Foot massagers have been around for decades. There aren't many people out there who have the time and money to dedicate to regularly visiting a masseuse to reap the benefits of regular foot massages. Luckily, these devices are available and easy to use in the comfort of your home! But with so many options out there, how do you really know which one is the right one for you? Better yet, how do you know which foot massage devices are podiatrist-approved? We're here to clear the air and, hopefully, save you a few bucks in your search for relief of chronic heel pain, plantar fasciitis, and other foot conditions

What Are The Benefits Of A Foot Massager?Product image of a foot massager via amazon

If you suffer from heel pain, you're probably willing to do just about anything to find relief. Even if you just spend a lot of time on standing or walking and sometimes end up with sore feet at the end of a long day, you could still benefit from regular foot massages. In terms of foot pain, foot massagers can help in a variety of ways including, but not limited to, the following:

  • Increased blood flow to the feet
  • Stretching of the plantar fascia
  • Decreased inflammation
  • Relief from symptoms of neuropathy

Additionally, there is a great deal of research-based evidence in favor of the benefits of reflexology. Reflexology refers to triggering different pressure-points located in the soles of the feet to alleviate stress to various areas of the body. Experts believe that applying pressure to certain points of the feet can have drastic effects on the body. For example, the bottoms of the toes may be linked to alleviating stress on the sinuses. The heels and inside of the foot may be linked to the sciatic nerve, the ball of the foot to the liver, and the base of the toes to the eyes and ears. 

This may seem like hippie-dippy science to some, but it is researched backed and thousands of people swear by reflexology to help alleviate negative symptoms in other parts of their bodies. Using a foot massager can help to activate these benefits. Why not give it a try? At the very least, you'll get a great massage in the process.

What Is The Best Foot Massager?

There are thousands of options when it comes to electric foot massagers. Some offer theraputic relief for plantar fasciitis, others boast shiatsu massages in the comfort of your home. While convenient, it is important to note that these products come with a hefty price tag. 

We're the foot and ankle experts, and we are always up to date on emerging products claiming to cure heel pain. Here are a few things to look out for when searching for a new at-home foot massager:

  • Adjustable intensity
  • Footholds that are big enough to accomodate your specific foot size
  • Deep kneading movements
  • Detatchable and washable foot covers
  • Heat optional
  • Cold therapy
  • Compression

Your options are aplenty, that's for sure. While browsing those options, be sure to keep these podiatrist recomendations in mind to make sure you get the most out of your foot massager.

theraband foot roller in the boxWow! Those Are Expensive. What If I'm On A Budget?

Looking for relief of your heel pain without spending hundreds? We've got you covered. Our office offers the Theraband Foot Roller, a simple podiatrist-approved massager that actually works. It's compact, storable, freezable, and affordable. Let's talk about it.

The device is made of a special silicone-like material which can be put in the freezer! After a few hours, the Theraband Foot Roller transforms into a 2-in-1 tool to stretch out the plantar fascia and relieve the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation and tightening of the thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot. This tightness can lead to tiny tears forming on the tissue, and you don't have to be a podiatrist to know that that can't be comfortable. The foot roller solves both of these issues:

  1. "Rolling out" your plantar fascia helps to stretch the tissue and alleviate that tight, uncomfortable feeling
  2. Sticking this device in the freezer and using it cold has the same effect as icing the foot. That is, reduced inflammation. 

It's tough to find both of these qualities in a traditional electric foot massager. 

What Else Helps Solve Heel Pain?Freeland Foot and Ankle Clinic Heel Pain Kit

We have formulated a kit specifically to treat your heel pain. The kit includes several items to aid you in your journey to a pain-free life, and the total cost of the kit is less than most expensive massagers available out there. 

Freeland Foot and Ankle Clinic's Heel Pain Relief Kit is valued at over $100, but costs you only $60. Here's what you'll get:

  • Theraband Foot Roller
  • Dr. Dailey's Stretching Band (which is created and manufactured in-house!)
  • Full size Biofreeze Professional Pain Relief Gel - your choice of a tube or roll-on
  • One Kinesiology Taping Session - a gift certificate to be redeemed within 30 days of purchase
  • Reusable FFAC canvas bag to store all your pain-relief goodies

The Heel Pain Relief Kit is available for purchase right in our office, whether or not you're a patient! Need it shipped? Ask us about shipping rates for the kit.

When A Foot Massage Doesn't Cut It

As much as we wish a foot massager could solve your heel pain problem, that's unfortunately not always the case. If you have persistent heel pain, it may be time to talk to a professional. Lucky for you, we make this as easy as can be. We won't make you wait months for an appointment, and our friendly staff will answer any questions you may have. If you can't wait, same-day appointments for instant relief are always available.We'll get you back on your feet with no surgery, no needles, and no downtime. Why wait another day? Contact us today by phone or by filling out our online contact form to see why we are Mid-Michigan's #1 Rated Podiatrist.

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