Bad Circulation in my Legs.

[trt]

Has anybody used or know of anybody that has used the circulation machines that you put your feet on that are advertised on the TV, just wondered if they worked?

[nohorn]

When I had recent surgery, the hospital personnal put something on me just like those that are offered on TV. The ones they used may have been more expensive and better quality but the principle was the same. They stayed on my legs until I was dismissed, 24 hrs later. So they must serve a purpose.

[Sqad]

I have not seen the advert, so please accept my post with that in mind, but I have grasped the principle behind it.

In a person who is inactive for whatever reason e.g after an operation or with rheumatic disorders, the blood can "pool" into the muscles of the foot leading to stagnation, poor circulation and perhaps DVT.

Now, this does not happen with the vast percentage of people as they tend to be mobile and the muscles of the foot propel the blood from the foot back, through the legs to the heart. The machine described almost certainly produces small electrical charges which cause contraction of the muscles of the foot urging upwards normal blood flow.

The circulation to the leg has a flow of blood from the heart to the legs....Arterial side.
A circulation of blood from the foot to the heart......Venous side.

If your problem is on the Arterial side, then the machine will be of NO value.
If your problem is on the Venous side, then the machine will help post operatively, but of doubtful value otherwise.

In my opinion.

[murraymints]

Morning folks ! My dad had something similar post op for knee replacement ; to promote circulation in his legs, he had a cuff like appliance fitted to both legs for a couple of days and seemed to help, converselly my mum bought one of thes foot things and to me they just seem to be a nice thing if you like your feet being rubbed etc.

You sound as if you are a medic of some kind Sqaud ?

[Sqad]

murraymint...LOL..."of some kind"

[pusskin]

Trt ! Sqad is always there giving us brilliant advice x pusskins

[Sqad]

pusskin..........I think you fancy me......go on.....admit it ;-)

[carlton23]

Sqad Hi, as you`re on the subject, why do they say diabetics shouldn`t use these type of messagers and also various heat warming pads? Instructions always state `See your GP before use if diabetic`

[boxtops]

I have a relative with elephantiasis in the legs, and she uses a full-leg pressure cuff on both legs every day - it really makes a difference to her. Her legs are still big but unless you know, you wouldn't know her condition.

[Sqad]

carlton ....diabetics often develop poor bleed supply and also diabetic neuropathy ( nerve damage) and may not feel the heat if left on too long and may develop ulcers which are difficult to control.

[mike11111]

Going back to the diabetic thread, I think I'll still keep going for the check-ups as every twelve months the nurse gets to tickle my feet. It's the highlight of my year (not sure about hers).

[carlton23]

Sqad, my sensitivities are all ok, so would these contraptions be ok if used with common sense? My last diabetic examination was ok.

[Sqad]

carlton ....yes......but why would you need to?

[carlton23]

trt, Sorry to impose on your thread. Please excuse.

Sqad, I am in pain with Sciatica and hope a vibrating machine will help.

[Sqad]

carlton....it is very unlikely to help at all.......save your money.

[carlton23]

What about Heat Pads?

[Sqad]

carlton....where would you put them?

[carlton23]

On my butt.

[Sqad]

Carlton....I can´t see that it will do any harm. Good luck.

[carlton23]

I just hope it will do some good, I can barely walk now, and am using two sticks. Many thanks.

[trt]

Thanks for all your comments, will go to Docs and ask about what squad says.