Can A Foot Massage Apparatus Bring Relief For Neuropathic Feet?

Today's post from foottherapy.net (see link below) is an unashamed advert for foot massagers but it is directed at neuropathy sufferers and is more of a review than an advertisement. In these days when electrical gadgets swamp our discount stores and nerve damage patients are desperately looking for anything that may bring relief to their long-suffering feet, it's important to have some idea of what may be a waste of money and what may actually help. This article reviews a number of foot massage machines and gives an honest appraisal of what they can and can't do. It also warns of potential dangers of such machines, especially to people with extensive numbness, and as such is a useful guide. There are hundreds of these machines on the market, so having an idea of what might be best for you may save you time and money.

Best Foot Massagers for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy
April 2017



MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager

Great warranty options to make sure your device will last
Although it doesn’t have a heat option, the increased blood circulation on your feet brought by the strong oscillation makes you feel like you’re being treated with infrared heat.
The oscillation produce a better blood flow not just in your feet but also towards your legs
The variable speed is really useful to adjust intensity
Can be used with your shoes on
More powerful than anything else out there
Built-in arch-bar for toes or heels.

Higher price point
Heavier and bulkier, can get a bit loud
No remote control

This foot massager is best suited to those suffering severe foot/leg pain, serious circulation issues, and pain or cramps resulting from neuropathy or diabetes. The price point is higher than conventional foot massagers used for relaxation but as this is meant for therapeutic use, we think the price tag is more than justified.




Brookstone 839379 Shiatsu Foot Massager with Heat

Brand known for high quality products
Good array of settings and options
Provides deep kneading massage.
Works with air compressions.
Improves circulation.
Available with washable protective covering.
Heating option is available for additional relief.
Easy to store.
Built-in cord is retractable.

May not fit large feet.
Pricey as compared to competitors
Heat function may not be up to the mark.
The massager makes a squishy noise at times and this can put off some users.

Brookstone is well known for providing quality products and often include good warranty programs. The machine will knead and massage the tops and bottoms of the feet, has settings to increase pressure, and has a heat setting that is not overly hot. The Shiatsu Foot Massager is one of the easiest and most convenient massagers available in the market today. It’s a bit pricey, but the results are definitely satisfactory. This is a must-have for anyone who is not on a tight budget.




3Q MG-F18 Foot Massager with Shiatsu, Kneading, Air pressure massage and Heat Function

The foot massager can reach all pressure points of your feet and ankles. This can help improve blood circulation and relive foot pain.
The intensity of the massager can be adjusted in several ways.
The air pressure can be adjusted for light rubbing. This can enable you to get the correct pressure for the massage.
Compressed air enables you to enjoy uninterrupted foot massage.
Heating feature is a valuable addition.
Lightweight and compact. This makes it portable and easy to store.
The cover on the massager makes it easy to clean and maintain.
Affordable price.

The major drawback is that it is slightly smaller than the standard U.S shoe sizing.
The combined air pressure and kneading may be a bit intense for people with sensitive feet.
The sides of the feet and heal are not properly covered in the massage.
It does not have a remote that you can use to operate it easily. The controls are on the massager and you need to access them to operate the device.


Often compared to the more expensive models that are very similar, the 3Q MG-F18 Foot Massager with Heat, Kneading Shiatsu Air Pressure Massager is a less expensive product that offers heating and pressure settings. This model accommodates most foot sizes, but does require looking into for individuals with larger feet. As an added bonus, people who have encountered customer service give stellar reports. The massage settings do not offer the full range of options that some of the more expensive options do, though this may not be an issues for some. Based on the available reviews, the 3Q MG F18 Foot Massager is the best alternative to the more expensive models, and is a quality product that comes with the assurance of exceptional customer service.




uComfy Shiatsu Foot Massager

Different intensity levels.
Multiple functions provide optimum relaxation.
Good heating system.
Easy to clean and maintain.
Lightweight and portable.
Fits large feet.

Ankles and calves are not properly covered in the massage.
No remote control. The controls on the massager can be assessed only by hand and this can be uncomfortable when you are enjoying a good massage.
Not durable.

The uComfy Shiatsu Foot Massager 2.0 has a sleek design and offers many of the same features as the more expensive Brookstone product. This massager will work for the majority of foot sizes, typically up to a size 14 mens. The massage settings include numerous levels of strength and offer a deeper massage than some of the less expensive products on the market. The heat setting is ideal and is not overly hot, lessening the chance for damage due to lack of feeling in the feet. This product does not have a remote control, which can make it difficult to turn on and off for users with limited mobility. The highest setting on the massager can be quite intense, and it is important for users to begin on the lower settings to determine the correct level for them. There are some reports that this product does not continue to work after fairly short periods of time, which can be a major downfall. The uComfy Shiatsu Foot Massager 2.0 is not of the same quality as other products, and may not be the best option for the price.



Homedics Deep Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massager

This device can be easily plugged into any 120V outlet, thus it is portable and can be brought anywhere with ease.
You can use this product anywhere, at home or even in a quiet office as it is superbly quiet.
This device is very light and it weighs only 6.8 pounds, so, you can comfortably use it to massage your aching neck or lower back muscles.

The position of this foot massager cannot be adjusted, some users have to use other materials to support it to be in the best position to get the best massage result.
This product is not recommended to be used by you if you have diabetes or if you have very high arches.
Customers with ticklish or sensitive feet usually found this product as too rough for their preference.

This massager is perfect for anyone who is suffering from terrible aching feet. The 6 rotating massagers can do wonders by massaging all of the pain and tension from your footpad while the heating can rejuvenate you. To add it up, it is light and quiet, thus, you can use it anywhere you want, may it be in the office or at home. The call is yours.


 
Many individuals who suffer from the condition of peripheral neuropathy report that foot massage can provide significant relief from the pain that can be associated with it. Thankfully, there are a variety of at home foot massagers that offer the ability to find relief in the comfort of one’s own home. These massagers are made by a variety of manufacturers, and are available in a wide range of prices to accommodate almost any budget. There are a variety of potential benefits associated with daily foot massage, which can be difficult to do outside of one’s home. This article covers how peripheral neuropathy causes pain and discomfort and the ways in which foot massagers can be beneficial, and also offers reviews of numerous products available on the market from a variety of manufacturers. If you are considering the use of an at home foot massager to address your peripheral neuropathy, you will want to consider the information available here.

What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

The National Institutes of Health estimate that a significant number of people have some form of peripheral neuropathy. This condition occurs as the result of damage to the nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. The term neuropathy refers to damage or disease that occurs within the nervous system, and the term peripheral identifies that the condition is occurring outside of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). There is research and evidence to suggest that massage therapy and the use of at home foot massagers can provide relief from symptoms and promote the general health of the feet.

How Can Foot Massagers Help Relieve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Massage therapy is considered to be complimentary or alternative treatments, and is increasingly used as a standard form of treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions including peripheral neuropathy. More research on the effectiveness of massage therapy is necessary, but there is evidence to suggest there are many benefits to forms of massage treatment. Studies suggest massage therapy can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including various issues related to peripheral neuropathy including paresthesia, nerve pain, joint pain, improved circulation, and enhanced lymph flow through the body.

While the greatest benefits of massage are likely to be experienced when visiting a licensed professional, there are many foot massagers on the market that can provide similar relief. There are numerous options and settings available including; vibration and deep massage, heat therapy, and pressure settings. Vibration and deep massage can help stimulate circulation which promotes the overall health of the foot and reduces discomfort from neuropathy. Pressure may also help improve circulation and can help reduce the nerve pain associated with with peripheral neuropathy. Depending on the severity of the condition, the addition of heat may also provide relief from the symptoms.

Potential Benefits of Foot Massagers

-Increases energy and willingness to engage in exercise and activities

-Relieves stress, and reduces pain

-Improves blood flow and overall circulation

-Improves lymph flow and circulation

-Helps prevent the potential for injury associated with peripheral neuropathy
Common features of the various foot massagers available

–Electric or Self-Massaging: there are electric massagers available with a variety of settings that allow you to relax and rest your feet while being massaged, and there are also massagers that you use through the motions and rotations of your feet which can itself promote use and circulation through motion and light exercise.

–Heating: a common feature of many of the electronic foot massagers may help provide relief and promote circulation and reduce the painful sensations.

–Kneading or Oscillating: massaging action can benefit and stimulate the nerves in the feet, and typically promotes better circulation.

–Applied Pressure: pressure settings may reduce pain and can also promote circulation of blood flow in the feet.

–Position Design: depending on the intended use, the various massagers may work on only the bottoms of the feet, the entire foot, or even parts of the lower legs. Each model allows for different body positioning which may be important depending on an individual’s mobility and comfortable sitting or standing position.

Potential Risks of Massagers for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Using heat can be dangerous if there is a lack of sensation in the feet, as there is the potential to accidentally burn the skin without immediately noticing. Vigorous or deep massage can also lead to issues related to circulation, particularly for individuals who already have conditions of the circulatory system. If you intend to use an at home massage therapy to help with peripheral neuropathy it is best to consult with your physician or medical provider to ensure the appropriateness of this option for you.

http://www.foottherapy.net/best/treatments/diabetic-peripheral-neuropathy/diabetic-foot-massagers/