Finding the best foot massager for runners means finding the one that is best for you specifically. So, besides reading reviews and about other people’s experiences with foot massagers, it’s crucial you take your own needs and desires into account. Here is what we mean by that:
- For instance, if you have some kind of an injury, it’s best to speak to a medical professional first, to ensure that repeated massages are right for your current medical condition. If they are, you may want to buy the massager that provides the most comfort, meaning electric foot massagers that you can just slip your feet into.
- If you just want to relax yourself and provide comfort for your feet after running and you’re not ready to spend a lot of money on foot massagers, go for manual foot massagers such as foot rollers or handheld massagers – they’re much cheaper and usually provide gentle, light massages.
And of course, there are the types of massages you should pay attention to:
Shiatsu massage is a traditional Japanese massage, that in the case of electric foot massagers, uses rotating heads or vibrators to provide deep-tissue, kneading massages. They’re particularly useful for runners, as they can not only relieve muscle pain and soreness, but actually target specific foot parts, promoting overall relaxation and well-being.
Heat function, although not necessary for foot massages, is a welcome feature that can aid in full-body relaxation. Soothing heat along with a massage loosens tight muscles, increases blood circulation and can actually increase foot flexibility.
Manual massage that comes from foot massage rollers, balls, foams and other tools is a great way to give your feet a well-deserved massage on a budget. Normally, it’s best to start with these types of foot massagers, as they’re cheap, easy to use and a great introduction to foot massages. Manual massagers give you control of the strength and pressure of the massage and are perfect for getting rid of muscle soreness and tightness and for promoting circulation.
Runners and Foot Injuries: Main Causes of Foot Pain
Although running is one of the best ways to improve heart and brain health, boost the health of the immune, digestive and respiratory system, it’s far from ideal for foot health. Running puts high stress on the foot’s bones and joints, so it’s not uncommon to develop some kind of a foot condition, including pain and tenderness when walking or full-blown injuries. If you’re experiencing any kind of discomfort when running, it’s best to arm yourself with knowledge, so you can seek appropriate treatment.
Plantar Fasciitis: a stabbing heel pain, or plantar fasciitis is the most common runner’s foot injury. It occurs from repetitive stress of hitting the pavement, which irritates ligaments and can cause inflammation and pain.
Ankle Sprain: unlike plantar fasciitis, which can make you wonder whether or not something’s really wrong with your foot, you know when you get an ankle sprain. This painful injury can occur if you fall or stumble and end up stretching your ankle ligaments.
Stress Fracture: stress fracture is common among runners. It develops gradually through repetitive stress on a bone, usually metatarsal bone. You may not notice it immediately, but over time, a stress fracture can lead to severe pain and swollen foot.
Luckily, there are ways you can avoid common running injuries:
- Always make sure you stretch before and after you run to increase your flexibility;
- Don’t overdo it – rest is just as important for health as is running;
- Always wear comfortable shoes that are based on your foot type and your running style.
Finally, to really take care of your foot health, use foot massagers. If you find the best foot massager for runners (for you) and use it every day, you’ll promote foot relaxation, increase blood circulation, accelerate recovery and prevent some of the common running injuries.
