Foot pumps are simple exercises for early leg rehabilitation where the foot is 'pumped' up and down to improve the blood flow of the limb and prevent stasis of the blood that may cause thrombosis. Page updated April 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)
Forcibly rocking the foot from the ankle activates the muscle pump in the calf.
Because of the valves in the veins, as the calf muscles contract and compress the vein the blood can only move in one direction, back to the heart. This is the venous foot pump.
This keeps the circulation going, and helps to prevent blood clots in the calf (deep vein thrombosis).
"....active ankle movement can produce higher [maximum venous capacity] and [maximum venous outflow] and faster blood velocity, possibly through the activation of the [calf muscle pump], and it promotes venous return and vein circulation....[and] is effective in preventing the formation of lower-extremity [deep vein thrombosis] after orthopaedic surgery, accelerating postoperative recovery and improving patient satisfaction. "
"...participants reported less fatigue when performing [ankle pump exercises] at 30 times/min, which might promote the patients’ compliance...."
Patients having knee surgery who are deemed at high risk will likely be given medication for a few days to try and prevent clots forming.
"....Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a common diagnosis, contributing substantial morbidity and mortality to the population both in and outside the hospital....The most devastating complication of DVT is pulmonary embolism (PE), which is estimated to have a mortality rate as high as 30% within one month...."
Early knee exercises - visual chart, Quadriceps muscle, Deep vein thrombosis, Pulmonary embolus