Therapeutic limb covering using hydrostatic pressure

Abstract

The present invention provides a therapeutic limb covering and an associated method of treating chronic swelling of a limb. The limb covering is uses hydrostatic pressure provided by liquid contained within the covering to apply pressure to the limb. The limb covering comprises a substantially non-distensible flexible outer layer, a distensible flexible inner layer joined together and a liquid tight bladder therebetween. The covering may be adapted for releasable securement about a limb such as an arm or a lower leg and foot of a patient. After placement on the limb, when the bladder is filled with a liquid, such as water, it expands to contact and apply pressure to the limb.

1 . A therapeutic limb covering configured to be placed over a lower leg and foot of a patient comprising: 
 a flexible, substantially non-distensible outer layer;    a flexible, distensible inner layer joined to the outer layer;    a liquid tight bladder defined between the layers;    at least one structural support member secured to a layer to provide longitudinal support to the covering;    a flexible tongue portion, at least a portion of which being movable relative to the inner and outer layers and configured to lie along the instep and shin of a user.    
     
     
         2 . A therapeutic limb covering as defined in  claim 1  wherein at least a portion of the tongue is formed from flexible liquid tight inner and outer layers defining a liquid tight bladder therebetween.  
     
     
         3 . A therapeutic limb covering as defined in  claim 1  wherein the tongue portion is removable from and releasably securable to the limb covering.  
     
     
         4 . A therapeutic limb covering as defined in  claim 1  wherein the tongue is formed having a preset curve to accommodate an angled orientation between the instep of the foot and the shin of the leg over which the tongue lies.  
     
     
         5 . A method of treating chronic swelling in a limb by applying a therapeutic limb covering comprising: 
 providing a limb covering having a flexible non-distensible outer layer;    a distensible inner layer, a liquid tight bladder defined therebetween and a flexible tongue portion releasably securable to one of the layers;    placing the tongue portion over the instep and shin;    placing the limb covering on the foot and leg of the user;    securing the limb covering about the limb;    securing the tongue portion to the limb covering;    adding liquid to the bladder of the limb covering to at least a sufficient level to establish a liquid column that applies pressure to the limb.    
     
     
         6 . A method of treating chronic swelling in the limb as defined in  claim 5  wherein: 
 the tongue portion comprises inner and outer layers with a liquid tight bladder defined therebetween; and the method further comprises  
 filling the bladder of the tongue portion with a liquid.