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According to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy, most neuropathy sufferers can benefit from massage, and there’s little risk involved. Therapeutic massage techniques that may soothe pain associated with neuropathy include kneading, gliding, percussion, friction, and several additional common techniques. The techniques we’ll focus on in this guide are kneading, stroking, and gliding. In this article, we share our Top 5 footbaths for neuropathy and tips on how to choose the best foot spa for neuropathy.
We have a deep understanding of how each type of foot bath works and which types will suit you or your loved one the best. For example, you may not find some of the most popular foot spa massagers comforting because of the nodes. These “nodes” are either round or pointy, and they typically line the bottom of the basin. People suffering from neuropathy should avoid pointy nodes to avoid discomfort.
Another option to look for is a reliable heat setting. Since neuropathy may cause numbness in the feet, it’s a good idea to avoid models that can get too hot.
Reviews of the Best Foot Spas & Baths for Neuropathy
Below, we share our Top 5 picks along with our thoughts and the highlights of owning each model. We also list the drawbacks to consider before you choose one for your home. Be sure to consider the points in each of our pros & cons sections to get a clear idea of what to expect from each unit. You’ll most likely find that there are must-have features and others that you can live without.
1. Conair FB52K Active Life Waterfall Foot Spa with Lights and Bubbles
Let’s start off with our top budget pick. Conair manufactures several versions of the same type of foot spa, and model FB52K is the most popular among neuropathy sufferers. Of the five models in this guide, the Active Life Waterfall spa is the most gentle on your feet. The main massage function in this bath is the bubble feature that provides a gentle massage on the tops and bottoms of your feet.
The soothing waterfall feature circulates the water to keep it heated evenly. However, this model does not contain a heating element to heat the water. It only helps to maintain warm temps. On the top of the unit, you’ll find two loofah discs for smoothing calluses and removing dead skin cells.
The center of the unit features a place for pedicure accessories. The package includes a pumice stone, scrub brush, and soft-touch massager, which we think you’ll like the most. A couple of final highlights are the manual massage rollers and toe-touch controls that eliminate the need to bend over to adjust the settings.
Pros
- Helps to maintain warm water temps and won’t get too hot
- It may help to ease the pain of neuropathy
- Great for soothing tired, achy feet at the end of the day
- Easy to use and lightweight
- The gentlest massage of the models in this guide
- Includes the most pedicure accessories
- The most affordable model of the five
- The massage rollers are removable in case of discomfort
Cons
- Depending on how sensitive your feet are, the nodes on the base may cause discomfort
- You might find it noisy
- You may prefer a deeper foot spa because this one is on the shallow side
2. Arealer Foot Spa Massager with Bubbles and Lights
If we had to choose just one foot bath for neuropathy in this guide, this one would be it. The bottom of this model is mostly flat, and that’s a difficult feature to find. Almost all the models on the market feature the “nodes” or bumps, and we found that this is the most common complaint among neuropathy sufferers.
Compared to the Conair unit above, this model is deeper. The overall height of 17.3″ is enough to get both your feet and ankles involved. Additionally, this model features a built-in PTC heater that heats the water rather than just helping to keep it warm. We prefer units with heaters because the units that promise to maintain warm water temps usually don’t deliver. Plus, it’s easier to start with water from the tap than having to go through the process of heating it first.
On the bottom, you’ll find four automatic massage rollers with a gentle “corn” texture that’s less likely to cause pain. The notches on this type of roller are less pointy and deep. Additionally, there are three massage modes to choose from to find your preferred intensity. The top control panel displays the temperature and allows you to adjust it and the massage settings.
Lastly, the top carry handle is a nice convenience feature to have along with the external drain to eliminate the need to pick up the basin while it’s full. All in all, this is a feature-rich deep basin foot spa that’s a good choice for a gentle yet stimulating massage.
Pros
- Temperature control with a built-in heater
- An overall very soothing experience
- It maintains warm temps well
- An easy-to-read LED display
- A good choice for essential oil and Epsom salt soaks
- Deep enough to submerge the feet and ankles for most people
- No pointy bumps on the base
- Recommended by people who work on their feet
Cons
- The power cord could be longer
- Several failed unit reports
- Automatic massage rollers may be too intense for you
3. ArtNaturals ANEA-0005 Foot Spa Massager with Heat
The ANEA-005 model by ArtNaturals is one of the more reliable units on the market. It’s ideal for people who enjoy its elegant appearance and essential oil soaks. ArtNaturals even provides an essential oil recipe for soothing itchy feet. The first thing to consider is that this model does feature massage nodes and rollers on the base. If you’re someone who is very sensitive to touch, this unit might be too intense for you.
One thing we like most about this model is the number of features for the price. This model really packs in the features for a fair price. There’s a full control panel with an LED display, massage rollers, a built-in heater, bubble massage, and temp control. If you’re concerned about materials, this unit is BPA-free.
A couple of final considerations are the depth and convenience features. Compared to the Arealer model above, this unit is shallower and does not feature an external drain for easy emptying. One convenient feature it does have is a sturdy top carry handle.
Pros
- Great value for the money
- The heater works well and maintains warm temps
- Large enough to fit men’s size 14 feet
- Lightweight, BPA-free materials
- The massage rollers are very relaxing and not too intense (they are not motorized, which you might prefer)
- Quiet operation
Cons
- No wheels or external drain
- Not deep enough to submerge the ankles
- Displays temperature in celsius only
4. Kendal FBD2535 Deep Foot and Leg Spa w/ Motorized Rollers
Kendal model FBD2535 is one of our top-rated deep foot spas, and we feel it’s worth a look for neuropathy sufferers. The deep basin is good for submerging the feet, ankles, and calves to improve circulation. People with peripheral neuropathy who experience coldness and cramping in the feet may find relief with this unit.
On the flip side of the coin, it may also cause discomfort since it features motorized rollers. Through our research, we concluded that the results are hit or miss for neuropathy, which does make this unit a bit of a dice roll. Outside of the motorized rollers, the FBD2535 does have a lot to offer.
The control panel gives you full control over the bubbles, rollers, waterfall, and temperature. What we like is the controls are all separate, so if you don’t like the rollers, there’s always the option to turn them off and use the other settings. Several final features we want to highlight are the transportation wheels, large handle, and external drain hose.
Pros
- One of the deepest foot spas on the market
- Easy to drain and move around
- Remote control included
- Well-built with durable materials
- Quiet operation
- Heats and preserves warm temps well
- Deep enough to submerge your lower legs to improve circulation
- The massage functions aren’t too intense
Cons
- The rollers may cause discomfort for some types of neuropathy
- The wheels don’t roll well on carpet
5. MaxKare Foot Spa Massager with Heat, Bubbles & Vibration
Another one of our favorite models is this one by MaxKare. It’s the only model that made it on this list and our list of best foot spas for arthritis. The main reason we included it here is the flat bottom. There are no nodes or pointy bumps to worry about with this unit. Another advantage is the small size of the rollers. In total, there are sixteen non-motorized, removable massage rollers. This is the only unit on our site with these features.
The large LED control panel makes adjustments easy. Choose between temperature, vibration, and bubble adjustments before or during your massage. Unlike a couple of the units above, this model does display temperature in Fahrenheit rather than Celsius. The heater in this unit works well, even when starting with cold water, and the price is right for the features offered.
A couple of missing features we want to note are no transportation wheels, top handle, or external drain. Seniors and the elderly may need assistance filling and draining the basin.
Pros
- The bubbles are very soothing
- An optional vibration setting
- Maintains warm water temps well
- The flat bottom is more comfortable for neuropathy sufferers
- Removable massage rollers
- The massage rollers are smaller with smaller nodes that won’t dig into your feet
- Large LED screen
- Lots of features for the money
Cons
- No wheels, handle or drain
- Not the best choice for large feet
Bottom Line
Before choosing your best foot spa for neuropathy, it’s important to consider the type of neuropathy you or your loved one suffers from. Depending on how sensitive your feet are, you may find that massage therapy with a foot spa is too painful or not a good choice. We concluded from our research that some people with neuropathy love the models in this guide, while others felt they were too intense.
The bottom line is there is no single model that’s good for every type of neuropathy and everyone with neuropathy. For this reason, we remind you to carefully consider our reviews before you buy a unit. The pros & cons sections are great places to find reasons you may or may not like a particular model.
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