Joint pump

Term used in phlebology to describe the mechanical support of the peripheral venous system through the movements of a joint. The term refers specifically to movements of the ankle joint.

Well known and well understood is the principle of the muscle pump. The contractions and relaxations of the muscles during movement repeatedly compress and dilate the intramuscular veins, resulting in a unidirectional, centripetal flow of blood through the valve system of the veins.

An analogous functional result is obtained with the articular pump. The subfascial veins are positioned in the ankle joint area in such a way that with every active or passive movement in the ankle joint, compression or dilation of the vein volume there occurs. The resulting suction/pressure effect is directed by the valve system of the veins, the venous valves, in a unidirectional direction of blood flow.

Thus, regular use of the foot muscles, intact dorsiflexion and plantar flexion in combination with intact valve function of the venous valves is essential for physiological, centripetal, venous blood flow. Thus, good ankle joint mobility is important for smooth transport of blood in the veins.

Wagner AH (2010) Varicosis in different stages of life. In: T Noppeney, H Nüllen Diagnosis and therapy of varicosis. Springer Medicine Publishing House Heidelberg S 55