Hypothesis: Pump shoes for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: This hypothesis introduces pump shoes as a method for the prevention and treatment of varicose veins. METHOD: An air pump is placed in the shoe, connected to an airbag wrapped around the leg through a hose. With each step, air is pumped into the foot airbag, applying pressure to the leg muscles and superficial veins. This action mimics muscle pumping, helping to push blood back towards the heart. Excess air is released through an outlet hose with an adjustable sphincter, allowing for increased pressure on the leg. RESULTS & CONCLUSION: These shoes offer a simple mechanism to assist in returning blood from the feet to the heart. They can be beneficial in preventing varicose veins in at-risk individuals or treating those in the early stages of the disease.