[AnnieBL]

I find this thread interesting since I have had a lot of trouble with my legs and feet. I first went to my then doctor because of a bad split on my shin which refused to heal and turned into an ulcer, and subsequently had smaller ulcers on several of my toes. He was convinced that it was a result of type 2 diabetes, in spite of the fact that my blood sugar levels said otherwise. He sent me to a first specialist who checked out my arterial blood flow to my legs (OK) and then more or less said he could do nothing for me, but suggested that I should wear stronger pressure socks, only available here by prescription which he didn't provide,. Next he sent me to a wound healing specialist who diagnosed CVI and told me simply to continue wearing the strong pressure socks (available much cheaper and without prescription from the US) and apply petroleum jelly to the ulcers twice a day and keep the covered by non-stick dressings. This worked! When I went back to him after a few weeks, his comment was "So you believed me". Unfortunately the pressure socks don't work on the toes, but I found that horse chestnut works wonders in boosting the effect of the socks and my feet are now in much better shape. Basically the CVI causes edema, which weakens the skin and hinders healing, but also produces paraesthesia which greatly exaggerates the sensation and pain of injury, paradoxically with a degree of numbness, and tightness and/or pins and needles. I still have to be very careful with footwear since the slightest rub or irregularity is very uncomfortable.

If you have poor circulation in your arms and legs, then it is quite likely due to CVI (chronic venous insufficiency), which may make you more prone to side effects from drugs or supplements as well as the other symptoms discussed in this thread.