Neuropathy affects about half of all diabetics worldwide. It’s a complication of having high blood sugar, which may cause nerve damage over time. Sometimes, this happens when blood vessels take damage and can no longer carry nutrients and oxygen to the nerve tissue. Diabetic neuropathy commonly affects the legs and feet, causing pain, numbness, or tingling.
While you cannot reverse nerve damage, you can ease the symptoms it causes and prevent it from worsening with massage. Kneading and warming your heels, soles, and toes stimulates blood circulation to your feet. The blood carries nutrients and oxygen to the nerves to keep them working well and helps heal sore muscles faster.
Choosing a Device: The Best Foot Massager for Diabetic Neuropathy
The main goal of massage for diabetic neuropathy is to improve blood circulation. Therefore, the best foot massagers will have a heating function, physical stimulation for the muscle (such as kneading), and air compression. Compressing and decompressing the feet squeezes the blood vessels and enhances blood flow, reducing swelling and easing pain.
Here are our top foot massager picks for diabetic neuropathy:
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Best Overall: Miko Foot Massager Machine
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This highly rated (4.7/5 stars) machine targets the entire foot with shiatsu massage, compression therapy, and heat. The rollers inside the device mimic a petrissage technique, kneading the heels and soles of your feet to stimulate the nerve endings, bringing blood flow back to the area.
We chose this as the best foot massager for diabetics because of its multifunction approach. The air compression setting has five intensity levels to tailor your massage to your pain levels. Its ergonomic design allows your feet to slip in and out easily, and it has a remote control, so you never have to bend over to switch it on.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| It has soft and comfortable fabric footliners you can remove and wash. The maximum air compression level is strong, perfect for relieving aching, swollen feet. You can register it for a one-year warranty to get it replaced if it should break. | It doesn’t target the heels very much. It mainly focuses on the toes and arches. It only runs for 15 minutes with an auto shut-off feature, so you have to restart it if you want a more extended massage. The remote control is tricky to use, and you have to hold it very close to the receiver. |
Best Overall Runner Up: Nekteck Shiatsu Foot Massager
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With over 11,000 5-star reviews, the Nekteck foot massager is a close second to Miko. The only reason this one comes in second is because it has fewer intensity levels, so your massage is not as customizable. That being said, this massager allows you to turn the air compression off entirely and only go for a kneading shiatsu treatment for the soles of your feet.
It also heats the feet gently throughout the massage to increase blood flow and keep them warm. It has two compression levels to choose from, both of which gently squeeze the feet and release tension. Nekteck’s massager has removable footliners, and you can control the settings with physical buttons on the machine.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| It targets the entire foot and uses many massage techniques so the feeling doesn’t become repetitive. It has non-slip cups underneath the machine, so it’s easier to use on hardwood/tile floors. The removable foot liners are machine washable, and the device is easy to clean. | It’s a little tight with the air compression on and might be a struggle for people with bigger feet to use. (Above US Men’s size 10) The heat is very gentle, and you might not be able to feel it when wearing thick socks. The massage function is powerful and takes some getting used to, especially if you have sensitive feet. |
Best for Calves and Feet: Umarmung Heated Leg and Foot Massager
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This product is the best foot massager for diabetic neuropathy that extends into the ankles and calves. Umarmung’s device wraps around your feet and lower legs, warming and compressing all your problem areas at once for all-around pain relief. It’s made from a lightweight yet sturdy fabric that you wrap around your legs and secure with velcro.
It’s highly adjustable, fits most sizes, and has a remote control. It has three massage modes: one that compresses the feet and calves, one that only works the feet, and one that only works the calves. You can also choose between three heat and intensity levels.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| They’re comfortable to wear, and the flexible material means you can use them lying down. It has a nice variation in intensity levels, one being gentle and three being very hard. The material is robust, durable, and will not tear or wear out quickly. | When the leg portion is completely inflated, it may feel tight on the calves and uncomfortable for people with larger legs. The cord is too short, so you must sit near a power outlet while using the device. It doesn’t have a kneading massage feature – only compression and heat. |
Best for Big Feet: Renpho Large Space Foot Massager
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Many electric massagers have small compartments that can be uncomfortable to use if you have big feet. Renpho’s device is the best foot massager for diabetics with larger feet because of its extra-long, wide, and high design. It’s designed to fit US Men’s size 14 feet comfortably with plenty of room to move them around inside.
The device warms the feet from the soles up while rolling and kneading the toes, arches, and heels. It also has air-compression pillows that wrap around the entire foot. You can choose how you prefer to control the settings with a remote control and touch buttons. It has three massage and compression intensity levels and removable foot liners for easy cleaning.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| The buttons are touch-sensitive, so you can easily control them with your feet without pressing too hard. There are two session length options: 15 minutes and 30 minutes. It runs relatively quietly – perfect if you want to use it while watching TV. | It takes a while to heat up, and you might only start to feel the heat halfway through your massage. You can’t change the temperature of the heating pad. The shape of the ankle supports means you have to sit upright while using it. |
Best Budget Option: Snailax Cushioned Foot Massager
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This cozy foot massager is made from soft polyester that feels plush and comfortable on tired, swollen feet. It’s completely washable, and you can remove the top part to use the heating massage pad on its own if your feet get too hot. The pad also works as a standalone back and leg massager.
It has two silicone massage rollers inside the bottom layer that gently knead the feet and promote blood circulation. The device also heats up and warms the soles of your feet throughout the massage. You can change the settings from a handy remote control if you prefer not to use heat.
| What We Like | What We Don’t Like |
| Both massage intensity levels provide a good amount of pressure. It heats up very quickly, so you can warm your feet for the entire 15-minute session. It’s light and portable, easy to fit in a suitcase and use while traveling. | There is no compression therapy – only shiatsu massage. The massage rollers don’t move up and down the length of your foot, so you have to reposition yourself for a full-foot massage. Even with the massage function off, you can feel the massage rollers slightly – the fabric could be thicker. |
Why Daily Massage Matters for Diabetic Neuropathy
Neuropathy is very common in diabetics, and it can be highly dangerous. Nerve damage can hinder your ability to feel pain so you may sustain injuries more often. As a person with diabetes, taking care of your feet should be high on your priority list. You can do that by wearing supportive shoes and socks, cleaning them well, and getting regular massages.
The best foot massager for diabetic neuropathy is one you can use every day. Warming and stimulating your feet for just 15 minutes a day can do wonders in easing your symptoms and preventing further nerve damage.
