Problems with blood circulation make it harder to distribute blood, oxygen, and nutrients throughout the body. When organs and tissues don’t get as much oxygen and nutrients as they need, they can’t work properly. Although multiple sclerosis (MS) primarily involves immune system attacks on the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord), some aspects of MS including inflammation may affect blood vessels and circulation, too.

MyMSTeam members have discussed poor circulation. “I have bad circulation in my legs and feet, and when I don’t wear my compression socks, I get small white spots on my legs,” one member said. “Anyone know if these two things are related?”

“My hands and feet are always cold. Could it be an MS symptom or poor circulation?” asked another MyMSTeam member.

Read on to learn more about the symptoms of poor blood circulation, the potential links between blood flow and MS, and what you can do to manage these issues.

Symptoms of Poor Blood Circulation

Poor circulation occurs when there’s an obstacle to blood flow in any blood vessel of your body — including arteries, veins, tiny capillaries, or the heart itself. The symptoms you notice depend on where the obstacle occurs and which blood vessels are affected.

For instance, poor circulation in the peripheral arteries (in the arms and legs) can cause:

• Cold lower legs or feet
• Shiny skin or color changes
• Pain in your calf when you walk or in your arms when using them
• Slower nail growth or healing of wounds

Poor circulation may also contribute to bluish skin or the pins-and-needles tingling sensation known as peripheral neuropathy, which can also be symptoms of nerve damage in MS.

Risk Factors for Blood Circulation Problems

You may be at a higher risk of poor circulation if you are older than 40, smoke cigarettes, or have a high body mass index (BMI). However, poor circulation can affect people without those risk factors. It can also be linked to other issues, such as diabetes, varicose veins, or a sedentary lifestyle due to MS.

MS and Blood Circulation

Researchers have studied links between vascular disease (disorders of the blood vessels) and MS. Several studies have explored the possibility that vascular problems may lead to the development of MS itself.

It may also be a classic chicken-and-egg dilemma. MS is an inflammatory disease that causes lesions in the myelin that covers the nerves of the central nervous system. A small study conducted in Turkey looked for connections between MS and atherosclerosis, a buildup of fats and other substances that can lead to poor circulation. The researchers found evidence that higher levels of inflammation in people with MS might give them a higher risk of developing vascular disease.

Another study that focused on MS, vascular disease, and depression involved more than 12,000 people with MS and more than 72,000 people without MS. Over 10 years, the results showed that people with MS were more likely to have atherosclerosis than those without. The risk rose even higher in those who had both MS and depression.

Scientists don’t yet fully understand the links between MS and blood circulation problems. More research is needed before the relationship becomes more clear.

Avoiding Potential Complications of Poor Circulation

Poor circulation may seem like a minor issue compared to MS, but it can lead to serious and even life-threatening cardiovascular complications such as stroke, heart attack, or complete loss of blood flow to organs or limbs.

If you’re concerned you may have problems with blood circulation, let your health care providers know. Keep track of the symptoms you’ve noticed (including when, how often, and how they affect you), and share this with your doctor during your next visit.

Your doctor may recommend testing to check your circulation. If there are problems, they may prescribe medications such as antiplatelet drugs or blood thinners, which prevent your body from forming large blood clots.

Do MS Medications Increase the Risk of Poor Blood Circulation?

Disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) have been proven to slow the progression of MS and reduce the rate of relapses in people with relapsing-remitting MS. Relapsing-remitting MS is when symptoms flare up and then improve or disappear. However, like all medications — even those sold over the counter — DMTs have potential side effects.

Certain DMTs such as sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor (S1PR) modulators have been found to raise the risk for problems with heart rhythm in older people with MS and hypertension (high blood pressure).

S1PR modulators approved to treat MS include:

• Fingolimod (Gilenya)
• Ozanimod (Zeposia)
• Ponesimod (Ponvory)
• Siponimod (Mayzent)

If you’re concerned about whether your medication for MS or other health conditions might raise your risk for cardiovascular disease, talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh the risks and benefits of each medication and recommend treatment options.

Improving Your Blood Circulation

If you’re on a quest to improve your blood circulation, it’s important to talk with your neurologist to determine the best approach for you. If your health care team agrees, you may be able to take steps at home to help boost circulation.

Some ways to improve your circulation include getting regular exercise, eating a balanced diet, quitting smoking, controlling your stress levels, and wearing compression gloves or socks. “I just started to wear compression socks to help with blood circulation in my right leg,” one MyMSTeam member wrote. Another said, “Diet, exercise, and stress reduction are key for me.”

Problems with blood circulation can make it harder for blood, oxygen, and nutrients to reach all parts of the body, affecting how they work. Although MS mainly affects the central nervous system, inflammation from MS can also affect blood vessels and circulation.

Many MyMSTeam members have discussed poor circulation in their hands and feet. Research hints at a link between MS and blood vessel problems, but more studies are needed. If you’re worried about circulation, talk to your health care provider for advice and treatment options.

Find Your Team

On MyMSTeam, the social network for people with multiple sclerosis and their loved ones, more than 214,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with MS.

Have you noticed any potential symptoms of poor circulation? Have you discussed problems with blood circulation with your neurology provider? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.