Importance

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Abstract

A medical apparatus for facilitating and supporting blood circulation in a user's lower limb is provided. The apparatus comprises: (a) a sandal element, including: a sole element having inflatable chambers for selectively and independently applying pressure to distinct portions of the user's sole, each of the inflatable chambers being located at a specific portion of the sole element; and a shell element for fastening the sole element to the user's foot; and (b) an inflating system for independently inflating and deflating the inflatable chambers, preferably in a periodical manner. The inflating system may include: a pump; a valvular system for controlling the flow of fluid into and out of the inflatable chambers; a pressure sensor; and a controller. The user may specify the chambers to be inflated and deflated and the sequence of inflation and deflation, as well as the frequency of inflation and deflation and the operating time of the inflating system, thereby simulating any motor activity of the foot, including standing, walking and running. Further according to the present invention there is provided a medical apparatus, comprising: at least one elevating element, the at least one elevating element being adapted to engage substantially the front portion of a user's foot for elevating the front portion of the user's foot relative to the user's heel so as to activate the calf muscles of the user, thereby forcing venous blood upstream towards the user's heart. The front portion of the user's foot preferably includes the user's toes and metatarsus. The at least one elevating element is attached to a carrier adapted to receive a user's foot and includes a fixing element for fixing substantially the user's heel to the carrier.

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First Claim