Many individuals who suffer from the condition of peripheral neuropathy report that foot massage can provide significant relief from the pain that can be associated with it. Thankfully, there are a variety of at home foot massagers that offer the ability to find relief in the comfort of one’s own home. These massagers are made by a variety of manufacturers, and are available in a wide range of prices to accommodate almost any budget. There are a variety of potential benefits associated with daily foot massage, which can be difficult to do outside of one’s home. This article covers how peripheral neuropathy causes pain and discomfort and the ways in which foot massagers can be beneficial, and also offers reviews of numerous products available on the market from a variety of manufacturers. If you are considering the use of an at home foot massager to address your peripheral neuropathy, you will want to consider the information available here.

What is Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

The National Institutes of Health estimate that a significant number of people have some form of peripheral neuropathy. This condition occurs as the result of damage to the nervous system, which is responsible for transmitting information throughout the body. The term neuropathy refers to damage or disease that occurs within the nervous system, and the term peripheral identifies that the condition is occurring outside of the central nervous system (the brain and spinal cord). There is research and evidence to suggest that massage therapy and the use of at home foot massagers can provide relief from symptoms and promote the general health of the feet.

How Can Foot Massagers Help Relieve Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy?

Massage therapy is considered to be complimentary or alternative treatments, and is increasingly used as a standard form of treatment for a wide variety of medical conditions including peripheral neuropathy. More research on the effectiveness of massage therapy is necessary, but there is evidence to suggest there are many benefits to forms of massage treatment. Studies suggest massage therapy can be beneficial for a variety of conditions, including various issues related to peripheral neuropathy including paresthesia, nerve pain, joint pain, improved circulation, and enhanced lymph flow through the body.

While the greatest benefits of massage are likely to be experienced when visiting a licensed professional, there are many foot massagers on the market that can provide similar relief. There are numerous options and settings available including; vibration and deep massage, heat therapy, and pressure settings. Vibration and deep massage can help stimulate circulation which promotes the overall health of the foot and reduces discomfort from neuropathy. Pressure may also help improve circulation and can help reduce the nerve pain associated with with peripheral neuropathy. Depending on the severity of the condition, the addition of heat may also provide relief from the symptoms.

Potential Benefits of Foot Massagers

-Increases energy and willingness to engage in exercise and activities

-Relieves stress, and reduces pain

-Improves blood flow and overall circulation

-Improves lymph flow and circulation

-Helps prevent the potential for injury associated with peripheral neuropathy

Common features of the various foot massagers available

–Electric or Self-Massaging: there are electric massagers available with a variety of settings that allow you to relax and rest your feet while being massaged, and there are also massagers that you use through the motions and rotations of your feet which can itself promote use and circulation through motion and light exercise.

–Heating: a common feature of many of the electronic foot massagers may help provide relief and promote circulation and reduce the painful sensations.

–Kneading or Oscillating: massaging action can benefit and stimulate the nerves in the feet, and typically promotes better circulation.

–Applied Pressure: pressure settings may reduce pain and can also promote circulation of blood flow in the feet.

–Position Design: depending on the intended use, the various massagers may work on only the bottoms of the feet, the entire foot, or even parts of the lower legs. Each model allows for different body positioning which may be important depending on an individual’s mobility and comfortable sitting or standing position.

Potential Risks of Massagers for Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

Using heat can be dangerous if there is a lack of sensation in the feet, as there is the potential to accidentally burn the skin without immediately noticing. Vigorous or deep massage can also lead to issues related to circulation, particularly for individuals who already have conditions of the circulatory system. If you intend to use an at home massage therapy to help with peripheral neuropathy it is best to consult with your physician or medical provider to ensure the appropriateness of this option for you.