, lower back pain or Raynauds Phenomenom (Raynaud's is a disorder of the blood vessels that supply blood to the skin. This condition causes the fingers, toes and occasionally the ears, nose, tongue, knees and nipples to feel cold and numb). It is however vital that you exclude any possible more serious diagnosis, and go and see your doctor if your symptoms worsen or continue.
 
If you find that your symptoms do relate to sciatic pain or circulation problems the following suggestions may have a benefit:
 
Acupuncture or massage: Often this type of pain pattern suggests an impingement of the sciatic nerve which is located deep in the buttocks. Referred pain from this nerve can present as pain down the back of the leg or to the side of the legs radiating down to the feet. Receiving treatment like acupuncture or massage can help to relieve the pressure on the nerve and remove the symptoms of the sciatica.
 
Poor circulation can be caused by a number of factors from physical impairment such as the sciatica described above to metabolic disorders and nervous system response. Ensuring you maintain regular exercise and activity can improve circulation in your body. Providing you have no medical history of diabetes, hypertension or medication there are some useful herbs that can improve circulation. 
 
Ginger: can aid in circulation by warming the body and gently improving blood flow. You can take ginger as a supplement but I find it often has profound effects when it is introduced into your diet. This can be done by including it grated into meals, drinking it as a tea or even chewing the candied ginger. You may also find that a warm foot bath which has ginger infused into it will help your feet and body to feel warm. 
 
Hawthorne: a traditional cardiac and circulatory herb used to improve the integrity of the tissues and vessels that move blood throughout the body. This herb is often found in circulation formulas or can be consumed as a berry in tea form.
 
Ginkgo: a great herb to increase circulation to the peripheries of the body (hands, feet and head). This herb not only increases circulation it also improves memory via the effect of increasing blood supply to the head. This herb is not suitable to be used without supervision if you have a history of hypertension, stroke or are using blood thinning medication.
 
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil: This popular oil has many applications and it has proven to be effective in improving circulation and metabolic response. Coconut oil can be used as a supplement eg; 1 tablespoon 1-2 times a day. It can also be introduced into your diet as a heat-stable and nutrient rich cooking oil. This oil now features as my household cooking oil and I've never looked back. The oil is reputed to diminish the symptoms of Raynauds phenomenon, improve the clinical picture of underactive thyroid and assist in weight management.
 
Magnesium: An important mineral for maintaining nerve function and blood flow within the body. Magnesium deficiency is becoming increasingly common. Many people benefit from the supplementation of magnesium especially if there are symptoms of muscular pain, nerve pain and body aches.


The information presented on this page has been prepared by a fully qualified naturopath and is for educational purposes only. It does not take into consideration your specific circumstances and is not intended to replace the services of a health practitioner. Any application of the material in this text is at the reader’s discretion and sole responsibility. If you have a persistent health condition or your symptoms are severe please consult a qualified healthcare provider.