Ankle stress fractures are small breaks in the ankle bones that happen as a result of high-impact, repetitive stress. They can be pretty painful, and normally worsen when you put weight on the affected leg. How can you use one for an achy ankle? In short, you’re not going to want to apply it directly on the bones or ligaments. But you can use it strategically on the calf to help relieve tension near the joint. Here’s how:

Usually, the culprit behind mild ankle pain is simple overuse or long days on your feet. But sometimes, your discomfort can be caused by specific (and sometimes more serious) conditions. These include: Achilles Tendonitis

Leg massager features

The bottom line? While not necessary for every ache and pain, professional massage can be a great way to treat yourself. And it may be well worthwhile if you're looking for natural ways to help manage long-term ankle issues. Other Ankle Pain Remedies Pros: Powerful, long battery life, versatile use, comes with five head attachments. TSA-approved for travel That said, there are plenty of foot massagers on the market that can relieve the symptoms of many common ailments like plantar fasciitis, foot fatigue, neuropathy, and arthritis. It’s just important to consider what type of relief you need and whether a specific massager can safely provide it for you. If your foot pain is accompanied by severe swelling, you might want to hold off on anything with strong pressure or kneading. Those with edema or an acute injury may not benefit from deep and forceful massage; instead, it might just cause discomfort in sensitive areas.

For example, if you have lymph nodes removed as a part of cancer surgery to your left breast, only your left arm, not your right, might be affected with lymphedema. After this first phase, your doctor may recommend starting some exercises to improve flexibility, strength, and balance.If this is you, Loncar advises erring on the side of caution by skipping anything percussive or kneading, including targeted massage guns and Shiatsu-style machines. Dr. Jung adds that neuropathic patients must also be careful with cold or heat because their protective sensations are weakened, so they could get thermal injuries or burns. Across nearly every category, the Miko exceeded our expectations; it was easy to use, with a remote control and adjustable settings. Even though it doesn’t offer vibration, the heating element really impressed us and was relaxing and effective. There’s no special cleaning required, and even though it’s a bit pricier than the other options on this list, the amazing experience it provides makes us think it’s well worth its value.

If you've been given the green light, your best bet is to look for a massage device that's able to treat your specific issues, like plantar fasciitis, circulation problems, general aches, or swelling due to a job that keeps you on your feet all day. We start by noting the various settings available, and following any special instructions required before using the massager. Next, we use the massager for one full cycle (usually around 15 minutes), paying attention to any relaxing and muscle releasing effects on the soles of the feet, immediately after use and over the course of a typical working day. We also confirm the weight and dimensions of the massager and note any extras included in the box. Throughout the testing process we evaluate each massager’s overall ease of use, plus ease of portability and storage. As your pain subsides, deeper ankle sprain massage techniques can be incorporated to help loosen the calf and shin muscles and improve the range of motion.But be careful if you have diabetic neuropathy in your feet. You may set the heat too high without knowing it. In this post, we’ll jump into the causes of ankle pain, how to know if massage is right for you, techniques to try, and important tips to keep in mind. What Causes Ankle Pain and Stiffness? Hamstring massage #1. Sit on a chair and place the tennis ball under your thigh. If you have a tender spot, place the ball directly underneath it. Use your body weight to move the ball around. Patel teaches two stages of lymphatic massage: clearing and reabsorption. The purpose of clearing is to create a vacuum with gentle pressure so that the area is prepared to bring in more fluid, creating a flushing effect. This means, for example, that you wouldn’t want to massage a sprained ankle right after you hurt it. Instead, you’d want to wait until it’s had a few days to heal. And when you do try massage, it’s key to start with light pressure and only use techniques that feel good to you.

Elevate your ankle above the heart as much as you can during the first 48 hours after the injury occurs.To narrow in on the best foot massagers, I spoke with a physical therapist, a podiatrist, and a massage therapist about what to look for in a safe and effective device. I've also included answers to a few FAQs, some shopping tips, and insight into how I tested each massager.