Your physician might recommend a leg compression pump as a treatment if you have lymphedema, a condition characterized by fluid build up. Lymphedema typically occurs in the legs, arms and feet. A leg compression pump is an inflatable garment worn on your leg with an attached pump that fills it with compressed air. This treatment is designed to stimulate circulation in order to relieve excess fluid.
Leg Lymphedema
Your lymphatic system carries out a number of crucial duties including the removal of excess fluid. Some people have a dysfunction in their lymphatic system that allows excess fluid to accumulate in certain parts of their body, which causes swelling. This can cause significant impairment if it occurs in your legs, which is known as leg lymphedema.
Effects
Leg compression pumps are used in medical facilities or at home for outpatient care. Some people need to use a compression pump twice a day to remove excess fluid and relieve swelling. Leg compression pumps improve the circulation to your lower extremities. According to Joachim Zuther, author of "Lymphedema Management," leg compression pumps are considered safe and are not known to increase your blood pressure. However, complications can occur if you have an infection or a blood clot, explains Zuther. Before using a leg compression pump, discuss it with your physician.
Blood Pressure
Your heart serves as the pump that circulates blood throughout your body. When your arteries are narrowed or blocked, your heart has to apply more force against your artery walls in order to pump blood throughout your body. This extra force causes high blood pressure. Leg compression machines do not cause your heart to apply more force against your artery walls. In order to stimulate the lymphatic flow, the pump fills the garment with compressed air in a pulsating manner, which massages your leg and relieves fluid excess.
Consideration
If you experience high blood pressure while using a leg compression pump, discontinue use and consult your physician. Although leg compression pumps are not known to cause or contribute to high blood pressure, there are other treatments for leg lymphedema if this is a concern. Light exercise and lymph drainage massage therapy are other treatments used to treat lymphedema, according to MayoClinic.com. If you have a concern about the use of a leg compression pump, discuss alternatives with your doctor.
References
- Aetna: Intermittent Pneumatic Compression Devices for the Legs
- MayoClinic.com: Lymphedema Treatments and Drugs
- Lymphedema Management: The Comprehensive Guide for Practitioners; Joachim E. Zuther
