Pneumatic Compression Boots for Swelling- By Pat, Podiatrist

A guide to Pneumatic Compression Therapy + Compression boots for swelling and edema.

If you’ve landed here it’s likely you’re looking for information about pneumatic compression therapy for swelling or edema. This post is mainly aimed at educating those with lymphedema, chronic swelling, long term edema and venous insufficiency. If you’re after information on compression boots for swelling in athletes, then I recommend you follow this link.

What is intermittent pneumatic compression therapy?

Intermittent pneumatic compression is a compression therapy technique that uses a mechanical pump to inflate a “sleeve” that wraps around a body part resulting in a pressure that will cause compression of the underlying tissue. The mechanical pump inflates and deflates in a rhythmic fashion to mimic the pumping of blood around the body, by squeezing our circulatory anatomy like our deep veins. The intermittent pneumatic compressions of the inflated sleeves result in the transfer of deoxygenated venous blood, back towards the heart.

This style of compression therapy is thought to improve circulation in the limbs of people suffering from lymphedema, chronic swelling or edema, venous insufficiency and those at risk of PE or DVT’s (Gould et al, 2012).

The inflatable sleeves most commonly target the legs, but can also found for arms, hips and the torso region.

Are the benefits of compression boots for swelling short term or long term?

While we see athletes using compression boots for the management of swelling in the short term, the benefits of compression boots for edema have been documented after long term use (Zaleska et al, 2014).

Zaleska’s study titled The Effectiveness of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression in Long-Term Therapy of Lymphedema of Lower Limbs revealed that with “The long-term, high pressure IPC, long inflation timed therapy can be safely be recommended to patients with lower limb lymphedema.” This study was conducted over a 3 year period and the results indicated that limb circumference was at minimum maintained or decreased, as well as the tissue integrity and elasticity either maintained or improved. Over a 3 year period it would have been expected for these to both deteriorate in Lymphedema patients.

Can chronic venous insufficiency be improved with pneumatic compression therapy?

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Pneumatic Compression Therapy devices like compression boots are becoming more commonly used as adjunct therapy to treat chronic swelling and edema.

Are compression boots the same as a sequential compression device?

In the medical industry Compression Boots are more commonly referred to as a Sequential Compression Device (SCD), Pneumatic Compression Device (PCD) or Vascular Compression Pumps.

The term “sequential compression” is reflective of the need for the compression device to use a sequential pressure that promotes venous blood flow back towards the heart. This is required in all compression therapy including manual compression techniques like compression stockings. The compression at the distal end of the body (closer to the extremities) must have the strongest compression with the compression closer to the body being the lightest amount of compression in order to allow bloody to be pushed in the correct direction.

Should you use compression boots for edema?

After the cause of your edema has been identified by a competent Health Practitioner then the discussion around pneumatic compression therapy can begin.

Compression boots for edema are considered beneficial in most circumstances, however there are some contraindications. This is why we recommend having your Practitioner involved in your decision making process.

Compression Therapy is a common adjuct therapy in the management of chronic edema or swelling. Compression Boots are considered an elevated version of compression stockings by most practitioners as the compression is stronger and patient compliance considered better. Patients tend to prefer using pneumatic compression therapy like compression boots for edema because they are not generally considered painful to wear or put on like compression stockings commonly are.

Tips for using compression boots for swelling

Talk with your medical practitioner about whether pneumatic compression boots are suitable for your condition
Research generally indicates compression therapy gets results over the long term, not necessarily the short term (Zaleska et al, 2014)
Compression therapy is generally considered an adjunct additional treatment for edema, NOT the only treatment for edema
Compression therapy is contraindicated with some medical conditions, (here is a list of some of these contraindications). There are more, which is why you should consult with your medical practitioner before using pnuematic compression boots for swelling
Sports brands that produce compression boots tailored for athlete recovery may prescribe different treatment lengths and pressure intensities than what is best for people suffering chronic swelling