Plantar fasciitis (PLAN-tur fas-e-I-tis) is the primary cause of heel pain. The thick band of tissue that runs across the bottom of each foot and ties the heel bone to the toes is called the plantar fascia. This tissue gets inflamed.
When you take your first steps in the morning, plantar fasciitis often causes burning pain. The pain usually goes away when you move around and get up, but it might come back after standing for a long time or when you get up.
It’s not clear what causes heel fasciitis, but people who run and are overweight are more likely to get it.
This article will discuss the benefits of an Electric foot massager for plantar fasciitis and Alternative Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis.
What does Plantar Fasciitis mean?
Millions worldwide suffer from plantar fasciitis, a common and often painful foot disease. People between the ages of 25 and 65 who are busy and have plantar fasciitis have it the most.
When the plantar fascia, a band of flexible tissue on the bottom of the foot that helps support the arch, is overworked or stretched too far, plantar fasciitis can happen. The fascia loses some of its elasticity or strength over time or from overuse. It can also become inflamed, which hurts.
Symptoms
When someone has plantar fasciitis, they usually feel pain at the bottom of their heel or sometimes at the bottom of the middle of their foot. It happens on one foot most of the time, but it can happen on both feet, too. Plantar fasciitis pain usually gets worse over time. It could be dull or sharp. Some people have said that the heel of their shoes makes the bottom of their feet feel like it’s on fire.
Most of the time, the pain worsens when someone gets out of bed in the morning. Moving around after sitting or lying down for a while can also make it worse. Also, it can be hard to climb stairs when your heels are stiff and hurt.
When you work out for a long time, the pain may worsen because of more redness or irritation. Most people with plantar fasciitis report shooting pain, but it can also cause slight swelling in the heel. When someone has plantar fasciitis, they don’t feel pain while doing something, but just after they stop.
After taking a break, the pain can get pretty nasty, but it usually gets better during the day. But it might come back after light activity or standing for a long time. As we already said, the plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs from the heel to the front of the foot.
You can think of this thick band of tissue as a bowstring for your feet. It supports the arch of your foot and takes the stress off your feet.
Causes
The plantar fascia, which looks like a bowstring, keeps the arch of your foot strong and absorbs stress when you walk. If the strain on this bowstring gets too high, the connective tissue band tears in small ways. Stretching repeatedly can cause more tears and make the fascia swell or hurt, but in many cases of plantar fasciitis, the root cause is still unknown.
Men and women between the ages of 40 and 60 are most likely to have this disease. On the other hand, a new study in American Family Physician says that the number of cases in women is slightly higher than in men. Also, women who are pregnant often get heel fasciitis, especially near the end of their pregnancy.
People who play sports, especially runners, are more likely to get plantar fasciitis, which is also known as a runner’s heel. Researchers looked back at past running injuries and found that plantar fasciitis was present in 7.8 percent of them. It was one of the five most common injuries mentioned while running.
Plantar fasciitis also happens when the band-like fascia gets too tight because the connective tissue is under too much stress. That strain causes swelling, which makes feet stiff and painful. The problem doesn’t start with a single injury; it grows and worsens over time.
Electric Massagers for Feet
Electric foot massagers are more advanced devices that use electricity to give a massage. They are the most popular type used to treat foot pain. They come in many shapes and sizes, from small tools to bigger ones. Electric foot massagers are great for making massages more uncomplicated and relaxing. One famous brand is RENPHO, which we’ve written about, and our EMS Electric Foot Massage Pad is another.
Not only can they give a better massage, but they are also more fun to use than manual foot massagers. Some of the best foot massagers can also rub your calves.
Types of Electric Foot Massagers
Electronic foot massagers come in different types, and each has its purpose.
There are many different types of electric foot massagers based on their work and what they’re meant to do. These are some famous types:
Shiatsu foot massagers: Shiatsu foot massagers use the old Japanese massage method of applying pressure to specific points on the foot to relieve stress and tension.
Compression foot massagers: Compression foot massagers use air technology to squeeze and release pressure on the feet to improve blood flow and reduce stiffness.
Vibrating foot massagers: One easier type is a vibrating foot massager, which uses vibrations to ease muscle tension and fatigue.
Heated foot massagers: These have heat features that provide warmth, which can help ease sore muscles and make you feel more relaxed.
Mechanism of Electric Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
How does an Electric foot massager for plantar fasciitis work? EMS foot massagers employ electrical impulses to induce muscle contractions in the feet, thereby enhancing circulation, muscle relaxation, and pain relief. Adjustable intensity levels, diverse massage modes, and remote control components facilitate a personalized therapy experience with an EMS foot massager.
Benefits of Electric Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
Customers report that the foot massager functions effectively and alleviates foot discomfort. They appreciate the deep-kneading massage, which promotes healthy blood flow and relaxes the lower muscles. The heat function is also valued for its calming and tranquil effects. Numerous consumers find it effortless to operate.
Scientific studies on Electric Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
About two million people get care for plantar fasciitis every year, according to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons (AAOS). According to a new study, 1 in 10 people will eventually get this condition.
Inflammation of the tissue on the bottom of your feet shows plantar fasciitis and other diseases that end in “itis.” Somatic tissue massage can help fix the plantar fascia and relieve pain immediately so you can get back on your feet quickly.
Does massaging your Plantar Fasciitis help?
A 63-year-old came to the Sydney Heel Pain Clinic to get a plantar fasciitis massage for her right heel, which was hurting. She had been in a lot of pain in her heel for more than 10 months and was getting more and more upset about it. She tells the sports podiatrist that she has had heel fasciitis before and that it went away after more than two years. A massage for heel fasciitis helped her, so she’s been giving herself one at home for the past three months. She had been rolling her foot on a frozen water bottle and putting ice packs on the bottom of her heel. None of the methods helped in the long term, but she told the podiatrist that the ice packs helped in the short term. A coworker told the patient that plantar fasciitis massage is a good way to treat this heel pain condition in the long run. In the past, she had soft
tissue release through her calf muscle, and she used a foam roller at home to keep her calf muscles loose. She had not, however, gone to a professional to get a special plantar fasciitis Massage.
How to use an Electric Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
1. Establish a connection: Connect the massager to a wall outlet and wait for the LEDs to illuminate.
2. Position your feet: Remove your hosiery and place both feet on the mattress.
3. Operate the massager: Upon activating the power button, the massager will commence operation with modest heat and pressure.
4. Modify the settings: Press the heat and mode buttons to modify the intensity and heat level. The controls can also be used to alter the intensity.
5. Switch between modes: Employ the controls to transition between modes.
6. Massage: Gently move your feet back and forth across the rollers to allow the vibrations to penetrate your feet.
7. Utilize it for a designated duration: If you possess an electric foot massager or foot and calf massager at home, you can utilize them at your discretion. Using your electric foot massager three to four times per week can benefit your health and help you maintain a healthy body after a lengthy day. If you prefer to utilize it daily, that is also acceptable. Please refrain from continuing if you experience any discomfort or pain. Instead of using your electric foot massager for extended periods, it is recommended that you use it for fifteen to twenty minutes at a time. This will be of the most significant benefit to you, as it will guarantee that you use it safely and accurately.
8. Safety: Do not use the massager if you experience pain or discomfort.
I wish you the ultimate investment in self-care: electric foot massagers. They can help alleviate foot tension, improve sleep, improve concentration, and enhance circulation and relaxation.
The most effective electric foot massager can be utilized daily or three to four times per week. Some individuals advocate using an EMS foot massager for 30 minutes at a time, either once or twice a day.
Best Features to look for in an Electric Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
The most noteworthy attributes of an electrical foot massager include:
1. Removable cover: the foot cover is both washable and removable
2. Massage techniques: Shiatsu, roller, air compression, or a combination of these techniques are among the most common.
The massage techniques that foot massagers may implement are as follows: The decision you make should be predicated on the following:
Concerns that you would like to address. Air compression, vibration, and Shiatsu comprise contemporary electronic devices’ most frequently employed massage techniques. Air compression therapy utilizes airbags to compress muscles, while vibration therapy necessitates rapid movements to improve circulation. Shiatsu is a traditional Japanese massage technique that emphasizes the application of pressure to specific body locations.
3. Intensity levels: While some massagers permit the user to modify the intensity level, others provide diverse settings.
4. Portability and size: Assess the intended location of the foot massager and the available space.
Specific devices are diminutive and can be conveniently stored. For example, a portable massager can be transported wherever you go.
5. Noise level: A massager that operates at a lower volume promotes relaxation and reduces the likelihood of disturbance.
6. Heat: While warming your extremities during a massage is not mandatory, it provides certain benefits. A 2023 study shows heat improves blood circulation, promotes muscular relaxation, and aids tissue healing and pain relief.
7. Pricing: Pricing is a determining factor—generally, a rise in the number of features selected correlates with a higher price.
8. coverage: Determine whether a foot or calf massager is sufficient or if a combination of both is required.
9. Cleaning and maintenance
To maintain cleanliness, objects must be effortless to clean. Covers that can be removed and cleaned and simple surfaces to swab down can significantly simplify maintenance.
Shiatsu vs. Heat vs. Vibration Therapy for Foot Pain
Shiatsu massage
Shiatsu massage is best for people who want to unwind and relieve pain, worry, and tension. It’s a type of massage from Japan that:
It relaxes and calms you mentally and physically, eases pain and tension, lowers muscle tension, helps you sleep and fight fatigue, and may lift your mood.
A 2019 study found that people with lower back pain who received shiatsu therapy in addition to their regular care had better symptoms and quality of life after treatment.
A study from 2018 found that self-shiatsu helped a group of young players with sports-related concussions sleep better and feel less tired during the day.
Shiatsu works on the whole body, but your expert may focus on parts that need more care.
The person giving you the massage will massage different body parts with their hands, fingers, and thumbs, using pressure that pulses or beats.
Shiatsu massages last between 60 and 90 minutes most of the time.
Heat therapy
Temperature is another name for heat treatment. It uses heat in therapy, like treating pain or improving health. In different forms, like a heating pad, hydrocollator packs, whirlpool baths, portable FIR heat therapy wraps, hot cloths, and hot water bottles, it can help with pain. People can support the deep tissue of the skin with arthritis, stiff muscles, and skin damage. For diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, heat may be a good way to take care of yourself.[1]
Heat treatment is most often used to help people who are recovering. Heat can help with healing by making collagen tissues more flexible, loosening up stiff joints, easing pain, relaxing muscle cramps, lowering inflammation and swelling, and speeding up the healing process after an injury. It can also increase blood flow. More blood flow to the hurt area brings proteins, nutrients, and oxygen to help it heal faster.[2] Other than its benefits for the heart, there is some proof that heat therapy can also help treat neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s.
Vibration therapy
Vibration therapy, which uses mechanical oscillations or vibrations to help the body, can improve people’s health. Research suggests it may help with posture, range of motion, muscle strength, and easing of physical limits.
Gustav Zander, a Russian doctor and engineer, made a machine in 1867 that used weights and pulleys to make it feel like it was vibrating. In 1895, Dr. John Harvey Kellogg used similar tools to start using vibration therapy in his health business.
Kellog said his moving chair could help blood flow and relieve constipation.
Scientists later found that astronauts broke bones and lost bone mass much younger than people who had never been to space. This happened during the Russian space program, which involved doctors using vibration therapy to strengthen astronauts’ bones and muscles.
Over time, this treatment became available to help with various health problems. However, more studies are needed on vibration therapy’s possible risks and benefits for health.
Risks and benefits of vibration therapy for health.
Alternative Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis
Here are some alternative treatments for those not using an Electric foot massager for plantar fasciitis.
Painkillers, ice, massage, and rest
Your doctor will work with you to reduce the swelling of the plantar fascia. Removing inflammation can help ease the pain associated with the condition.
To treat plantar fasciitis, you can either put ice on the hurt muscle, massage the area, or do both twice or thrice daily for five to ten minutes each time. Your doctor may also tell you to rub the bottom of your foot by rolling it on a plastic ball with soft spikes.
Physical therapy and working out at home
A physical therapist can also stretch the plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and leg muscles. It is also helpful to do exercises that improve the muscles in your foot and calf—the plan for physical therapy changes based on your needs.
Experts will help you change how you work out so that the bottom of your foot doesn’t have to deal with as much stress. For example, do a lot of high-impact exercises like running. Your doctor and physical therapist may suggest switching to lower-impact sports like swimming, cycling, or using an elliptical machine for a short time.
Your physical therapist may tell you to continue doing the strengthening and stretching routines every day at home.
Injections of corticosteroids
Corticosteroids, which are sometimes just called “steroids,” are strong painkillers and inflammation-reducing drugs. When you have plantar fasciitis, your doctor will usually give you corticosteroid injections while looking at real-time ultrasound pictures of your foot. This way, the medicine can go straight into the plantar fascia.
It is possible to give a small amount of medication along with corticosteroids. The tranquillizer can ease the pain right away, but it only lasts for a few hours. After two or three days, the corticosteroids start to work.
Most people return to work or home immediately after getting a shot. To ease the pain and reduce swelling, your doctor may tell you to put ice on the bottom of your foot twice or thrice a day or take an over-the-counter medicine.
Because the shot could have side effects, like weakening the fascia, your doctor may only give it once or twice.
Common mistakes to avoid when using Electric Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
Overuse of pressure:
Some believe the more forcefully they press the massager into their muscles, the more effective it will be. Nevertheless, excessive pressure can result in injury or discomfort. It is crucial to apply gentle, consistent pressure that is comfortable and does not induce discomfort.
Focusing on one area for too long:
Long-term concentration on a single area: Although it may be enjoyable to concentrate on a specific area of tension, it is crucial to rotate the massager and ensure that each muscle group receives equal attention. Alternatively, you may over stimulate a particular area, resulting in discoloration or discomfort.
Using for too long:
Exceeding the recommended duration of use: Electric massagers can provide a pleasant sensation; however, it is crucial to moderate their use. If you apply excessive pressure or concentrate on a single area for an extended period, overuse can result in discomfort or a potential injury. Be sure to allow your muscles to recover between sessions and adhere to shorter sessions.
Using the incorrect attachment:
Electric massagers frequently include attachments designed for specific applications, such as a ball for larger muscles or a pointy edge for trigger points. It is crucial to employ the appropriate attachment to prevent injury or distress.
Failure to alter the speed:
Several electric massagers are equipped with multiple speed settings; however, individuals frequently neglect to experiment with them. Depending on the muscle tension level and the massaged area, a slower or faster pace may be more suitable.
Who should and shouldn’t use an Electric Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
The following conditions are among the many individuals who may benefit from a foot massager: arthritis, bunions, and hammertoe deformities.
If you have any open wounds on your skin, such as cuts, bruises, scratches, insect bites, scabs, or poison ivy, refrain from using a foot spa. The epidermis of the feet and legs develops open wounds. At first, they may appear to be insect wounds; however, they gradually increase in size and severity, occasionally leading to pus and scarring.