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Diabetic neuropathy is a condition where nerve damage is caused by diabetes. Nerves are important as they carry brain signals to the rest of your body. These signals may control pain, movement, or other bodily functions.
Diabetic neuropathy normally damages the nerves in your feet and legs. This can cause sharp, intense foot pain. It may also lead to a loss of sensation, making these areas numb. As blood flow is reduced, wounds or cuts on the feet can take more time to heal.
Why you should buy a foot massager
If you are experiencing diabetic neuropathy symptoms, a foot massager may be a worthwhile investment!
Massage can help with pain relief by improving blood flow and circulation. This can improve swelling, numbness, and loss of sensation within the feet. Foot massage may even prevent neuropathy issues from occurring later on.
There are endless foot and leg massagers on the market, including ones with heat features and air compression. There are so many available to purchase, but this doesn’t make it easier to choose between products!
If you’re struggling to choose a foot massager, you’re in the right place! We’ve searched far and wide to find the best foot massagers for people living with diabetes, which you’ll find below.
We’ve also included a buying guide in the end of the article. It will cover why foot massage is so beneficial for people living with diabetes, as well as the things you should look out for when purchasing a foot massager.
Whether you prefer a massager with lots of settings or one that’s easy to carry around, you’re sure to find a foot massager you love in the list below!
Foot massager review
Best Value
Breo Deep Kneading Foot Massager
The Breo foot massager comes with deep kneading, compression, scraping, rolling, and heating functions at a very affordable price.
It has three options of compression intensity and various massage modes, giving you a lot of control over the type and intensity of massage.
It also has an optional heat function that goes from 104 to 122 ℉ (40-45 C).
The foot sleeves are removable and washable, making it easy to clean.
- Great value – Better price than comparable massagers
- Adjustable – pressure, heat, and massage type can be adjusted
- Lightweight – Easy to move and store
- Does not massage the calves
Buying guide
Not sure what you need from your foot massager? Check out our buying guide below to see what features you should keep an eye out for!
The link between diabetes and your feet
People with diabetes need to look after their feet more than others. Foot wounds, no matter how small, can cause severe complications, like diabetic neuropathy.
Greater blood sugar levels can cause injury to blood vessels. This means blood flow will decrease, especially in the feet. If blood cannot flow freely, the wounds will struggle to heal, so your feet may become weaker.
It’s very important to maintain proper blood flow towards your nerves and blood vessels.
Neuropathy basics
Diabetic Neuropathy refers to a neurological disorder. This occurs when nerve damage causes intense chronic pain.
One type of diabetic neuropathy which is particularly painful is peripheral neuropathy. This is a potential complication that can arise in those with diabetes.
Diabetic peripheral neuropathy can happen in those with long-term diabetes mellitus. Any interruptions to blood supply or high blood sugar can affect movement and sensory nerves within the legs. This is sometimes referred to as diabetic polyneuropathy.
This pain may be intense and hard to manage. Medication may be prescribed, but it often doesn’t have the desired effects. These medicines are mainly prescribed by doctors, delivered through the bloodstream, or applied topically as a skin ointment.
Other things that may help are foot cream shoe inserts which can soothe the pain as the wearer walks. Electric foot massagers can be even more effective, as massage increases blood flow to the feet. This relieves some of the pain generated by diabetic neuropathy.
Prescribed medications can help, but they are around 30% – 50% effective at relieving pain. This is why those living with diabetic neuropathy may find massage more effective than medicines.
What are diabetic foot massagers?
Foot massagers for diabetics are machines that massage your feet, and in some cases, may do the same for your lower calf. These can be necessary items for diabetes patients, as they can relieve painful and fatigued feet.
When the feet are massaged with the device, the feet start receiving a mechanical foot massage. This improves blood circulation, which raises the oxygen content within the blood. This may also affect the patient’s energy levels.
Foot massage may also affect blood pressure, which relieves sore or tired feet. At the same time, the lymphatic system and blood circulation are encouraged to rid themselves of waste products.
Additionally, massage also soothes the muscles so they can relax and recover. Regular foot massage also lowers the risk of foot ulcers, and may even restore damaged nerve functions in the feet.
Main advantages of foot massagers
Here are some of the main benefits that foot massagers can have for people living with diabetes.
Improves blood circulation
Foot massagers can help to increase blood circulation throughout your whole body, including your feet. Better blood circulation can stop foot ulcers from forming, defend against infections, prevent blood clots, and can speed up recovery from wounds.
Decreases feet swelling
Swollen feet can occur for several reasons, including kidney disease, high blood pressure, and pregnancy. Foot massage can help eliminate extra fluid from building up within your legs. This improves discomfort, supports kidney function, and maintains the body’s ideal sodium balance.
Raises nerve sensitivity
When foot massage is carried out properly, it can increase blood flow to the legs and may rebuild nerve functions that have been damaged.
Regulates blood pressure
Cortisol is a hormone that is known to cause high blood pressure. Systolic blood pressure is the pressure the heart generates against your artery walls each time the heart beats. Proper foot massage may regulate this by helping your body rest and relax.
Encourages good sleep
Neurotransmitters are important, as they encourage the body to relax and sleep at night. Massage can affect how the nervous system works, so it may help to control insomnia by reinstating a regular circadian rhythm.
Improves depression
When foot massage is carried out just twice weekly, it can help improve depressive symptoms, like stress, anxiety, and insomnia. This may improve your mood and can help you wind down.
Pain relief
This may be the most important benefit for people living with diabetes that experience foot pain. Foot massage strengthens blood circulation within the feet. Greater blood flow to the painful area can relax the muscles to reduce pain and stiffness, along with the added pressure from the massage tools.
What to consider when choosing a foot massager
Now we’ve covered why foot massage is important for those with diabetic neuropathy, here are some things to look out for when selecting one.
Seating position
The seating position is an important factor. It affects whether you can sit back and relax while using the device. It’s always better to look for a foot massager that delivers a comfortable seating position.
Look out for foot massagers with an adjustable angle as these let you change the position to the one you want. Fixed foot massagers may only let you sit with your feet and legs at a 90° angle, which can be uncomfortable when sitting for long periods.
Adjustable foot massagers will let you sit back in a natural seating position, letting you lean back in the chair instead of only sitting upright.
Manual or electric?
Another factor you’ll have to consider is whether you want a manual or electric foot massager.
Manual foot massagers may look like a tube or a ball. All you have to do is put the device on the floor and roll your foot over it. You can also find these massagers available in different shapes.
There are also manual foot massagers that have several rollers on them. This allows the device to massage the whole foot at the same time. Manual foot massagers tend to be lighter so you can carry them around with you.
If you’d rather purchase a massager that tends to your feet for you, an electric foot massager may be a better choice. These modern devices tend to have two motions. Look out for massagers that move in an oscillating move in one way, and a back and forth with the other.
Most electric massagers are made to fit both feet in them, so you can massage both feet at the same time.
Different massage techniques
Other than choosing a certain type of foot massager, you should consider the types of massaging techniques that you prefer. Practically all foot massagers have moving heads that knead the feet, but you may find others that massage by compression instead.
Compression massages will apply direct pressure to your muscles. This will relax the muscles and nerves within your leg, helping to soothe pain and improve blood circulation.
Some other foot massagers have heat features that help to ease painful feet. Heat works well along with massage as it can improve blood flow. You may be able to find models which vibrate too, enhancing the massage effect.
Shiatsu feature
Electric foot massagers may have a shiatsu feature. Shiatsu is a popular Japanese massage technique that focuses on pressure points. These foot massagers use vibrating moving heads to mimic this procedure.
All foot massagers with shiatsu techniques may help to relieve pain and loss of sensation. However, keep in mind that people living with diabetes should use massagers with a lighter shiatsu setting.
Those with foot pain may find the strong force on pressure points too intense, so it may exacerbate any extreme foot pain.
Weight and size
You may not initially think about the size and weight when choosing a foot massager, but these factors affect how easy the device is to carry and store.
Higher-end models may have more features, but this can add to their weight and size. Extra massage heads can be cumbersome, so they can take up a lot of storage room.
Heavier massagers aren’t ideal to travel with either. It isn’t recommended for people with diabetic neuropathy to carry items that weigh a lot, as this can intensify foot pain. Electric massagers normally weigh more than manual ones.
Manual massagers are lighter and more compact, so you can travel with them on the go. Some may even be small enough to keep in your pocket, though this will depend on the brand.
Ease of use
Your foot massager may have a lot of settings, but they won’t be any good if you can’t use them! Always check how many settings are on your massager before purchasing it. You may want to check reviews that cover how easy the product was to use too.
Risks with using a foot massager for diabetic neuropathy
Foot massagers can be a great tool for those experiencing diabetic foot pain, but before you start, there are some things you should be aware of.
Mechanical devices that produce movement energy will expend a little energy as heat. Diabetic neuropathy will cause a lack of sensation and numbness in the legs and feet.
Any heat that the massager produces can have a risk of burning your skin, but you may not be able to feel it instantly.
Massage can be good for your feet, but intense massage may cause circulation problems, particularly if you live with any other circulatory conditions.
All those experiencing diabetes symptoms should be very careful when using a foot massager. Always consult a medical professional before purchasing one or going for a foot massage.
Foot massagers can cause complications, but these usually occur if the massage is too intense or applies too much pressure.
If you start using an electric foot massager, begin with the lowest setting. If you want to increase the intensity, do so gradually so the pressure isn’t too much on your feet.
If any pain occurs, no matter how small, stop using the device.
Managing diabetic foot pain
Those with diabetes will know that the condition can affect certain parts of your life. New diets, new medicines, and general lifestyle changes are all things you will get used to. While foot massagers are a great tool for those with diabetic foot pain, they shouldn’t be a replacement for diabetes prevention practices.
One of the main causes of diabetic foot pain is a lack of circulation. This is why a simple massage technique can help increase blood circulation and soothe muscle pain.
Massage applies pressure that can move the blood and increase muscle temperature. This keeps the muscle fibers elastic, aiding mobility in the process.
Weight management is important so the patient doesn’t place additional pressure on their feet. This is particularly important in obese individuals or those with particularly intense foot pain.
In some cases, prevention techniques, foot massage, and weight management may be more effective than prescribed pills for foot pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are foot massagers good for diabetic feet?
Massage can be great for those living with diabetic neuropathy. Massage has been used to relieve pain, improve blood circulation, and promote relaxation.
These can all improve diabetic foot pain as the massage soothes the muscles in the feet. Foot massagers can also improve mobility and flexibility within the feet, which can further improve pain relief.
Can diabetics use leg compression massagers?
Massaging devices that focus on the foot and lower leg can be very useful for those with diabetes. Diabetes patients may want to improve blood circulation to their feet and legs.
Leg compression massagers are a good way to do this, particularly if they can massage the feet at the same time.
What are the side effects of electric foot massagers?
Most people who have peripheral neuropathy can benefit from foot massage, but they should still be aware of the potential side effects.
Electric foot massagers may have settings that apply too much pressure. This may be too strong for those with chronic foot pain.
It’s always best to start with the lowest setting on the massager, then work your way up. Stop using the device immediately if you feel any pain.
Other products for Diabetic Neuropathy
You can also consider using compression socks to treat diabetic neuropathy or help reduce pain and swelling.
We have a comprehensive guide to the best socks for diabetic neuropathy that includes reviews of the top choices.
Topical neuropathy creams can be applied to the feet to deliver quick and effective pain relief. These creams are generally affordable, readily available, and painless to apply.
We have a review of the best diabetic neuropathy creams that explain what to look for.
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