If you deal with ankle pain on a regular basis, an oscillating foot massager can be a great tool to try. These devices use gentle, circular motions to relieve aches and pains, and are easy to use whenever you have a few spare minutes of relaxation time. Dr. Rimawi recommends staying away from heat entirely if you have neuropathy to reduce risk of injury. "If you can't sense if the heat is too much, you run the risk of burning your skin," he says. "This is something we see often as podiatrists."

Even if you are healthy overall, you will benefit from the relaxation and stress management to be had by devoting 20 or 30 minutes a day to foot massage. Managing stress is beneficial to overall health in a number of ways, including: The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (AAO) advises that for the first few days after spraining your ankle, you will want to immobilize (avoid moving) the injured ankle and rest it as much as possible. Cheatham SW, et al. (2015). The effects of self-myofascial release using a foam roll or roller massager on joint range of motion, muscle recovery, and performance: A systematic review.Best foot massager for circulation: Beurer FM200 Achillomed Achilles Tendon Massager and Circulation Booster A series of six rollers activate specific pressure points, which helps reduce pain and boost relaxation. If you experience aching feet at the end of every workday, this massager can help.

Depending on where your pain comes from, there’s a good chance that massage could bring you some relief. When comparing foot massagers, consider what features you want and your budget. Foot massagers typically provide a kneading function, vibration, compression or electro-muscle stimulation. Some foot massagers have the added benefit of heat to assist in easing muscle tension. Most foot massagers offer different levels of intensity and different massage styles to allow you to customise your massage, while others have added pads to target other areas of the body. We’re also testing these foot massagers at home so we can rate their performance over weeks and months of daily use. We’ll continue to update our recommendations based on insights from our long-term testing. The Experts Most machines are equipped with a timer so you won’t overdo. Be sure to read the instructions for your particular model for specifics. Continue this process as you move up the thigh to the hip making sure to include all the muscles in the upper leg.

FAQ

If you’d like to combine your foot massage with a soothing foot soak, see our list of the best foot spas. When should I not use a home foot massager?

So, can massage for ankle pain help you find relief? What are the benefits, and how can you get started safely? Portillo-Soto A, et al. (2014). Comparison of blood flow changes with soft tissue mobilization and massage therapy. DOI: It’s no secret that diabetics have a hard time maintaining blood circulation in their legs and feet. This can lead to many health problems down the line, including serious vascular disease. One of the best ways to prevent this problem is by using a foot massager on your own at home! Apply pressure with your fingers as you move your hand toward your hip. Apply enough pressure to feel it in your muscle without causing pain. You can also alternate between light and heavy pressure.Many foot massagers use heat to increase effectiveness and relaxation. Look for adjustable heat settings to make sure that the experience is comfortable in all seasons and temperatures. For example, our favorite splurge option, the Cloud Massage Shiatsu Foot Massager provides that soothing warm feel but may take a few minutes to heat up. Of course, our best manual option skips the heating function, so evaluate whether the convenience of a portable massager is worth losing the power of heat. Avoid training or running on bumpy, uneven surfaces . In addition, it might be helpful to switch over to soft surfaces, like grass, instead of hard pavement. Foot Massagers can serve as an incredibly useful tool for those with diabetes, especially those who are seeking to increase blood flow into their legs and swollen feet.