Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of foot and heel related pain. The National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) says it commonly affects individuals aged between 45 and 64 more than any other age groups. It is more common in females than in males.
Plantar fasciitis pain is generally getting worse in the morning or as a result of being off your foot for longer. You may have plantar fasciitis if your heels and arches of your foot hurt when you walk on, especially if you are noticing that the pain is more first thing in the morning.
Although the pain may go on its own. In most cases, ignoring the pain may not help it, but may get worst, and the pain may become ‘chronic’.
One of the best options for relieving plantar fasciitis pain is by giving your foot a good massage. Not only does massage feel great, but also a great way to relieve heel pain, calf pain and back of the leg pain as a result of plantar fasciitis and to increase blood circulation to the foot.
Although massage is not a permanent treatment option, it gives a quick and more effective pain relief than only resting your foot.
Massaging the sole of your foot to get relief from plantar fasciitis is easy and convenient because you can even use your hand or a massage ball to do the massaging or see a massage therapist, but if you can get a foot massager, that is better!
Foot massagers are relaxing, they help promote better circulation, and relieve chronic muscle and nerve pain, help with foot ailments like plantar fasciitis and edema.
After a long day, if your foot is sore and tired, what you need is a right foot massager to give you a little relieve and relax your foot.
In this post, we’ll review 7 of the best foot massagers for relieving plantar fasciitis.
Before going into foot massaging for plantar fasciitis, let’s cover some background about plantar fasciitis to understand what it really means.
Tip: Here are the Best Foot Massager for Diabetes of the year.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar Fasciitis is a common condition that affects the plantar fascia causing it to be inflamed.
The plantar fascia is the ligament that runs the entire length of the sole of the foot connecting your heel bone to your toes. It supports the arch of your foot by acting as a shock absorber.
Plantar fasciitis also is known as plantar heel pain syndrome (PHPS) can affect one or both foot at the same time, it can result in pain and in severe case swelling of the heel too.
When you put your plantar fascia under constant strain or stress, the plantar fascia is likely to tear or become inflamed and painful. This is an indication of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis causes pain at the bottoms of your foot, especially on the heels and arches.
Usually, doctors diagnose plantar fasciitis without any X-ray or other imaging but base on the location of pain or inflammation.
Plantar Fasciitis Causes and Risk Factors
Planter fasciitis can be caused by any physical activities or conditions that cause a repetitive strain to your foot or plantar fascia.
You are at ‘high-risk’ for Planter fasciitis, if you experience any of the below circumstances.
· Physical Activities and Your Lifestyle
Workers who spend long hours a day on their foot, athletes, tennis players and dancers are at a higher risk for plantar fasciitis because their activities put a repetitive strain on their plantar fascia.
· Obesity, Weight Gain, or Pregnancy
Sudden weight gain and pregnancy, especially the third trimester can put a lot of strain on your plantar fascia and can cause plantar fasciitis.
Because of the weight and pressure, it puts on the plantar fascia, obesity is a risk factor, especially if you wear shoes that don’t have good arch support.
· Foot Mechanics
Having high arches or not have arches at all can affect the way you walk, which can easily put a strain on your foot and the fascia.
Non-balanced foot mechanics during walking and running can also result from misalignment in your legs (and body posture), leading to plantar fascia strain that with time only gets worse with ignorance.
Know the key about plantar fasciitis, let’s now explore how massaging can help to relieve your plantar fasciitis symptoms.
The Benefits of Massage for Plantar Fasciitis
Massage therapy can be used to relieve all kinds of aches and pains temporarily, and heel pain as a result of plantar fasciitis is not an exception.
Aside from eliminating tension and relaxes you, massaging your heel, arch, and calves, can help to relieve plantar fasciitis multiple ways.
Here are the ways massage can benefit you.
- Massaging stimulate blood flow to your foot.
- Promoting circulation in the injured parts of the plantar fascia which will result in the tissue getting more oxygen and nutrients.
- It encourages lymph fluid circulation which removes metabolic waste and breaks down adhesions and scarring.
- Massaging your foot temporarily diminishing the pain signals from nerve endings by releasing pain-killing hormones such as endorphins and increases serotonin and dopamine levels and these hormones to help the body heal, manage pain and bring relief.
- Stretches and loosens tight muscles and tendons that contribute to plantar fasciitis.
- It increases flexibility and reduces muscle stiffness and swelling due to fluid build-up.
- Help with edema by removing excess fluid pooling in your legs and ease discomfort.
- Relieve stress.
Tip: To stimulate blood circulation from your foot to upper leg, try AccuRelief™ Ultimate Foot Circulator.
The Most Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis
The most common symptoms that indicate you have plantar fasciitis are
- Pain and stiffness in the bottom of the heel. The pain may be dull or sharp. Also, the bottom of the foot may ache, or you may have a burning sensation.
- The pain is often worse in the following situations:
ü When you take your first steps in the morning
ü As a result of standing or sitting longer
ü When you climb stairs
ü Following any intense physical activities or exercises
ü During walking, running, and any activity or sport involves jumping
- The pain may develop slowly over time, or if not, could appear suddenly after intense activity.
- You may also have mild foot swelling, redness, or signs of inflammation.
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When Should People with Plantar Fasciitis Not Use a Foot Massager?
Although foot massage helps to loosen the muscle tissues, increase the blood circulation and oxygenation that was affected by plantar fasciitis, massaging is not recommended, if you experience any of the following in addition to the pain.
- If you have any open wounds on the plantar fascia or surrounding areas.
- If you recently had a calf or foot surgery, including surgery for plantar fasciitis.
- If you have bone conditions like osteoporosis, also avoid the use of a foot massager.
- If you have a history of blood clots (e.g. excessive clotting disorders) avoid the use of a foot massager because these blood clots can be displaced and may get to areas where they can cause bigger problems.
Tip: Need a bit of help to get into and out of your bath/shower? Carousel Sliding Transfer Bench with Swivel Seat is one of the key Mobility Aids our patients use.
When Should People with Plantar Fasciitis Use a Foot Massager?
The best way to avoid planter fasciitis is by stretching the lower legs, calves, ankles, and foot regularly. But, once you have plantar fasciitis, the first thing to do is to avoid or minimize those activities that cause the pain and do not ignore the pain because the longer you ignore the pain, the longer it will take to heal.
You can do any of these short term solutions for planter fasciitis at the early stage of the disease.
- Any safe exercise options that can help you to recover from plantar fasciitis such as swimming, rowing, hand cycling, weight lifting or Pilates.
- Use footwear that gives you more support.
- Use insert orthotics to provide arch support.
- Over-the-counter (OTC) or prescription pain relief drugs like Ibuprofen for quick relief of pain and inflammation. And, if that doesn’t work, steroid injections may relieve the pain and reduce the inflammation.
However, if none of these work, you can try using a foot massager to massage the calf and Achilles heel, which is a long term solution to treating the pain.
Let’s dig now into foot massager features which can make a difference as you massage for plantar fasciitis pain.
Features of a Foot Massager You Should Consider Before Buying a Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
Before investing a hundred dollars or more on a foot massager, there are some factors about massager features you need to consider.
Let’s discover them one by one.
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A ‘go-ahead’ approval from your doctor
Sometimes physical massage/treatments may not be the best course of treatment for a tired and sore foot. This is because sometimes you may need to first take some Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) if the pain is as a result of inflammation to bring down the swelling and ease soreness.
Applying pressure from a foot massager directly on inflamed muscles may worsen the condition.
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Physical conditions of the foot
What are your foot and calves sizes? Are they too big? And accordingly, you need to check the massager you are going for if it will be able to accommodate your foot size.
And if you have high arches, check if massager comes with varied roller sizes that can reach the highest point of your arches.
If your foot ticklish or sensitive to heat and pressure, go for a massager with customizable settings for pressure strength and temperature.
Tip: Are you prone to leg ulcer and wounds? Rooke® Vascular Boots can help you prevent leg ulcers, and protect wounds and injuries in your foot.
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Portability
This is important. You need to know the weight of the massager.
Is it portable? Can you carry it around, especially when you travel?
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And how much storage space will it take up?
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Features of the massager
All massagers meant to relieve pain to a degree, but how the various brands and models deliver the relief differs.
Some have features that make them easier to be washed or clean, which is crucial if you are sharing the device to avoid contracting or spreading infections, such as plantar warts etc.
The massager’s massage effect should be comfortable. You need to know the materials use for the massager. A good and comfortable massager should have cushioned surfaces made of foam, malleable plastic or gel to ensure that you do not feel any pain or discomfort but rather be relaxed during the massage session.
The most important features to check is the vibration, heat, and pressure and level of intensity because the are the major treatments for the sore, tired, and painful foot.
You need to know if the automatic settings and adjustable intensity modes will give you the right vibration, heat and pressure combination you need to relax and to relieve your foot pain.
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Power compatibility
You need to consider how much electricity the device will consume and if you are prepared to add that much to your electric bill.
Also, check if the voltage is compatible with your power outlets or if need a transformer or converter to use with it.
If you buy the product from overseas, check if the plug point type is compatible with your country.
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Motor performance and noise
Most messages with powerful motors make loud noises. You may not be able to relax if the massager is too noisy. So you need to check how loud the motor is and if you can tolerate it.
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Budget considerations
How much is the massager? Is it budget-friendly? To know if you are willing to spend that much to get your own personal massager.
Knowing much more about all the positive effects of massaging can bring to your life, now its time to explore the best massagers we found in the market ideal for treating plantar fasciitis-related leg pain.
7 Best Foot Massagers for Plantar Fasciitis
1. Osito Foot Massager
The OSITO Foot massager is FDA cleared class ii medical foot circulation device that uses the electrical muscle stimulation and transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (EMS/TENS) to promote circulation, ease muscle tension and pain.
The OSITO foot massager is clinically proven to be effective in promoting circulation by sending gentle electrical impulses from the foot pads to the soles of the foot which cause the lower leg muscles to contract and expand, forcing the blood flow from the leg to the heart.
Stimulating the muscle consistently every day aids in opening the blockages in the arteries and veins and improving blood circulation to the legs. The increase in circulation means more nutrients and oxygen will reach the leg muscles, which in turn makes the legs healthy, supple and pain-free.
This massager is also effective for relieving sore and aching muscles, improving muscle strength and tone.
OSITO Foot massager is designed With 25 different massage modes & 99 intensity levels, so you can control the strength of the massage. Comes with 4 body pads use for TENS therapy which stimulates the nerves and block pain signals to the brain, providing drug-free pain relief, relax stiff muscles, ease body fatigue and improve the performance of the muscle.
The footpad is designed at the most favorable angle for comfort while massaging.
This Foot Massager is set to automatically switch off after 25 minutes.
Pros of OSITO Foot massager
It is easy to use.
The 25 minutes automatically shut off allows you to have total peace of mind if you doze off or leave the massager without switching the off button.
Cons of OSITO Foot massager
Looking at the LCD screen is the only way to know that the massager is working.
Tip: Interested about the OSITO foot massager? Here’s our complete OSITO Foot Massager Review.
2. Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager
This device is a powerful and effective massager that gives you a massage as good as the one provided by a trained massage therapist.
Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager uses the Patented Figure-Eight Technology to improve circulation by circulating the blood from the foot towards the body core, which allows fresh nutrients to re-enter the calves and foot resulting in faster healing, relieve and comfort.
This massager revitalizes the muscles and relieves sore foot after a long day.
This device is also good for people who experience the following conditions quiet regularly.
• Fibromyalgia
• Planter fasciitis
• Sore Feet, Ankles, and Heels
• Circulatory problems,
• Stress
• Any back or leg pain require pain reliever
This massager features 4 Auto-Massage Wellness Programs:
Shiatsu 1,
Shiatsu 2,
Relax, and
Refresh modes.
The human touch developed CirQlation Technology that incorporates proprietary mechanics to drive its robotic actuators.
This device also comes with powerful under the foot reflexology rollers to massage the soles and heels.
It is designed with non-skid floor protectors, which helps to keep the device in place, while the handles on either side are for easy transport.
The adjustable tilt provides a perfect angle alignment and comfort with any chair or a sofa of your choice.
The sleeve insert is removable and washable, simply unzip it and wash.
Pros of Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager
• The sleeve insert is removable and washable
• It is quiet
• it none skid protector to prevent the device from sliding over the floor.
Cons of Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager
• It is bulky
• It doesn’t have a remote
• It is not for bigger foot
Tip: Interested about the Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager? Here’s our complete Human Touch Foot and Calf Massager Review.
3. FIT KING Air Compression Massager
This air compression leg and foot massager is good for any leg pain in general. It is suitable for massaging the foot and calves to;
· relax the muscles,
· improve circulation,
· relieve fatigue, and
· ease the pain.
The 2×2 airbag massages the foot and calves by pressing the foot and calf muscle from lower to the upper region to alleviate fatigue and improve the blood circulation.
FIT KING Air Compression Massager is a great product to relief:
· restless leg syndrome,
· planter fasciitis,
· varicose veins,
· leg edema or swelling on leg and foot.
Tip: This is similar to Air Relax Leg Compression Boots.
It is made of high-quality fabric, hoses and well-designed handheld controller for controlling the massager.
This massager features 2 auto modes with 10 different professional massage techniques to give you an awesome massage experience and 3 Intensities, that are selectable with the use of the controller from light to strong massage.
FIT KING Air Compression Massager is powered by DC12V/1A adapter (UL Plug).
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What’s in the FIT KING Air Compression Massager box?
A Package of this air massager contains the following.
- 2 Massage Cuffs
- 2 Extensions
- 1 Handheld Controller
- 1 Adapter(UL Plug)
- 1 User Manual
- 1 Mesh Storage Bag
The user manual is in 5 different languages.
The wrap size is adjustable and can be extended up to 28.5 inches when used together with the extension, and for big foot size, one can easily cut the sewing lines at the top of toes position.
The massage function is set to automatically shut off after 20 minutes and comes with a 24-month warranty.
Pros of FIT KING Air Compression Massager
- 20 Minutes automatically shut-off functions, so you don’t need to worry if you fall asleep during the massage.
- Use high quality and friendly materials, safe and grade.
- It is portable and comes with a free storage mesh bag.
- Detailed user manual in 5 languages.
- A handheld controller helps to effortlessly control the massage while you read, work, or chill out to Netflix.
- The leg wraps with Extensions can be easily adjusted to change the size and intensity for different people to use.
- 24-Month Warranty.
Cons of FIT KING Air Compression Massager
- Even with the extension, it doesn’t really fit a big foot and calves size well.
- It is loud.
- The cord is too long.
- Doesn’t really massage but presses the foot and calves.
4. Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
If you are looking for a great massager to improve blood circulation to your foot, ease pains and muscles aches, then this is the right massager for you.
Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager is great for anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis and other foot problems.
It features a deep kneading, adjustable air pressure and heat functions with an ultimate design set explicitly to target pressure points and to improve blood circulation.
It has 5 knobs for kneading your arches and heels, and a roller for the balls of your foot and your toes.
You can choose between 5 levels of intensity.
The Independent foot chambers give your foot a shiatsu massage easing your pain and relaxing your foot.
The selectable heat and air pressure function targets the pressure points, helps to soothe the foot, ankles and toes, enhance blood flow and keeping your foot relaxed and rejuvenate.
To change the setting, you don’t have to reach down to the device because it comes with remote control and an extra remote in case you lose one.
The removable, washable foot liner is also handy to keep the unit clean and fresh.
What’s in the Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager box?
The box comes with
- Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
- Power adapter
- 2 wireless remotes
- Welcome Kit
- The instruction manual
Pros of Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
- 1-year warranty
- It is Lightweight
- Works on all parts of your foot
- The foot liner can be washed
Cons of Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
- It doesn’t have a vibrator function
- If the device doesn’t fit you, it will not be able to target all trigger points on the heel
- If you have large foot, this massager may not be for you. The foot chambers are small for bigger foot.
5. Miko Deep Kneading 360 Foot Massager
This foot, calf, leg, ankle, and heel massager features
- 5 air pressure settings,
- gentle heating pads,
- precision acupressure nodes and a rotating support bar to massage your foot at an ultimate angle.
Miko Deep Kneading 360 Foot Massager gives you a complete Shiatsu massage that relieves your entire body of stress. It delivers gentle, even heat to relax muscles and improve circulation.
It is great for the treatment and relief of aches from the following conditions.
- Plantar fasciitis,
- diabetes neuropathy,
- poor circulation,
- chronic pain and
- muscle tension.
It gives you a great massage experience at the comfort of your home.
Tip: Here are the Best Foot Massager for Diabetes of the year.
What’s in the Miko Deep Kneading 360 Foot Massager box?
The massager is designed with a rotatable carrying handle and a comfortable, washable, nylon Foot Liners of
high quality and it comes with a magnetic wireless remote for changing the settings, and since it is magnetic, you will not easily misplace it.
You can Calibrate this massager to your ideal heat, pressure, and vibration settings and also adjust the angle and the carrying handle and move your foot around the machine at will during the massage.
This electric foot massager is designed with 4 air pressure pads, 5 adjustable pressure settings, 3 massage modes, vibration, deep-kneading function, & strong heat to give you a spa-grade massage at home.
Pros of Miko Deep Kneading 360 Foot Massager
- You can personalize your message to various settings.
- Washable nylon foot pads,
- Full refund or replacement if you are not satisfied with the product.
- Handle for easy carriage
Cons of Miko Deep Kneading 360 Foot Massager
- The massager is not quiet.
6. LAWEI Foot Massager
This is foot massager works great for people with plantar fasciitis.
With advanced EMS and TENS of High-Tech technology, it plays the following roles.
- Soothe one’s foot and give a relaxing feeling,
- Improve blood circulation,
- Relax stiff muscles,
- Reduce swollen foot and fatigue.
With almost 7 phases of infrared action, this comfortable heating function Shiatsu foot massager helps to improve blood circulation, increase metabolism and promote activities of the tissue cells.
This heated electric foot massager built based on traditional reflexology and acupuncture theories to encourage blood circulation, lymphatic drainage, and metabolism.
It also helps to improve your sleep, calm your aching foot, relieves stress and fatigue.
Tip: Amino Acids can help with stress and low mood too.
This EMS (Electric Muscle Stimulation) foot massager is like none other. It is not an ordinary kneading, shiatsu, vibrating foot massager, but it also helps in drug-free pain treatment.
LAWEI Foot Massager comes with 4 Electronic Muscle Stimulator (EMS) electrode pads to help relax other parts of your body, like your neck, arm, shoulder, wrist, leg, etc.
This device has 50 different treatment option./ programs (25 modes for foot, 25 modes for the body), each one with a slightly different treatment pattern and levels of intensities ranging from 0 to 99.
LAWEI Foot Massager is also automatically set to last for 25 minutes.
Pros of LAWEI Foot Massager
- It is quiet and comfortable.
- Easy push-buttons and easy to use toe-touch control
- Overheating protection system
Cons of LAWEI Foot Massager
- It doesn’t have a vibrating option
7. MedMassager Variable Speed Foot & Body Massager Combo
This FDA certified massager for home, and therapeutic use is a full-sized oscillating footpad with an arch-bar and a pressure point targeting surface by MedMassager that aids in promoting circulation in the legs and foot.
MeMassager Variable Speed Foot & Body Massager Combo ergonomically designed and finished in brilliant chrome and durable coat.
The footpad is extra soft and covered in leather grained vinyl, and it is designed to be at an ideal angle to give the utmost comfort and to target pressure points the pad
This massager comes with 11-speed settings that range from 400 to 4000 rpm, which makes this massager one of the most powerful massagers.
The massager uses vibration to promote blood circulation and relieve pain. This massager is good for easing muscle tension, leg and foot pain, joint pain and swelling and for encouraging circulation. It can be used on the back, neck, foot legs, hands and arms.
MeMassager Variable Speed Foot Massager is built with ISO 9000-2001 manufacturing facility standards and is certified by CSA for safety and reliability.
Pros of MeMassager Variable Speed Foot & Body Massager
- It comes with a 12 months full replacement warranty against defects and failure
- It is lightweight
Cons of MeMassager Variable Speed Foot & Body Massager
- It does not have a heat option like other massagers.
- It is noisy
- It is expensive
- It is bulky
Conclusion
Aside from being very painful, plantar fasciitis can become chronic if left untreated and at the same time, Plantar fasciitis can also go away on its own, but you’ll need to tackle the leading causes of the plantar fasciitis to hasten the healing process.
There are several treatment options for plantar fasciitis pain and most of them a short term. One of the long term treatment for plantar fasciitis pain is massaging the foot.
Foot messaging is a simple, natural and non-invasive way to treat plantar fasciitis, it will give you instant relief from plantar fasciitis pain after a long day on your foot without any negative effects like those associated with most pain-relieving drugs.
To use massage therapy for planter fasciitis, you need to get yourself a massager instead of booking an appointment and seeing a train massager regularly, where possible.
There are different types of massagers in the market designed to help with plantar fasciitis pain. You can make a choice one of the best listed above, and it will save you time and money, and you can do the massage yourself anytime you want and at the comfort of your home or office.
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