Styf J.
The venous pump of the human foot.
Clin Physiol 1990 Jan;10(1):77-84

University of Gothenburg, Department of Orthopedics, East Hospital, Sweden.

Pressures in the flexor digitorum muscle, posterior tibial and anterior tibial
muscles and subcutaneous pressure in the lower leg were recorded in 18 volunteers
with a non-infusion technique. The venous plexus of the sole of the foot was
compressed by a pneumatic foot pump. Activation of this device creates
oscillations of intramuscular and subcutaneous interstitial fluid hydrostatic
pressure in the lower leg. The mechanism for this is explained by intermittent
passive muscle stretch. The interstitial fluid pressure decreased following
active muscle contractions during venous stasis of the limb, but not following
activation of the pneumatic pump. Although the pneumatic foot pump may on
theoretical grounds be useful in early treatment of postoperative and
post-traumatic oedema of the leg, complementary studies are necessary to
establish its effectiveness.