Circulation Enhancer Foot Massagers

[midagetrolop]

Are these ok. My mother is very sedentary has poor circulation in legs and swollen feet, She is thinking of buying one, would it be any good for her, she is 87.

[Sqad]

midage....the theory is that blood (venous blood) collects and pools in the muscles of the foot. Sounds odd doesn't it, but there are 4 layers of muscles in the sole of the foot, so plenty of room for the blood to "pool".
Now this is VENOUS blood and it is more than likely that your mother's circulation problem is on the arterial side and the massager would be of little help. It is useful after an operation to prevent DVT's (again on the venous side and not the arterial side.

Your mother is 87 years of age and it is most likely that in your mother's case, the swollen ankles are due to fluid (oedema) and not to venous pooling.

Buy one by all means but I cannot see the efficacy in the case of your mother.

[midagetrolop]

Hi Sqad, you always give me good advice! Should I take her to the Docs for something for her swollen feet - that is if he can do anything. I can't get her to get off her bottom, she sits and watches TV all day, only get up to go to loo or make a cup of tea or food.

[237SJ]

If her ankles are swollen with fluid, that will be made worse by sitting all day. Even if she just gets up and walks around the living room once an hour will help. Failing that, get her to rotate her ankles regularly when she`s sitting. That will probably have just as much effect as a foot massager (and it`s free)

[Postdog]

I had foot problems which I thought may be improved by getting one of these but after doing research, I decided it would be a waste. On the TV ads it does say not to be used for ongoing conditions and reveiws I found were poor - proper medical reviews that is.

[Sqad]

midage.....the answer to your question is yes, you should take her to your GP who will probably give her diuretics in an effort to reduce the swelling.

If she were my mother, would I give her diuretics.......no I wouldn't as they may well upset her.

Does that make sense?

237SJ's advice is also good.

[Carakeel]

Most certainly ask your GP for advice. In the meantime, I find that raising my 94 yr old mothers legs at night with a few pillows also reduces swelling. I actually now have an electric hospital type bed for her, which I can adjust to suit her needs at certain times. At night I put it so that she is not sleeping flat but has her head and upper body raised a bit, her bottom at the lowest point and her legs raised as though they were on a few pillows. This seems to help her circulation a lot and she no longer gets any swelling in her feet. I also make sure she is drinking enough. I can't really see the Circulation Enhancer working as the reports I have read so far were not very positive.

[midagetrolop]

Just come in from aerobics and read all your advice. She takes 2.5mg bendroflumethiazide daily and her feet are elevated at night. I will tell her all your advice, thank to all.

June X