These Foot Massagers Help Ease Pain and Tension at Home

If you spend lots of time standing or getting up and down, chances are your toes could use some TLC. Luckily, you don’t have to go to a spa to give them some love. The best foot massagers allow you to enjoy happier feet from the comfort of your home.

Foot massage has been practiced for thousands of years. Rubbing your feet helps improve circulation and reduces foot pain and tension. Research shows foot massage can reduce stress and mitigate pain and fatigue. One 2017 trial even found that foot massage can help ease migraine pain in women. “Foot massage is considered to be an alternative treatment to alleviate pain and encourage good sleep. It helps stimulate nerve function which then reduces blood pressure, it attenuates anxiety levels, and enhances mood,” says Dr. Kimberly Nguyen, D.P.M., a podiatry specialist and foot and ankle surgeon at Philly City Foot Doc.

Meet the Experts: Dr. Kimberly Nguyen, DPM, is a podiatry specialist and foot and ankle surgeon at Philly City Foot Doc. Dr. Megan Daley, DPT, is a physical therapist at Move on the Daley.

But it’s important to know when a foot massage may not work. “A foot massager can help stimulate nervous system relaxation, but it’s not going to stretch out any muscles or tendons that might feel tight,” says Dr. Megan Daley, D.P.T., owner and physical therapist practitioner at Move on the Daley. So, if you’re looking for pain relief and relaxation, foot massagers may do the trick, but if you’re hoping to stretch out your muscles, they may not offer a long-term solution.

It’s also important to realize there are different types of foot massagers available. Nguyen points to four common types: manual (including rollers or massage guns), air compression (help improve circulation), water jets (for stress relief and relaxation), and Shiatsu massage (a bodywork technique available with some massagers). So, consider your needs before making a purchase.

Our top picks: