What Are Circulation Boosters?
Circulation boosters are electrical devices designed to stimulate blood flow in the legs and feet. They work by sending gentle electrical impulses through the soles of the feet, causing the muscles in the lower legs to contract and relax rhythmically. This mimics the natural pumping action of walking and helps push blood back up towards the heart.
They are primarily used by people who experience poor circulation due to reduced mobility, diabetes, peripheral arterial disease, or simply spending long periods sitting or standing.
How Do They Work?
Most circulation boosters use Electrical Muscle Stimulation (EMS) technology. You place your bare feet on two footpads, and the device sends low-frequency electrical pulses through the skin to stimulate the muscles in your calves, ankles, and feet.
The intensity is adjustable. This allows you to start at a gentle level and increase it over time. A typical session lasts 20 to 30 minutes, and most manufacturers recommend daily use for the best results.
Some higher-end models also include infrared heat therapy or TENS (Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation) pads for the calves and thighs.
Potential Benefits
Users of circulation boosters commonly report:
- Reduced swelling in the feet and ankles
- Relief from aching or tired legs
- Warmer feet due to improved blood flow
- Less pins and needles or numbness
- Reduced leg cramps, particularly at night
- Improved comfort for people who sit for long periods
While many users find them helpful, the clinical evidence for circulation boosters is mixed. They should be seen as a complementary aid alongside medical treatment, exercise, and lifestyle changes, not a replacement for them.
Who Should Use a Circulation Booster?
Circulation boosters may be helpful for people who:
- Have limited mobility and cannot exercise regularly
- Spend long periods sitting in a chair or wheelchair
- Experience swollen ankles and feet
- Have cold feet due to poor circulation
- Are recovering from surgery and need to keep blood flowing in the legs
- Have diabetes and want to support foot health (with medical approval)
Who Should Avoid Them?
Circulation boosters are not suitable for everyone. You should not use one if you:
- Have a pacemaker or other implanted electronic device
- Are pregnant
- Have deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or a suspected blood clot
- Have epilepsy
- Have open wounds or infections on your feet or legs
If you have any medical condition affecting your legs or circulation, speak to your GP before using a circulation booster.
What to Look For When Buying
- Number of intensity levels – more levels give you finer control. Look for at least 15 settings
- EMS and TENS combination – devices that offer both can provide pain relief alongside circulation benefits
- Remote control – essential for people who have difficulty bending down to adjust the settings
- Body pads included – some models come with adhesive pads for treating the calves, thighs, or back
- Timer – an automatic shut-off after the recommended session length is a useful safety feature
- Size and weight – the device should be stable on the floor and large enough for your feet to sit comfortably on the pads
How Much Do They Cost?
- Budget models: £30 to £60, basic EMS stimulation with fewer intensity levels
- Mid-range models: £60 to £150, more intensity settings, remote control, and body pads
- Premium models: £150 to £300, advanced features including infrared heat, TENS, and more waveform options
Circulation boosters are available VAT-free for people with a qualifying long-term illness or disability.
Other Ways to Improve Circulation
A circulation booster works best as part of a broader approach to improving blood flow:
- Regular movement – even small amounts of walking or chair-based leg exercises help
- Leg elevation – raising your feet above heart level for 15 to 20 minutes helps reduce swelling
- Compression stockings – medical-grade compression socks help push blood back up the legs
- Staying hydrated – dehydration thickens the blood and reduces flow
- Avoiding prolonged sitting – try to move or change position every 30 minutes
- Stopping smoking – smoking is one of the biggest risk factors for poor circulation
Sources & Useful Resources
Official Resources
- NHS: Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) – the main condition causing poor leg circulation
Charity & Advisory Resources
- British Heart Foundation: 5 Tips to Improve Circulation
- Circulation Foundation – the UK’s only vascular charity with patient information
Product Comparisons
- Which? Revitive Review and Comparison – independent circulation booster reviews