It’s very common to ask a loved one to massage your aching feet at the end of a long, hard day. It may be common but that doesn’t make it fair you know. What I mean to say is that why put someone else through that trouble when you can just as easily get the best foot massager for plantar fasciitis? That’s my point!
What high-quality, highly functional foot massagers do is promote healthy blood circulation. And in the case of foot ailments like plantar fasciitis, they relieve nerve and chronic pain as well.
Simply put, even if your feet are just sore and tired after a physically demanding workout or a busy day where you had to be on your feet all day long. Even if that’s the case, the foot massagers I’ve reviewed below are destined to help you relax and unwind.
Top Foot Massagers for Plantar Fasciitis
Top Choice – Miko Shiatsu Foot Massager
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You know a foot massaging machine is not anything short of just perfect when it offers heat functions, shiatsu rolling, and deep kneading. The shiatsu massage feels like a blissful experience with two separate foot chambers. And with five different settings for air pressure.
You get two wireless remotes with this thing too. Miko here alleviates all the discomfort often associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis, diabetes, neuropathy, muscle tension, chronic pain, and other such.
The design is futuristic, and not clunky and space-consuming. Even in terms of hygiene, Miko has lived up to expectations by including washable foot liners. You simply unzip those liners and put them for a wash.
But nothing or no other model beats the soothing reflexology and deep kneading nodes of this top choice. They target all your pressure points to welcome relief from plantar fasciitis.
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Runner-Up Choice – Nekteck Foot Massager
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You’ll soon understand why this Nekteck creation is one of Amazon’s top choices. The foot massager is built with six different massaging heads. And if that wasn’t enough, the versatile machine offers as many as 18 rotating massage nodes as well. These regulate blood flow and relax your muscles.
The heating function is the most effective when it comes to relieving pain. This is good news in the case of foot pain accompanied by plantar fasciitis. What makes the massage sessions more comfortable is the adjustable height. There are three different levels for that.
Even the operation is easy. Just touch the massager with your toe to set the mode of your choice. You can even turn off the machine by using your toes. Moreover, there’s storage space for the cord and a carry handle to make portability also a convenient undertaking.
Not only does this product work but it’s also a very effective form of treatment in the case of neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, etc.
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Best for Budget – TheraFlow Dual Foot Massager
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This affordable combination of traditional craftsmanship and modern foot physiology is hard to stumble upon with any other model. No doubt, the dual foot massager relieves the symptoms of plantar fasciitis and soothes tired feet. All thanks to the intricate design of the product.
The design consists of acupressure nubs, elevation, arch, and spacing. These little details have been configured very carefully for all types of feet. Generic rollers simply don’t stand a chance against them.
The weight is less than two pounds, thus it’s portable to carry to work, for travel, etc. The thing is very easy and comfortable to use. Soothing nerve endings in the case of plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, heel spurs, or even sore/tired feet is magically possible here.
You’re bound to feel overall relaxation throughout your body. It’s certainly a more affordable way of unwinding in comparison to expensive and time-consuming salon visits.
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Best Manual Foot Roller – Simple Spectra Foot Massage Roller
Who says that a manual foot massager is no good when it comes to relieving muscle tension and encouraging faster recovery by boosting blood circulation? Someone who hasn’t tried Simple Spectra brand.
This is a 3-piece foot massager that offers stimulation in the form of a customized experience. There’s the dense EVA foam rubber material roller with thick, durable PVC piping on the inside. On the outside, there are the reflexology dots spread across the roller.
It’s compact and lightweight, as you can see. But also large enough to fit all sizes of feet. You can target your foot as well as your calves and hamstrings with this thing. Along with the hard foam foot roller, you also get a firm spiky ball and a soft spiky ball.
The best part is that you can carry the whole self-massaging toolset wherever you go. That means instant foot pain relief is something that is possible no matter where you are.
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Best Shiatsu Foot Massager – uComfy Shiatsu Foot Massager
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If you go through any this best foot massager list, you’ll see that most of them have mentioned uComfy. That’s because it’s the best foot massager for diabetics and arthritis sufferers.
Shiatsu massage, after all, improves circulation, relieves arthritic pain, reduces aches and tension, and eliminates fatigue. So it’s only logical for a high-quality shiatsu foot massager like this to be such a popular choice.
It comes with five different massage intensity modes, which you can change even during a session. Just use the center console controls for that. Then there are two massage styles. The first is kneading shiatsu-style and the second is vibration-style. A heat function is also included.
Expect the most soothing and calming acupressure massage with compression and heat. This acupressure massage manipulates your pressure points to eliminate pain, tenderness, stress, etc.
On top of that, the removable foot covers can be machine-washed. Speaking of convenience, the massager is small enough for easy storage and portability.
To sum it up, it feels like a blessing in disguise for conditions like diabetes, arthritis, plantar fasciitis, neuropathy, and more. Even those who have fibromyalgia can welcome soothing relief into their lives by placing their aching feet into this thing.
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Best Electric Foot Massager – MedMassager MMF06 11 Speed Foot Massager
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The best thing this foot massager offers to its users is the 11-speed motor control. You can select anywhere from 1,000 revolutions-per-minute to 3,700 revolutions-per-minute. That means not only maximum control but also maximum comfort.
It’s designed for clinical and therapeutic use. For the former, it boosts blood circulation and pain often associated with conditions like neuropathy, diabetes, plantar fasciitis, etc. Many therapists also use this electric foot massager for alleviating swelling and pain and easing muscle tension.
The design is ergonomic with a footpad that’s structured at an optimal angle to make the experience comfortable for you. Not just that, another very impressive quality here is that the foot massager is CSA-certified, thus reliable and safe to use.
The full-sized footpad oscillates and features an arch bar and a surface that targets your pressure points. So feel free to use it on a daily basis to provide your feet with more mobility.
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Plantar Fasciitis – Diagnosis & Symptoms
Plantar Fasciitis
It is the inflammation of your plantar fascia tissue located in the underfoot between the tip of your heel and right into each of your toes. In simple words, it’s the ligament along the entire foot.
More often than not, a damaged or injured plantar fascia is the most common cause of foot pain. And the pain first occurs after a long period of rest such as when you wake up after sleeping. Likewise, standing up after sitting for too long is also another indicator of plantar fasciitis.
As for the causes, they include being on your feet all day long and certain types of exercise that place tons of stress on your heel or the plantar fascia tissue. Along with high arches, flat feet, abnormal walking patterns, aging, and obesity.
Why You Should Buy A Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis?
It’s only common sense and also science-backed information that your feet should always be stress-free and relaxed. Because if it is not, heel and arch pain is inevitable. So are problems like muscle tension, poor blood circulation, stiffness, soreness, and ultimately foot injuries.
You should know that foot ailments like plantar fasciitis are not very serious conditions. Not unless you take the necessary steps to treat and prevent it. Such as regular physiotherapy, stretching, and massages.
In this article, I’m more concerned with massages, right? The benefits of a foot massage include improving blood circulation, alleviating pain and swelling, relieving muscle tension, promoting relaxation, and some more.
So it’s only natural that a foot massage administered by a good foot massager is the best for relieving the foot pain and symptoms associated with not only plantar fasciitis. But also arthritis, diabetes, fibromyalgia, and the like.
How to Choose the Best Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
Finding a great option is easier said than done. So here’s everything you should be looking for
1. Design
This one’s actually a very important factor you should be taking into account. The first option is an open design. It’s portable, lightweight, stable, and silent. You can place your aching feet on the platform of the massager without having to turn it on.
But the majority of open design units don’t cover your calves and ankles. Remember that.
Next is the close design version. It, needless to say, covers your feet, ankles, and calves. This type of massager features more advanced techniques, settings, and accessibility.
2. Type
Obviously, there’s manual and electric. The former comes in the form of a foot roller or massage ball. Very easy to use and move around, that’s for sure. In fact, most physical therapists recommend these types of foot massagers since they’re very affordable.
But for more advanced functions like automatic kneading, vibration, rotation, and heat, nothing beats an electric foot massager. However, the electric version is, undoubtedly, more expensive and larger in size.
3. Portability
You know what’s portable; a lightweight, compact foot massager. This doesn’t necessarily have to be a manual one. Although the manual types of massagers are more convenient to carry. But nowadays there are electric models too that you can move around and carry easily.
So if portability is an important factor, then don’t forget to check the unit’s weight and size.
4. Foot Size/Space
The larger kind should be able to accommodate feet as large as men’s size 14. Then there’s the smallest size that offers a space of 10 feet. So it all depends on your foot size. Even so, the bigger the better, right?
5. Speed
Speed is a function that only electric foot massagers are equipped with. With the manual version, you obviously have total control over the rolling pressure and speed. But with an electric model, speed settings are crucial.
At most, 3 different settings for speed create an extremely comfortable experience. You can start with the lowest one and then adjust based on your pain or comfort level.
6. Heat Function
Almost every electric foot massager I’ve reviewed offers the heating function. This is very helpful in the case of plantar fasciitis. Appling heat, at such times, helps to accelerate healing.
Heat tends to reduce swelling and release muscle tension. And this is great news for those who spend most hours of the day on their feet.
7. Control Buttons
In the case of arthritis, diabetes, chronic backache, bending down to adjust settings doesn’t seem like such a pleasant experience. That said, the control buttons should be accessible using the toes.
Another solution is buying a foot massager that comes with remote control.
How to Massage the Foot for Plantar Fasciitis
Sit down in a chair or your couch and place the roller or ball under your foot. Place it in the arch region.
Now lean forward slightly to allow your body weight to create pressure or force on the massager.
Then slowly roll the thing up and down the length of the foot. And also from side to side. Maintain mild pressure initially. And if that starts to feel comfortable and relieving, then press down on the ball or roller a little more.
You can do this for 1-2 minutes, maybe 3 times a day.
As for using an electric foot massager, every brand offers its own set of instructions. Just make sure the machine is easy to operate with simple control buttons.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How Long Does Plantar Fasciitis Take to Heal Completely?
If no treatment is administered, then you’re looking at 18 months of immense pain and discomfort. But you can drastically reduce this time simply by incorporating a foot massager into your treatment plan. In that case, only 6 months is the answer to your question.
In fact, stretching your plantar fascia is also very effective when it comes to speeding up recovery.
Are Foot Massagers Good for Plantar Fasciitis? What About for Diabetes?
I don’t see why not as long as you’re making sure the speed and pressure settings do not cause any pain or discomfort.
After all, the job of a good foot massager is to reduce tension, promote blood circulation, alleviate swelling, soothe pain, etc. And all of these benefits are the most useful for foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, heel spurs, etc.
In fact, the electric models are outfitted with the heat function as well. And that goes a long way when it comes to repairing damaged ligaments, muscles, and tissues. Along with boosting blood circulation and relieving inflammation.
All this is especially important in the case of health problems that involve nerve damage, poor circulation, etc. like diabetes.
How Long to Use A Foot Massager For?
Several times, like 2-3 times a day is alright. And in a single session, the massage application should not exceed more than 15 minutes in one particular area. But if the massager is targeting multiple regions at once, then 30 minutes.
Other Foot Massagers for Plantar Fasciitis We Reviewed
Human Touch Reflex4 Shiatsu Massager
Our rating
Now, how about I present to you the best foot and calf massager? The current option is a shiatsu massager that rejuvenates your tired muscles and improves blood circulation. Its patented Figure8 technology surrounds your calves and feet completely.
There are powerful rollers in here that stimulate your under-foot muscles. And all this happens very quietly and with stability. Thanks to the non-skid floor protectors. If you ask me, it’s a compact unit with natural healing properties.
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Medi-Rub Foot Massager 2000 Plus
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With this foot massager, you get the opportunity to increase circulation in your lower legs and feet. You, as a comfortable user, also get to choose from two speed settings.
The massaging action, no matter the speed, is not overly aggressive nor is it too weak to target the swelling and pain caused by diabetes, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, etc. It may not look like a modern, sleek massager but at least it gets the job done without making any noise.
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Homedics Shiatsu Elite Foot Massager
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It uses deep kneading action to deliver to you a professional, authentic foot massage. So if your feet are constantly aching or tired or if your job requires you to run around all day, this is the perfect solution you can use at the end of every single day.
There are four counter-rotating massaging heads for ultimate relaxation. And to get there, you only have to press a button. Also, extra points for the soothing heat function as well.
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Arealer Kneading Shiatsu Foot Massage
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Here’s a lightweight model that combines kneading, air compression, heating, scraping, and rolling. These many functions are bound to eliminate concerns like fatigue, stress, pain, discomfort, and the like.
With five different settings for pressure and working modes, the massager targets all your acupressure points. So all that tension, tightness, knots, etc. commonly associated with neuropathy, arthritis, and plantar fasciitis get released.
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AW Shiatsu Foot Massager
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The next on the list is a foot massager that looks like a hoverboard. It doesn’t function like one though but it certainly gives your feet the power of a hoverboard. Meaning the 3 custom modes target your arch, sole, and tiptoe to reduce stress, boost circulation, and relieve tension.
It’s designed for deep kneading and rolling. There are 4 different massage phases in the automatic mode that know how to get the job done. And the control is handy when it comes to adjusting the modes, speed, and massage directions.
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URelax Shiatsu Foot Massager
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This is a foot and calf massager equipped with the heat function. An electric machine for a traditional shiatsu-style massage that uses kneading and rolling techniques, apart from heating of course. Therefore, it’s perfect for medical conditions.
The width for accommodating your foot or calf is 5 inches, which is quite generous. Also, there’s a 360-degree adjustable support bar for changing the angle if you like. With 3 speed levels, 2 directions, 3 modes, and 7 touch buttons, this thing is a must-have.
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RENPHO Foot Massager Machine
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If you’re looking to gift a loved one or your own aching feet something that actually matters, then let this be it. This foot massager features compression, heating, rotating stick, and rotation ball. All this for a shiatsu-style deep kneading professional foot massage.
You can control the soothing heat function. The whole design of the foot massager is ergonomic and comfortable to use. Speaking of comfort, the foot rooms are large enough for accommodating large foot sizes as well, even men size 12.
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Asiwo Shiatsu Foot Massager
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If you want to know what’s so special about this shiatsu-style foot massager, then let me tell you. It’s the double compression massage function on the insteps and around the ankles.
This foot massager offers relief in the form of a rolling massage and air compression. The massage heads get to your acupuncture points to alleviate muscle tension, knots, and aches. There’s a relaxing heat setting as well that only increases all the rejuvenating action.
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Belmint Shiatsu Foot Massager
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With rotating nodes that focus on tension only, this deep-kneading shiatsu massager relieves chronic pain, nerve pain, and plantar fasciitis symptoms. The air compression of this machine is 20-percent stronger than the others. Meaning it works like a professional masseuse.
You can start from the lowest setting and then adjust based on your comfort level. Good for blood circulation, this Active compression creates a much-needed pumping action for healing and relief.
And lastly, there’s the infrared switchable heat function for getting rid of soreness and stiffness too. Comfortable warmth in the feet is never a bad idea when your goal is to unwind while watching Netflix.
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Final Note
When buying a foot massager, taking into consideration your personal preferences and requirements is a must. Such as are you going to use it at home or carry it with you? Do you have access to a power source when using the massager? Your budget also matters.
Even the size of your foot and if an additional heating function is necessary. So all these points should be kept in mind. Otherwise, you’re bound to hate what you buy. It’s just not going to bring any relief from the symptoms of plantar fasciitis.
