Buerger-Allen exercises

Buerger-Allen exercises [ber´ger al´en]

specific exercises intended to improve circulation to the feet and legs. The lower extremities are elevated to a 45 to 90 degree angle and supported in this position until the skin blanches (appears dead white). The feet and legs are then lowered below the level of the rest of the body until redness appears (care should be taken that there is no pressure against the back of the knees); finally, the legs are placed flat on the bed for a few minutes. The length of time for each position varies with the patient's tolerance and the speed with which color change occurs. Usually the exercises are prescribed so that the legs are elevated for 2 to 3 minutes, down 5 to 10 minutes, and then flat on the bed for 10 minutes.

Buerger-Allen exercises. 1, Elevate feet on padded chair or board for 1/2 to 3 minutes. 2, Sit in relaxed position while each foot is flexed and extended then pronated and supinated for 3 minutes. The feet should become entirely pink. If the feet are blue or painful, elevate them and relax as necessary. 3, Lie quietly for 5 minutes, keeping legs warm with a blanket. From Black and Matassarin-Jacobs, 1997.