Best Foot Massagers for Diabetics in 2023

If you have diabetes and you are not taking proper care of your feet, the possibility of you developing foot problems is high. Here’s what our experts think about the best foot massagers for diabetics this year based on the expertise and experience of working with people with diabetes use foot massagers.

When diabetes is poorly managed, blood vessels can be damaged by high blood glucose resulting in a reduction of blood flow to the foot. And, poor blood circulation can weaken the skin, which can contribute to ulcer formation and slow wound healing.

To prevent or minimize foot problems, there is a need to increase the blood circulation in your feet, and you can do this by massaging your legs frequently.

Some of the foot problems that can be caused by diabetes include ulcers, calluses, athlete’s foot, and in severe cases, amputation.

Proper feet care can help you to spot any feet problem and prevent any complications. One of the ways to take good care of your feet is by massaging the feet with the help of a right foot massager.

A foot massager will help to improve the circulation of blood in your foot and reduce numbness and to avoid severe other foot complications of diabetes.

In this article, we are going to explore the best foot massagers for diabetics.

Diabetes and Your Feet

To prevent your health from deteriorating, especially if you are diabetic, you have to change your lifestyle by eating healthy, being active, taking your medication, checking your blood sugar level and not missing your doctor’s appointments.

And it does not end here, you also need to take proper care of your feet daily, this is very important in order to keep standing on your two feet and prevent feet complications which are common in the diabetic community.

Diabetic Neuropathy

About 50% of people who are diabetes have some kind of nerve damage known as diabetic neuropathy.

Diabetic neuropathy can affect any part of the body, but it mostly challenges the limbs.

Diabetic Neuropathy Symptoms

When diabetic neuropathy affects the lower limbs i.e. in the legs, it is known as peripheral neuropathy.

Peripheral neuropathy can make one lose sensation in one foot, numbness, tingling, or pain and others may not experience any symptoms. Nerve damage from diabetes can also lower your ability to sense regular aches, heat, or cold.

If you lack sensation on your feet, you may not notice any cut, sore, warts, blister, wounds or any other problem you may have on your feet or leg and the sore, blister or cut may get infected if they are not treated on time.

Proper foot care is critical to reduce pain and numbness, prevent severe infections and gangrene. Taking proper care of your feet at home and always checking them daily can help you to notice any problem, treat early and reduce any risk of amputation.

Tip: Be cautious of using hydrogen peroxide on wounds. Stick with one of these best wound dressings or sophisticated healing systems such as VAC Wound Therapy to heal your diabetes wounds and ulcers fast.

When should a Diabetic Patient NOT Use a Foot Massager?

In a case where you lack sensation in your feet, application of heat or pressure can be dangerous, since, there is a possibility of you burning your feet unintentionally without noticing it immediately.

It is also essential to consult your doctor before getting a foot massage for home therapy to help with peripheral neuropathy, especially if you have conditions of the blood, blood vessel or circulatory disorder since vigorous or deep massage can cause circulation issues.

Also, if you have any physical injury in your leg, consult a doctor first before using a foot massage.

When Should Diabetics Use a Foot Massager?

If you have diabetes, it is a good idea for you to have a foot massage for home use.

A massager will not only improve your blood circulation, but it can also relieve your foot pain.

The foot massager is an excellent way to relax and relieve stress. Remember, stress or mental fatigue is harmful to the diabetic patient because it increases their blood glucose level.

An increase in blood glucose levels can result in the thickening of the connective tissue in diabetic patients causing their muscle, tendons and ligament to become stiff and they will experience less movement in their joints.

Massage helps the nervous system to relax and lessen the production of stress hormones, thereby maintaining the blood glucose level.

Massage therapy also helps in to improve the flexibility of the tissue and joint mobility significantly.

If you are diabetic, consult your doctor before starting massage therapy as a part of your daily routine.

If you are diabetic, and if your blood pressure is under control and if you have no other health or physical issues as a result of diabetes, then you can have a daily massage with no much of a concern.

Benefits of Foot Massaging for Diabetics

• Helps to Increase Blood Circulation

One of the most important benefits of using a foot massager is that it can help you to improve your blood circulation, not only in your foot but in the whole body.

Improved blood circulation helps to oxygenate cells effectively, and as a result, prevent foot ulcers and for a speedy recovery from wounds and infections.

Foot massage also helps to reduce blood clot.

You need a diabetic foot massager to help relax your legs in the evening after a long day.

• Increase Nerve Sensitivity

A proper massage improves your flow of blood to the legs and restores the functions of the nerves.

• Reduces Swelling of the Feet

There are many reasons why your feet can be swollen, such as high blood pressure, heart failure, kidney disease or pregnancy.

As anything that boasts improved circulation will help to reduce the swelling of the feet, a right foot massager will also help to remove excess fluid from your legs and reduce discomfort by improving circulation and kidney function making the salt balance in the body ideal.

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• Helps in Controlling Blood Pressure

Since one of the well-known contributor to high blood pressure is Cortisol, and it is crucial to do anything you can do to keep it at a healthy low level.

A good foot massage can help to lower systolic blood pressure by helping your body to relax and reducing stress.

• Increases Energy levels

Those who massage frequently have reported increased energy and zeal to be involved in activities and exercise.

Also, research has shown that foot massage helps to enhance the functions of diverse organs. By so doing, the processing of food probably becomes more effective resulting boost in energy.

• Reduces Stress and Depression

An imbalance of neurotransmitter levels, increased stress levels, lack of sleep and high anxiety are usually, the cause of depression.

Using a foot massage twice weekly can help in reducing the depressive symptoms, especially when you are under high stress. It helps you to relax and be in a happy mood.

Tip: Here are the stress symptoms in men, women and children. They are not the same.

• Helps to Promote Sleep

Foot reflexology enhances the functioning of the nervous system. The neurotransmitters can promote sleep and relaxation as nighttime approaches.

Foot massage is believed to help in managing insomnia and to restore the normal circadian rhythm.

• Help to Relieve Pain

How Can Foot Massagers Help Relieve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Having a foot massage daily for 15 minutes will lessen the level of stress and enhance the circulation of blood. An increase in blood circulation can hearten cellular consumption of glucose and improve the use of insulin.

Also, a good foot massage for diabetics will aid to restore the functionality and sensation of the nerve in a diabetic individual.

Generally, the foot massage has a soothing effect that aid the body to relax and to restore harmonic organ balance for a more relaxed and painless body.

Due to the advancements in technology, you should consider buying yourself an electronic foot massager for diabetics that will ensure that you can have your massage and reflexology at the comfort of your home.

There are a few types of foot massagers, though. Let’s find out more about them.

Types of Foot Massagers

The primary division is the old school manual foot massagers and modern worlds electric foot massagers.

1. Manual Foot Massagers

This consist of a ball or set of balls or tubes that you have to roll under your feet to give you the feeling of a real massage. You do not need any power source to use them, but they are not very useful as other foot massagers, and you may get tired of rolling your feet on them.

The advantage of using manual foot massagers is that they are small, portable and easy to store.

Foot Slippers are a type of manual foot massager.

Foot Slippers

These are acupressure shoes that integrate the electric foot massager properties and the manual foot rollers to put pressure on target points on foot to promote circulation, relieve and relax the feet.

Many foot slippers are activated by motion, so when using them you can’t sit still, you have to move around to get the full benefit of using this massager.

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2. Electric Foot Massagers

These massagers are powered by electricity.

They use motors, and they use the oscillation technique or rolling heads to vibrate.

They usually come with heat as an extra feature.

Due to their operating speed, they can be very powerful. Electronic messages are often bulky compared to a manual one.

There are many types of electric foot massagers. Let’s explore more.

Shiatsu Foot Massager

Shiatsu massager gives you the benefits and feelings of a real Japanese kneading massage by using heating elements, vibrators and rotating heads.

Infra-red Massager

The infra-red massager is a massager that comes with very many and small simulation points that emit infrared lights. These complement your massage with soothing warmth.

The heat produced by the rays, along with the vibration, will stimulate your blood circulation on the muscles where it is applied.

These foot massagers are ideal for your foot and calf massages.

Water Foot Massagers

This massager uses water, light, vibrations, bubbles and heat to massage the feet. They can give your feet a spa environment too.

Hand-held Massagers

These are smaller massagers, which can be manual or electrical. With this massager, you can control the intensity and the part of the feet that you want to massage.

Aside from the feet, they are suitable for relieving stiff muscles, and since they are small, you can carry them with you while travelling.

Pad

Foot massage pads are designed to use oscillating technology, to stimulate circulation on the feet and legs by targeting pressure points and are intended to be in an angle that gives you maximum comfort.

Some of them have multiple speed setting, a different mode of massage and some with additional therapies such as infrared or heat

Features You Should Consider Before Buying a Foot Massager

Foot massagers can come with different shapes, features and techniques for massaging your feet so you can choose the best one that suits your health conditions and the needs.

Characteristic features of a foot massager you should consider before buying are:

• Electric or Self-Massaging

Usually, the self-massaging function allows you to rest and relax your foot while being massaged. In some cases, the massager even can help to improve blood circulation in your feet through light exercise and motion.

• Heating

A massager with this feature produces heat while massaging your feet. This warm sensation feels great and helps to relax your feet.

The heat helps to dilate your blood vessels and increase the circulating blood and other required nutrients to your feet.

It also reduces painful sensations in legs and feet and helps in muscle recovery.

• Oscillation

This feature uses vibration to apply pressure on your pressure points and offer you lasting relief from pain.

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• Kneading

Messages with kneading feature use the heads of the foot massager to turn in a clockwise and anti-clockwise direction to performing a kneading technique on your feet.

This is very effective, especially if you are having circulation problems. It can help to stimulate the nerves on your feet to improve blood circulation in the feet.

• Applied/ Air Pressure

Different pressure settings help to reduce pain and also improve blood circulation in the feet.

Pressure targets pressure points on the feet to reduce pain and makes you get the much-needed relaxation.

• Shiatsu Massage

This feature emulates the Japanese massage technique by applying pressure on different parts of your feet in a kneading function, similar to what you may get from a professional masseuse.

• Position Design

Some foot massagers may massage the entire foot, the sole of the feet, or the calf depending on the benefit you want to derive from the massage.

Each model of foot massager allows for different positioning of the body while using the massager. Some may allow you to tilt them while using them too.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Foot Massager

If you are diabetic, it means that you could experience many foot problems and you are in a ‘high-risk’ category for neuropathy. This is why you need to keep your feet healthy.

So, you need professional help you get a good foot massager for your feet. The right foot massager should help you to alleviate foot pain and improve blood circulation.

You can get an effective foot massager, which you can use at home instead of visiting a therapist every now and then and spending money. To improve blood circulation if you are diabetic, it is essential to have a proper foot massage.

Here are some of the things to consider when buying a foot massager for diabetes.

i. Quality and durability

Go for a foot massager that is made from high-quality, durable materials, the massager should be firm and solidly built so that it withstand your weight and last for a long time.

It is also essential that the source of power for the foot massager can be battery or electric, so choose the one that suits you the most.

We prefer both rechargeable battery-powered and electric ones.

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ii. Warranty

Choose a foot massager that comes with a warranty, ideally with a 30-day money-back guarantee. This guarantees you of the quality and how long it can last.

iii. Easy to use

The features of the foot massager, such as the control options, speed, heat setting, and cushion surface should be operated with ease and not complicated.

iv. Weight and size

Choose the size that is comfortable for the feet, with an opening that can accommodate several feet sizes so if your feet size changes, you can still be able to use it.

It is more preferable for you to choose a portable massager so that you can be able to carry your massager anywhere.

v. Therapeutic values

Aside from providing you with the most needed relief and relaxing your nerves, foot massager should have therapeutic benefits too.

There are foot massagers that are good for soft tissues, for soothing dry feet or for nourishing the feet. That’s why it’s important to know well about your health conditions and go for the best foot massager that best suits your condition and individual needs.

6 Best Foot Massagers for Diabetics

1. Osito Foot Massager

Product Description

This is a premium foot massager, comes in a non-invasive design.

Osito foot massager is an FDA cleared class II medical device that uses Electrical Muscles stimulation (EMS), Electronic Pulse Therapy (EPT) and Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve stimulator (TENS) technologies to:

• enhance circulation,
• alleviate pain,
• strengthen muscles,
• reduce muscle tension,
• swelling, and
• aching of the legs.

This massager has 99 different intensity levels and 25 massage modes to help get rid of tiredness and boost your energy.

Tip: Here’s the complete Review on OSITO Foot Massager.

Osito foot massager also comes with 4 electrode pads and two 72-inch long connection wires connected to the side of the machine for TENS stimulation.

It is designed with a big colourful LCD screen so that you can see the reading easily, and a handle for easy transportation.

This massager is set to automatically last for 25minutes per session to prevent overuse.

Pros

• It is portable with handle for easy carriage
• It is not noisy
• Comes with a 1-year warranty

Cons

The only way to know that the massager is working is by looking at the LCD screen

Tip: Here’s the complete Review on OSITO Foot Massager.

2. Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager Review

Product Description

This patented ‘Figure-Eight Technology device enhances circulation, delivers quick relief for sore feet, and rejuvenated muscles after long a long day. This product produce great benefits to people who have

• Sore feet, ankles, and heels
• Fibromyalgia
• Circulatory problems, like those with diabetes and varicose veins
• Stress
• In need of pain relief after a surgery

This powerful massager uses 4 Auto-Massage Wellness Programs; Shiatsu 1, Shiatsu 2, Relax and Refresh CirQlation Technology.

The CirQlation Technology developed by Human Touch integrates with their proprietary mechanics to drive its robotic actuators.

Tip: Here’s the complete Review on Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager.

The Reflex-2 give a smooth and effective massage similar to the one given to you by an expert or highly trained massage therapists. It is designed with powerful reflexology rollers to massage under the foot to massage the soles and heels.

The non-skid floor protectors help to keep the device in place, handle for easy carriage, and the adjustable tilt for perfect angle alignment and comfort.

The sleeve is removable and washable, simply unzip it and wash.

Pros

• The sleeve insert is removable and washable, so you don’t need to worry about it getting dirty
• It is quite and does not slide over the floor.

Cons

• It is bulky

Tip: Here’s the complete Review on Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager.

3. LX7 Max Air Compression (AirPress) Leg Massager

Product Description

The LX7 Max Air Compression Massager, also known as LX7 Max AirPress, manufactured by DS MAREF is one of the most powerful intermittent pneumatic air compression massage machines.

The LX7 Max air compressor massager uses two different modes; Mode A and Mode B.

Both modes are meant for the same purpose and intended to have the same effect, but you can choose any of the mode depending on what you need.

Mode A, also known as the ‘wave mode’, is more effective for massaging while mode B, also known as the ‘squeezing mode’, is effective for circulation. The mode B helps in circulating stagnant blood and lymph from the lower end of the body to the centre of the body and thereby removing toxins and harmful deposits from the body.

Tip: Here’s the complete Review on LX7 Max Sequential Air Compression Leg Massager.

It also improves abdominal breathing, stretches the limbs and to relieve nerve compression and tension. It is, therefore also suitable for bedridden patients.

AirPress Air Compression Massager uses different sleeves for the arms, waist, legs, and trunk, which can be combined and used at once and they come in different sizes; M, L, XL, XXL.

The package comes with 2 leg sleeves, 1 double hose, 2-foot pads, power code, device, and of course the user manual.

Pros

• It does not only massage your legs but can be used on other parts of your body
• You can decide to use multiple sleeves with one machine
• It is easy to use
• It is FDA approved and highly regarded internationally for it’s safety.
• LX7 Max Air Compression machine comes with 2 years warranty for the device and 1 year for the sleeves
• The operating time can be adjusted

Cons

• The device is not rechargeable, and one cannot use it without electricity.
• Is does not have a heat option.

Tip: Here’s the complete Review on LX7 Max Sequential Air Compression Leg Massager.

4. Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager

Product Description

Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager is a portable foot massager with a dimension of 17.0 X 16.0 X 9.0 Inches to fit up to a size 12, which is designed to give your tired feet the much-needed relief promoting blood circulation. It also reduces discomfort from diabetes neuropathy, chronic pain and muscle tension with deep kneading, shiatsu rolling, and heat options.

The 2 independent foot chambers integrate air compression and heat to deliver a Shiatsu massage to bottom & sides of your feet with a selectable heat function that supplies gentle warmth to the tired feet muscles.

Its air pressure is adjustable with 5 intensity settings designed to target pressure points to stimulate blood circulation and release endorphins.

The massager automatically shuts off after 15 minutes to prevent over massaging.

The rolling and vibration functions help to relieve pain and muscle tension.

It has a removable and washable foot liner. All you need to do is just to unzip the liner and wash.

Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager comes with a power adapter, 2 wireless remotes, welcome kit and an instruction manual.

Pros

• A washable foot liner, so you don’t need to worry about it getting dirty.
• Comes with an extra remote.
• Comes with a one-year warranty in case if you don’t like the product.

Cons

• This machine is not quiet.
• It does not fit a foot size bigger than a size 12.

5. Cloud Massage Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager

Product Description

This is a product of Cloud Massage and is an electric foot massager weighing 22 pounds with a dimension of 22×11×17.7 inches.

Cloud Massage Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager is suitable for deep kneading shiatsu massage at the most comfortable angle.

It foot area is 5 inches wide, 11 inches long and is open-toed with deflated air pressure cuffs.

Made to fit most foot sizes for both male and female.

This is a top-quality foot massager for diabetics with an easily adjustable bar that allows you to sit comfortably in a natural position during your foot, leg, calves, ankle or toes massage.

The massager can massage both your feet and calves but not at the same time. You can either place your calve or put your feet in the massager.

This shiatsu machine helps to reduce swelling in feet and legs. It also helps to soothe tired feet.

Multiple settings feature settings for rolling ball massagers, heat to stimulate blood flow and increases circulation, air compression massage and vibration for pain relief to your feet, calves, toes, ankles and legs.

This medical-grade massager comes complete with step by step instructions manual to ensure that you get the best massage.

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By massaging the bottom of your feet with heating and pressure, it can help you to reduce stress by making you feel more relax.

Pros

• Cloud Massage Foot and Calf Shiatsu Massager is well constructed to ensure that the pressure points in your feet are worked on to soothe tired feet and relieve tightness.

• It is comfortable with an adjustable bar.
• It comes with dual massage features with multiple setting
• Ergonomically designed to increase efficacy.
• 100% warranty. The product can be replaced, or you can get a full refund if you are not satisfied with your order.

Cons

• It is heavy and not portable

• It does not come with a remote
• It does not massage both the calves and the feet at the same time

 6. Speedy Foot Massager by MedMassager – 11 Speed Foot Massager

Product Description

This is a very powerful electric massager with 11-speed motor control from 1,000rpm to 3,700rpm for maximum comfort and control.

The device is manufactured by MedMassager.

This 11-pound massager with 16 ×12×9.5 inches dimension and is designed for both therapeutic and clinical use.

If you spend a lot of time standing on your feet or you always suffer from recurrent foot and leg pain
this massager is for you.

It offers you the best massager experience. Clinically, this foot massager is used to treat patients with pain as a result of diabetes and neuropathy and those with severe circulation problems.

This massager is perfect for relieving muscle tension, stimulating local circulation and reducing joint pain and swelling.

The massager is designed for efficiency and comfort with a footpad aimed at the best angle to make the user more comfortable while massaging.

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This Foot Massager is designed to meet the ISO 9000-2001 manufacturing facility standard with CSA certification for safety and reliability. Most importantly, it is also certified by the FDA for therapeutic use as a device to improve blood circulation and reduce pain in patients with diabetes and neuropathy.

Pros

• It has up to 11 variable speed
• Ergonomic shape with pressure point targeting surface
• Sturdy and well-constructed.
• With a full-sized oscillating footpad with arch-bar.

Cons

• It is heavy and bulky
• It does not have a heat option
• There is no auto timer
• It is noisy

Conclusion

Since diabetic patients are more venerable to foot problems like diabetic peripheral neuropathy, managing taking proper care of your feet is the best way to manage this condition. One of the ways to take care of your feet health, especially if you are diabetic, is to get a good foot manager.

Using foot massagers is a way to counter the symptoms associated with circulation issues or neuropathy, whether it’s peripheral or diabetic.

Generally speaking, foot massagers stimulate the nerves to alleviate nerve pain, reduce aches and pains, ease numbness and tightness, and promote circulation. Massaging the feet regularly can ease muscle soreness by strengthening the ankles and feet and can prevent injuries.

The above massagers are out top picks of the year.

Before you rush to get a foot massager, it’s always a good idea to consult your doctor to confirm if a foot massager will be a good therapeutic option for you or not.

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