There are so many reasons why your calf and feet might ache. Maybe you had a killer workout at the gym or just landed from a three-flight travel day. Or you might be dealing with a problem like RLS (restless legs syndrome).
For me, it’s a dodgy foot and ankle giving me pain and caused by years of underpronating as I ran. So I’m on the hunt for the best calf and foot massager.
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I’ve reviewed five of the best calf and foot massagers:
- TISSCARE Foot Massager Machine with Heat
- Human Touch Reflex4 Massager
- Giantex Foot Massager Machine Massage
- Cloud Massage Deep Kneading Heat Therapy Massager
See our self massage tools guide for a full gamut of massage and massaging.
Table of Contents
Choosing the Best Calf and Foot Massager
Finding a good foot and calf massager is going to be worthwhile. For me, it was going to be a relief from the nagging ankle aches, especially at the end of the day, having been on my feet for most of it.
This was before I got my orthotics which eventually but slowly will fix the structural problems with my ankle – I hope.
The first question you should ask is “Why do my legs and feet hurt?”
Is it from working out on weak or less-used muscles? DOMS, or Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness, can make the day after your workout a nightmare. Sounds like you need a deep massage, maybe a good feature for that would be, heat.
Do you have restless legs syndrome, fibromyalgia, or another condition that causes pain in your legs? Maybe a vibrating model would be best for you, to gently stimulate your nerves.
You might even have a headache! In a Danish study, over 80 percent of participants reported headache relief with a foot massage.
Advantages of Different Types of Massagers
Reflexology, or the stimulation of specific areas of the feet, has been proven to correspond with an improvement in blood flow, which will help relieve muscle tension.
While you could massage your own feet, a mechanical foot and calf massager can save your hands! Free yourself to do other tasks while you enjoy a massage as you watch TV. How will these different massagers help your muscles?
Velcro Sheath Air Massagers
An air massager is so easy to use. Just wrap the velcro adjustable sheaths around your legs and turn on. Air is pumped into chambers in the unit which then decompresses.
The gentle motion will stimulate your blood flow and can be more moderate in intensity.
This kind of massage is particularly effective for people with diabetes. Massage has been shown to improve insulin levels and lower blood glucose levels.
Rolling or Kneading Ball Massager
These kinds of units can go in for a deep tissue massage. Most models come with adjustable intensities and patterns to simulate shiatsu or acupressure massage.
By stimulating certain areas of tension in the feet, it’s believed to relieve pressure in other areas of the body. Acupressure has been proven to help relieve tension and migraine headaches for some people.
Next time you have a head splitter, why not see if relaxing with a foot and calf massager helps?
Models With Heat
Adding heat to the mix can maximize your results. In studies, participants reported greater feelings of relaxation after heat was applied and cortisol levels dropped.
Cortisol is a hormone in your body released by the adrenal gland during times of distress. By lowering its presence in your body, you can naturally lower your stress and the damaging effects it can have on your body.
My Choices For The Best Calf and Foot Massagers
After much research, we found the following models to be the top massagers out there for your calves and feet. Hopefully one of them is perfect for you.
1.TISSCARE Foot Massager Machine with Heat
Boasting an infrared heating function and an adjustable timer, this machine by Tisscare adjusts easily so the angle is always good for whatever area you’re massaging.
I love this massager as you can use it for your feet, calves, arms and hands because of the open design.
Though it’s an open model, you may not be able to use this unit if your feet, legs, or arms are wider than 6 inches across.
The inner workings of the moving pads are well-designed and give that feeling of a person’s hands doing the work.
The Tisscare foot massager compresses your whole foot which is rather pleasant. It can compress the top of your feet and knead your toes, heels and arches deeply. Yes, please!
It’s a nice looking design, compact and portable measuring 19.3″x13.2″ by 8″ high.
A well-built motor rounds out the features that make it the top choice for the best calf and foot massagers on the market.
Pros:
- Three modes and speeds.
- Heat can be used.
- Fully adjustable support bar.
- Remote control.
- Removable washable cover.
Cons:
- For oversize 11 (US) feet, it may be uncomfortable.
2. Human Touch Reflex4 Massager
All of Human Touch’s products are sleek and well designed. Though it’s a larger machine, it’s still easy to adjust the angle with a bar located on the bottom.
Some users reported it was too tight on ankles, so make sure to use caution if you have previous injuries. Or like me, the one ankle is a little deformed from over enthusiastic bone production after constant damage.
You’ll need to keep your feet in place since the kneading massage rollers can move your foot around inside the unit.
This massager envelops the whole leg with Human Touch’s own patented system they call CirQlation Technology which gives an upward, figure of eight massage.
Pros:
- 360-degree leg and foot massage.
- Heat function.
- Easy-carry handle.
- Independant foot and calf massage.
Cons:
- Be careful if you have ankle injuries.
3. Giantex Foot Massager Machine Massage
With a dual display and multiple color options, the Giantex is probably the best looking calf and foot massager on this list.
Though it isn’t as large as other models, it means it’s much more portable around the house, or even to the office.
It has four adjustable massage programs to let you choose the perfect one. Let it start in auto mode and it will cycle through all four. Users suggest wearing socks so the intense kneading massage is comfortable.
Pros:
- Dual display and remote.
- Stunning multiple color options.
- Four optional modes.
- Open design for use on legs, feet, and arms.
- Keenly priced.
Cons:
- No angle adjustment.
- Heavy pressure may be a little intense.
4. Cloud Massage Deep Kneading Heat Therapy Massager
The best foot massagers can multitask! This is why I love the Cloud Massage. There are rollers on the bottom to massage the soles of your feet, vibration to gently shake away stress, and compression is added by inflatable areas around the top of the foot and ankle.
This compression holds your feet and legs in place so you can relax. Some users mention that the settings are slightly difficult to understand. The heat function makes this unit even better.
Pros:
- Shiatsu style massage.
- Massages with rollers, air compression, and vibration.
- Anti-slip grip.
Cons:
- Very tight air compression.
- Pricey.
Back to Being Yourself
I know how cranky I can get when I’m just not feeling 100 percent. Sometimes, you need to take a breath and do something for yourself. I’m lucky, I have the best calf and foot massager, the TISSCARE Foot Massager Machine.
Its superior design fits below my desk so that I can get on with other things whilst I get a relaxing massage. It also helps me keep my blood flowing and gives extra relief when I have the odd headache.
Having the best calf and foot massager at home gives me the excuse for a little self-care, anytime.
A number of these massage units can be used for the arms as well as the feet and calves. For the hands, we reviewed and came up with the best hand massager. Good luck with your lower leg aches and pains.
