What’s the Best Foot Massager for Diabetics?

From the big challenges to the small, daily inconveniences, there will almost always be something on your mind when dealing with diabetes. Beyond monitoring your blood glucose levels, living with diabetes also comes with certain physical side effects, including various foot issues. The CDC estimates that about 50% of diabetics have some type of nerve damage, often located in and around their feet. Called diabetic neuropathy, it can produce a tingling, burning, or numbing sensation so we are here to help you feel relief with the best foot massager for diabetics.

To reduce some of these symptoms, improve circulation and support foot health, many diabetics swear by their foot massager. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the benefits of foot massage for diabetics, and just what makes the best foot massager for diabetics. We’ll even share a few of our most popular picks, and where you can get them for yourself. Trust us, after your very first session with our top recommended foot massager, you’ll want to make it a daily part of your routine.

Benefits of Foot Massage for Diabetics

Due to reduced circulation and chronic high blood sugar, many diabetics will develop some type of foot issues over the course of their lives. Diabetic neuropathy can cause feelings of pain and tenderness, while over time actually reducing sensation in the feet and lower legs. This can make it more difficult to feel a scratch, cut or sore. And because of the reduced circulation caused by diabetes, diabetic foot injuries may take longer to heal, and are prone to sometimes serious infections.

The benefits of foot and leg massage, then, are extra important for anyone affected by diabetes. As massage has been shown to increase blood flow in and out of the massaged area, a foot massage machine is a great tool to counteract reduced natural circulation. Some of the best foot and leg massagers may also help support relief from diabetic neuropathy. Studies have shown that foot massage can significantly improve levels of sensation, range of motion and functional movements in diabetic feet.

How to Care for Diabetic Legs and Feet

In addition to regular foot massage sessions to alleviate symptoms, a foot care routine should be part of any treatment plan. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases recommends following these tips to promote healthy, happy feet.

Always consult with your doctor before beginning or changing any routine.

Check Your Feet Every Day

Checking your feet regularly will help you notice potential problems before they advance too far. Watch for signs of redness or irritation, or any changes in sensation.

Smooth Corns & Calluses Gently

These thick and tough areas of skin can form on the feet in areas of irritation or friction. With diabetic neuropathy, these can easily become painful foot ulcers over time. Do not cut or treat these areas with over-the-counter remedies, as they can lead to infection. Consult with your foot doctor or primary doctor for gentle treatments like a pumice stone scrub.

Trim Your Toenails Straight Across

Ingrown toenails can make walking painful, and circulation-boosting exercise very difficult. Cutting your toenails on a curve can cause this condition, and can lead to red, tender sites of infection. Cut your nails straight across with sharp, clean cutters and smooth gently with a nail file, if desired.

Wear Shoes & Socks

Especially if you already have reduced sensation in your feet from diabetic neuropathy, shoes and socks can protect your feet from potential injuries. Breathable, comfortable shoes can help your feet stay dry and supported.

Keep the Blood Flowing to Your Feet

From elevating your feet to avoiding tight shoes or socks, there are many ways to promote circulation to your feet. Being more physically active, even with gentle activities like walking or stretching can greatly improve your foot circulation. And of course, 15-30 minutes of a great foot and leg massage can really help get the blood flowing.

Best Foot & Leg Massager for Diabetics — Our Picks

We evaluated some of the internet’s most popular foot massage machines for diabetics, and feel confident recommending them. Our list contains some of the best foot massagers for diabetic feet and managing diabetic neuropathy.

Cloud Massage Foot and Leg Massager

The Cloud Massage foot and leg massager, our #1-reviewed foot and leg massager, is also our top pick for diabetic neuropathy massage. The Cloud Massage provides rolling shiatsu, compression and swaying massage all in one package. When you add in the gentle heat therapy, you really start to see why this is one of the most popular and most gifted foot massage machines out there.

What truly sets the Cloud Massage apart, however, is the adjustability, and the ability to massage feet, calves and ankles alike. Most other machines reach only the feet, while the Cloud Massage can improve circulation and support diabetic neuropathy relief over your entire lower leg and foot.

With a portable design and simple controls, Cloud Massage is a great option for diabetics young and old, along with athletes looking to maximize their recovery. We also love the Cloud Massage for anyone who spends a lot of time on their feet, like nurses, retail or factory workers, servers and more.

HoMedics Shiatsu Air 2.0 Massage Machine

foot massager

From the popular HoMedics brand, the Air 2.0 is a solid choice for in-home foot massage. While more limited than the Cloud Massage, the Air 2.0 does a good job of providing comforting foot massage dependably. With simple controls, the Air 2.0 is easy to use, though some may not enjoy the automatic 15-minute heat shutoff.

The removable and washable liners help keep things clean and fresh, which is an upgrade from the original Air Pro model. This machine is designed to massage the feet only, so those looking for heel, ankle or calf massage support may want to look elsewhere. The Air 2.0 remains a solid mid-point option.

VYBE Pro Massage Gun & Interchangeable Heads

VYBE Pro massage gun with attachments

Our final pick may seem unusual, but don’t knock a massage gun for your feet until you try it. Our top massage gun pick, the VYBE Pro is a great example of what the modern massage gun can be while remaining budget-conscious.

This massage gun uses advanced percussion massage technology, penetrating sore tired muscles at up to 3,200 strokes per minute. With a range of speeds and purpose-designed massage heads, the VYBE Pro can help massage your feet, calves, thighs, back and more. The grip is easy to hold with a non-slip silicone handle, and we appreciate the rechargeable battery run-time of up to three hours.

Diabetic Neuropathy Foot Massager Bottom Line

Dealing with diabetes can be a lifelong challenge. While no machine is a replacement for a solid treatment plan, a great foot massager can help take some of the weight off your mind. Using your foot massager regularly can support healthy circulation, and reduce the impact and symptoms of diabetic neuropathy.

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