Can A Foot Massager Damage Your Feet
A foot massager likely wont damage your feet, but its important to use it correctly. Excessive use can cause soreness in the feet. Standing, instead of sitting, when using an electric massager can potentially cause injury. If you use the heat setting, there’s a chance of developing a skin condition called erythema ab igne. “As a general rule, keeping the temperature less than 115 degrees and below the threshold of pain is a good way to avoid it,” said Dr. Moore. And, of course, if youre pregnant or have a health condition like diabetes, talk to your doctor before using a foot massager.
How Do Cortisone Injections Work
Cortisone is a hormone thats produced by your bodys adrenal glands in response to stress, allergic reactions, and inflammation.
Cortisone injections use a synthetic version of natural cortisone to combat inflammation in very specific parts of the body, like the heels. It can be helpful to think of cortisone injections as a very targeted, potent version of tylenol or ibuprofen.
Steroid injections for plantar fasciitis are usually injected in the spot where the pain is most severe, using a thin needle. The injection itself is mildly painful, and your doctor will usually add a numbing agent to the cortisone shot itself, or numb the area prior to injecting you.
Your doctor will typically inject you on the inner part of your foot, rather than the heel itself to avoid damaging your fat pad, and avoid the small risk of plantar rupture .
Expect to spend some time resting your feet over the following 2-3 days . And dont be too alarmed if the pain gets slightly worse before it gets better. After day three, you should feel significant pain relief for about 3 months.
Is A Foot Massager Good For Plantar Fasciitis
When looking for a foot massager for Plantar Fascitis, youll want to choose one thats specifically designed for this condition. These machines apply pressure to the bottom of the foot and can also massage calf muscles. This device has nodes that are 2 inches in diameter, and works the fascia fibers with firm, consistent pressure. Its also easy to use, so you wont have to worry about misplacing it and damaging your feet.
This massager offers 3 different settings for a relaxing, soothing massage. It has a pressure sensor to determine the amount of pressure youd like, and its made from quality materials. This product is also quiet and has a long battery life. Its also durable, and Ekrin offers a lifetime warranty on all their products. This is one of the best foot massagers for Plantar Fasciitis, and its features make it the perfect treatment tool.
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What Are The Causes Of Plantar Fasciitis
Several activities and conditions can result in repetitive strain on your plantar fascia.
Physical ActivityFactory workers, restaurant servers, teachers and other workers who spend hours a day on their feet after a long day are at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis.Long-distance runners, tennis players and dancers are more prone to it because of the repetitive demand these activities put on their plantar fascia.
Weight Gain, Obesity or PregnancySuddenly gaining weight puts your plantar fasciitis under greater strain and can cause plantar fasciitis.Pregnancy can have the same effect, especially in the third trimester.Obesity is a risk factor because of the weight and pressure on the plantar fascia, especially if you wear shoes without adequate arch support.
Foot MechanicsHaving high arches or no arches at all affect the mechanics of your feet as you walk, in a way that strains your plantar fascia.
Abnormal foot mechanics during walking can also arise from postural misalignment in your legs, leading to plantar fascia strain that gets worse over time.
If You Want Water/soaking Element
Traditional foot massagers dont come with a soaking option, but some foot baths offer a massaging element so you can get the best of both worlds. The massaging element can be motorized or manual .
These types of massagers work better for people with tired, achy feet than people with chronic pain conditions, since they are more like foot baths with a massaging element than dedicated foot massagers. In other words, if you need targeted therapeutic massage, opt for a traditional foot massager and not a foot spabut if you just need to soothe your feet after a long day at work, a foot spa with a little extra massaging action will probably give you what you need.
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More Foot Massagers To Consider
We also tested these foot massagers but ultimately decided not to include them in our list of recommendations. They fell short in our test when it came to convenience, effectiveness, and setting options:
- Ivation Foot Spa: Our testers appreciated the number of settings on this product and the deep, relaxing massage it gave, but it never really heated up the way we would have liked .
- Sharper Image Warming Foot Massager: This massager gave us a toasty, cozy experience, but it was mostly superficial it doesnt massage enough to work out knots and wouldnt be a good fit for people wanting deep tissue relief.
- Snailax Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat: With a slipper-like shape, this massager has good under-the-foot rollersbut thats about all. Theres very little variation in settings and wasnt something we thought we would reach for day after day.
Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine
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Doesn’t accommodate larger feet
If youre willing to spend a little more on a foot massager, the Miko Shiatsu Home Foot Massager Machine With Switchable Heat will leave your feet feeling relaxed and pampered. It has a variety of features to give you a customized massage, and one testerwho loved the ease of setup and intensity levelssays its worth the price.
The Miko device features two separate foot chambers with washable cloth covers. Once you slip your feet in, you can operate the massager via the control panel on top of the machine or with the included remotea great bonus feature, since it allows you to adjust settings, but still stay relaxed, says our tester.
Some testers noted that at certain points, they felt like they were getting a professional 15-20-minute massage and appreciated the varied levels of pressure. However, we took some points off overall since testers noticed that while the massager applied a lot of pressure to the front of the foot, the heels and arches weren’t getting the same love.
Price at time of publish: $130
Size: 17 x 17 x 9 inches | Weight: 12.85 pounds | Heated: Yes
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
Sometimes you might want a little soaking action along with your foot massage, and on those days, the Ivation Foot Spa Massager has you covered. This foot spa has built-in massage rollers in the bottom of the tub, allowing you to work your feet while they soak in warm water.
Price at time of publish: $81
The Spruce / Leticia Almeida
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Best Travel Foot Massager
Recoup Cryosphere is a manual roller that stays cold for up to six hours to help relieve pain.
Pros: Keeps cold, versatile, rolls smoothly, doesn’t require batteries or charging
Cons: Price, no spikes or nubs
Loncar suggests using a device that ices your muscles and massages them at the same time, and she, as well as thousands of positive reviews, stand behind the Recoup Cryosphere. Icing helps to increase blood flow and decrease inflammation, Kenneth Jung, MD, orthopedic foot and ankle surgeon at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles pointed out during medical review.
You can detach the metal ball and throw it in the freezer for a couple of hours, then put it back into its plastic casing for a comfortable handhold. The ball will stay cold for up to six hours and how you use it is up to you you can sit in a chair while rolling it under your foot or hold it in your hand to really target tight spots.
Being manual, it obviously doesn’t require charging or battery changes. And because it stays cold for so long, it’ll still provide cool relief even after sitting in your gym bag for a while. At $50, it’s not cheap for a non-electronic device, but users swear that its large size, temperature retainment, and ease of use make it genuinely superior to knock-offs.
How Often Should You Use A Foot Massager
There is no definitive answer to this question. It depends on your individual needs and preferences, says Daniel Pledger, DPM, podiatrist and founder of ePodiatrists. Some people use their foot massagers every day, while others only use them when they are feeling particularly tense or have pain in their feet. If youre not sure how often to use your foot massager, ask your doctor.
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Do Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints Work
If you suffer from plantar fasciitis pain first thing in the morning, your doctor may recommend that you wear a special splint or ankle brace while you sleep. The purpose of this type of plantar fasciitis product is to keep the foot extended throughout the night, to reduce stress on the plantar fascia. This can lead to greater comfort both while you sleep and in the morning. Like insoles, plantar fasciitis night braces and splints are sized. The sizing may run according to shoe size or the physical measurements of the feet. You can read the product descriptions of specific products for more information about sizing.
Possible Risks Of Steroid Injections
Like most medical procedures, there are a few rare side effects that you should be aware of before you decide to get a cortisone shot for plantar fasciitis.
One especially important side effect you should know about is something called a cortisone flare. This is pain that can flare up in the days right after your procedure. Cortisone flares happen for about 30% of patients, and if youre one of them you can take heart knowing that the pain will go away after about 72 hours, and then improve drastically. Some patients may also notice some loss of skin pigmentation at the injection site.
Less common risk factors include plantar rupture , and infection or heel pad deterioration. To avoid the risk of plantar rupture, your doctor will inject you on the side of your heel, rather than directly underneath it.
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Proplantar Plantar Fasciitis Foot Massager
The ProPlantar electric foot massager is a must-have device for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis and who needs a comfortable massage experience at home. It comes with 12pcs 3D massage balls that can provide a life-simulation kneading and rubbing experience. It also has a smart hot compress function to offer a better stimulation effect and heating therapy.
In addition, it is easy to use with big button controls. You can quickly power on/off, switch rotation directions, and adjust intensity levels according to your demand for custom enjoyment. ProPlantar electric foot massager is made of high-quality PU leather and an elastic sponge that can easily deliver a skin-friendly and comfortable touch feeling.
There is also an overheat protection feature that will automatically shut off the device to avoid getting overheated. Lastly, the lightweight design makes it easy to carry around so you can conveniently access a relaxing massage no matter where you are.
- Perfect foot massager with multiple modes for speed and intensity
- Comes with a smart hot compress function
- Easy to use for all ages with big button controls
- Made from high-quality PU leather and elastic sponge material
- Overheat protection
Best Rolling Option: Renpho Foot Massager Machine
This massager has a rotating ball, a rolling stick, and heating options â all of which you can control with a remote. It also features three kneading and three squeeze intensities that can be easily adjusted. And if you’re concerned that your feet might not fit inside, this device can accommodate up to a men’s size 12 shoe.
“I suffer from plantar fasciitis in my right foot and am 10 months out from a broken left foot that rolled and caused extensive soft tissue damage. My feet were hurting 24/7 and I could hardly walk on them,” wrote a shopper. “I ordered the foot massager and have used it for a total of three to four hours per day for the last five days and my feet are better than they have been since before I broke my left foot!”
Buy It:RENPHO Foot Massager Machine, $140, was $180,
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Human Touch Reflex4 Targeted Relief Foot & Calf Shiatsu Massager
If you need deep tissue massage for your feet as well for your calves, this relief foot and calf shiatsu massager is a great choice. The massager completely surrounds the calves and feet for stimulating and relieving massage. The massager has powerful rollers under the feet that relieve soles and offer a robust massage to the calves. The massager also has non-skid protectors to hold the unit in place and prevent injuries.
Pros
· Comes with an easy explanation guide
· Comes with a sturdy and easy-carry handle
· Travel friendly and compact unit
· Features non-skid protectors
· Features stimulating under-foot rollers for comfortable massage
Cons
· Makes annoying and loud noises
Features:
The massager does not make unwanted noise and has an ergonomic style that has a tilt angle to match the leg shape and offer maximum comfort. The modern and compact unit has an easy-to-carry handle so you can carry the unit effortlessly from one place to another.
Types Of Foot Massage Techniques
Just as a doctor has much equipment to work on a patient and different prescriptions for each illness, there are different massage techniques for various feet conditions and request of an individual. No two techniques deliver the same satisfaction and benefit. Read on to understand the difference between each technique.
1. Arch rubs
This technique is used to relax the underside of the foot. It specifically relaxes the arch. You can apply this massage technique to the feet by doing the following.
- Hold the top of the leg with one hand
- Rub the length of the arch with the finger of your second hand. This will relax the arch
- Lastly, continue the first and second process- rubbing the heel to the ball to the feet until satisfied.
2. Warmup twists
You can know what it means with its name. The warmup twist can be used to start a massage session. Go through the steps below to apply the warmup twist.
- First, let your hands rest on the sides of the foot
- Then gently use your right hand to move the right side of the foot forward while the left-hand pull the left side back
- Alternate this same movement in the reverse form. Push the left side of the foot forward while the right-hand pull the right side back
- Repeatedly, move your hands from the ankle to the toes. This gentle warmup twist helps the feet to be ready for more massage.
3. Foot spread
4. The toe bends
This technique deals majorly with the toes. It allows and encourages flexibility in the foot. Technique procedures:
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How To Use A Percussion Massager For Plantar Fasciitis
In the later years of your life, from ages 40 60, you may experience the discomforting agony of plantar fasciitis. Many activities, like long-distance running, dancing, and tennis to name a few, can trigger this sharp pain in your foot that immobilizes you for a short period of time.
You dont need to rush to an orthopedic doctor right away. The Quantum Percussion Massager by Spectral Body can give you fast-acting relief if it is used correctly.
The Benefits Of A Foot Massager
According to Harvard Medical School, a foot massage improves circulation, stimulates muscles, reduces tension and often eases pain. Plus, Chinese and alternative medicine literature states the right foot massage taps into reflexology, which is a system of applying pressure in different foot zones to stimulate energy and release blockages elsewhere in the body. This practice is believed to cure certain illnesses and alleviate stress.
The most popular style of foot massage, however, is the shiatsu massage. This ancient Japanese healing method uses kneading, pressing, tapping, soothing and stretching the feet to help reduce muscle stiffness, stimulate the skin, aid in digestion and even influence the nervous system, according to the University of Minnesota. Some at-home shiatsu massagers even have extensive tech features like bluetooth and app connectivity, infrared heating elements and more.
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How Often Should I Use A Foot Massager
It’s safe to use a foot massager daily, confirms Dr. Jung. However, you should take care to not use it too intensely, too often. You should never use them to the point where they cause muscle or ligament soreness or pain, and if you feel any tenderness in your soft tissue, give it time to recover and lessen your intensity and time next time.
Every Feature Your Feet Can Dream Of
Amazon
Dimensions: 22 x 10 x 12 inches | Weight: 13.5 Pounds | Heat: No
This remote controlled foot massager is great for every part of your feet, including your ankles . You can choose from an array of massaging actions, like pulsing, rotating, kneading and rolling, or select the amount of time you want the machine to run and dictate which parts of your feet you want it to cover. For a well-rounded massage without any thought, theres also an auto button that gets the massager going on a pre-set series that covers all of its features before it automatically shuts off when finished. A handheld remote controls each function, but theres also an easy-to-read LCD touch panel on the machine for convenient control.
Beyond massage-related features, the sleeves are removable and washable, so the massager remains a clean and enjoyable experience for your entire household, while a non-slip bottom prevents it from sliding or skidding across the floor as you try to relax.
There isnt a heat option here, but shoppers say they dont miss it thanks to litany of customizable options. One reviewer even said that their partner returned their heated massager in exchange for this one after testing it out.
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