Foot Massager For Diabetes

Prevalence Of Diabetes In USA: How A Foot Massage Can Help The Americans

There is a general conception that "diabetes eats your body like maggots". The internal damage induced by diabetes is widespread and severe. According to data from the National Diabetes Statistics Report 2020 it is estimated that 10.5% of all American adults suffer from diabetes., The major complications arising from diabetes include 

• Neuropathy (attack on nerves)
• Retinopathy (attack on eyes)
• Nephropathy (attack on kidneys)

Knowing of the issues associated, many people ask the question: is it beneficial to use a foot massager for diabetes?

Best Foot Massager for Diabetes:

Z Smart Foot Massager

Z-smart foot massager is the perfect solution to achy, tired feet or sore calves offering a state-of-the-art foot massage. Equipped with heated massage rollers, heat travels deep into the soles offering absolute comfort. The Shiatsu foot massage offered by this massager improves balance and blood circulation. With the auto-shutoff feature, you no longer have to worry about turning the machine off. Coming with washable and removable covers, this foot massager is easy to clean and manage. With a powerful vibration, the Z-smart foot massager combines the heating effect with an airbag to give a perfect heat encompassing compression. The precise point technology offers a deep kneading massage to relieve pain. Say your goodbyes to tired, paining feet with a Z-smart foot massager.

Pros: 

• Different massages like Shiatsu
• Washable covers
• Powerful vibrations with warm compression
• Precise point technology for pain relief
• Auto shutoff

Cons:

• No wheels on the feet

Z-smart foot massager plus

Z-smart foot massager plus is a superior foot massager that serves as a standalone massager offering your feet and calves a perfectly relaxing massage. With Z-smart foot massager bid farewell to aching feet because the machine offers a Shiatsu foot massage with heat to build scar tissue and reduce chances of further injury. This electric foot massager comes with a removable cover that is easy to wash, and transport wheels for easy travel. Quiet technology ensures that you relax peacefully during the massage with a Z-smart foot massager plus’s strong yet quiet motors. The multidirectional rollers massage in all directions for a complete foot massage. Auto shutoff relaxes you from the worry of turning the machine off. It also covers a complete foot and leg massage ensuring no place is left out.

Pros:

• Easy transport with wheels and handles
• Washable covers
• Multidirectional foot massage
• Auto deflate system for safety
• Quiet technology
• Foot, ankle, knee, calf, and thigh airbags

Cons:

• Expensive
• Bulky

Relationship Between Diabetes And Foot Pain

Diabetic neuropathy refers to damage to the nerves caused by undulating glucose levels in the body. The most common site of the attack is the peripheries including hands, arms, and most importantly feet.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Damage to the nerves of the feet and legs is referred to as peripheral neuropathy. It is the most common type of peripheral neuropathy.

According to a study, the prevalence of peripheral neuropathy was found to be between 6 and 51% among diabetics. It was also seen that weakened nerve supply of the extremities leads to increased occurrence of foot ulcers and amputation (in severe cases).

Signs And Symptoms

If you are experiencing the following symptoms there is a good chance that you might be suffering from peripheral diabetic neuropathy: 

• Burning or tingling sensation in the legs and feet
• Sharp neuropathic pain in the foot
• Sensitivity to touch
• Numbness and paresthesia
• Loss of touch sensation

A study found that people suffering from diabetic neuropathy also showed abnormal (reduced) ankle reflexes and slower than normal nerve conduction speeds.

Benefits Of Foot Massager For Diabetes

By now you might be fearful and hoping that you will eventually fall into the pit of diabetic neuropathy, owing to long-standing diabetes.

The good news is that foot neuropathy can be avoided by a simple yet effective treatment strategy i.e. foot massage.

You can get a nice, cozy massage by a therapist or you can opt for a foot massager. Modern foot massagers are superb in imparting relaxation and pain relief. Studies have shown that massager devices such as foot massagers are spot-on in improving muscular imbalances and alleviating stress in students.

The most evident advantages of having a foot massage using a foot massager are discussed below:

How Foot Massager Helps In Diabetic Foot :

1. Prevents Diabetic Neuropathy

   Diabetics should add foot massages to their daily routine. With the advent of foot massagers, they no longer need to visit a therapist just for a foot massage. The main reason for this particular recommendation is that foot massage reduces the chances of peripheral neuropathy. According to a study, foot massage may help in preventing peripheral diabetic neuropathy in cancer and diabetes patients. An improvement in sleep was also noted in the study participants.

2. Improves Blood Circulation

   The greatest advantage of a foot massage for diabetics is the improvement in blood flow. Abruptions of microcirculation are the main culprits in the development of peripheral diabetic neuropathy. According to a study, abnormal regulation of blood flow to the peripheries leads to neuropathy and increases the chances of foot ulceration. Compromise in the blood flow of the nerves alters the nerve conduction velocity. This decrease in nerve perfusion can then lead to cell death of the neurons, thereby, giving way for peripheral neuropathy. In a study, it was found that compromised blood supply of nerves produces deleterious changes that prove to be a major contributor to diabetic neuropathy.

3. Increases Range Of Motion

   Prolonged neuropathic foot pain and discomfort make one wary of movement. Many patients tend to have a decreased range of motion due to the fear of pain. In some cases, even the weight of a blanket or bed sheet can trigger severe pain. Such patients can take help from foot massagers that have special roller massage facilities. According to a study, foot roller massage is directly linked to improvements in the range of motion of the ankle and force. Participants also reported improvements in reflexes. As per a randomized controlled trial, foot massagers have shown promising results in the management of neuropathic pain and alleviation of restless leg syndrome symptoms.

4. Provides Pain Relief

   Massage therapy (manual and via devices) is considered an efficacious treatment modality in the management of peripheral neuropathy. Pain associated with peripheral neuropathy can be effectively reduced using foot massagers, a study suggests. In another study, it was concluded that massage is an effective alternative treatment for improving foot sensations, balance performance, and range of motion of the foot in diabetic patients suffering from peripheral neuropathy. Massage on the foot effectively releases pressure on the muscles leading to pain relief. As per a study, massage therapy is a safe nonpharmacological treatment used in the management of diabetic neuropathy.

5. Enhances Mood

   Foot massage also has positive impacts on your general health. Persistent pain and discomfort make one irritated and sad. However, with a foot massage, a lot of things can be changed. A foot massage can gravely enhance your mood and it’s not just the pain relief that brings about the changes. It is believed that massage leads to the release of neurotransmitters in the body i.e. endorphins. According to a study, beta-endorphins are released as a response to connective tissue massage. The effect of this neurotransmitter release is mood elevation and pain relief. Another study found that massage therapy ameliorates mood in students and also improves symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD).

6. Improves Sleep

   According to a study, foot massage is linked to the alleviation of neuropathic symptoms (foot numbness). Foot massage carried out 4 times per week leads to improvement in sleep quality in diabetic patients. Foot care programs are essential in educating diabetic patients to prevent complications. This is because foot complications are identified as the leading cause of mortality in diabetics

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Are Foot Massager Good For Diabetic Feet?

Yes, foot massagers can be beneficial for diabetic feet by reducing neuropathic symptoms , increase blood circulations and relieving tensions. 

2. Who Should Not Use A Vibrating Foot Massager?

People with history of deep vein thrombosis, pregnant women, peripheral neuropathy, open sores or wounds on their feet, should avoid using vibrating foot massagers.

Conclusion

Diabetic neuropathy is a commonly experienced complication of diabetes. The diminished blood flow of the neurons in the extremities leads to peripheral neuropathy. An effective way of preventing this unwanted outcome is massage therapy.

Foot massagers can make lives easier for diabetics as they have multiple therapeutic benefits. The most evident advantages of foot massage include decreased risk of foot neuropathy, alleviation of symptoms, improvements in blood flow, reduction in pain, and enhancement of sleep.