The path to improved circulation usually begins at home. Take the time to learn about your options, then decide which treatment program will work best for you. In most cases, a doctor will advise a program of regular aerobic exercise and good nutrition. If you are bothered by swelling or inflammation, your doctor may also advise a daily dose of aspirin, which inhibits blood clotting. For more severe cases of intermittent claudication, treatment options range from drug therapy to surgery.
Many doctors prescribe pentoxifylline to improve blood flow to the extremities.
In a procedure called angioplasty, doctors insert a small catheter into a blocked blood vessel and inflate a tiny balloon to widen the channel. Another technique is rotational atherectomy, in which a tiny, diamond-studded drill is used to break up deposits in peripheral blood vessels. As a general rule, your diet should be low in fat and high in fiber. Emphasize whole grains and fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid caffeinated drinks, since caffeine causes blood vessels to constrict.