Diabetic Buys and Tries 3 Leg-Foot Circulation Devices

As a diabetic, I know I have to be careful with my legs and feet. A lack of circulation, fluid retention (edema), and muscle weakness in my legs, along with numbness in my feet (diabetic peripheral neuropathy) sent me searching for solutions.

I purchased three therapeutic machines promoted as solutions for these problems. I’ve been using all of them for over a year now.

3 Therapeutic Devices for Leg & Foot Health

These products are a little expensive and nobody wants to waste their money on ineffective devices. I hope my unsolicited review of these products for diabetics will help you decide if they’re what you need, and ultimately improve your health and quality of life. Click on the links to learn more about each therapeutic product.

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RENPHO Shiatsu Foot Massager Machine

The numbness in my feet has been alarming and it was my wakeup call. The RENPHO Shiatsu Foot Massager has noticeably improved circulation in my feet. I use it every day and if I skip one I can feel the difference in movement and flexibility, as well as fluid retention levels.

I decided to order a shiatsu foot massager because I felt a deep tissue massage could work the kinks out, if nothing else. I selected a unit that also uses compression and heat to improve circulation. It was a shot in the dark that paid off.

My favourite features:

Adjustable deep-kneading, full-length massage
Heats entire foot
Remote control
Easy to move, yet stays in place while in use
Foot sleeves detach for washing

I keep the RENPHO Foot Massager beside my recliner for easy access. It works best if I put a pillow behind my back to maintain even pressure on the bottoms of my feet.

I use the highest massage kneading setting and medium compression for 30 minutes. The highest level of compression is crushing, even for smaller feet (fits up to men’s size 12). Be ready to shut it down if you try it on that level.

Overall, the RENPHO Shiatsu Foot Massager has been the most effective device I’ve tried for foot circulation and to reduce numbness in my feet. We’re still investigating the root cause of my circulation issues and some numbness/edema remains.

Dr. Ho’s TENS Machine Circulation Promoter

I was excited to try Dr. Ho’s circulation promoter because it works through the feet and up into the calves. I need both the circulation improvement and muscle stimulation to strengthen them.

The product description claims to improve circulation, reduce swelling, and relieve foot & leg pain. I don’t have much pain so I can’t speak to that. After use, I do see an immediate improvement in fluid retention / swelling, indicating better circulation. In fact, I suggest you use the washroom before you settle in for a session because the fluid will quickly begin to move.

This circulation device is effective, but I do have a difficult time positioning my feet precisely so the charge remains consistent. It can fade to practically nothing, then jolt my leg right off the unit. Having to spray the foot unit with water is also a bit of a pain. Overall, I’m happy to do it for the results.

Bonus: The plug-in pads do wonders for my back!

RENPHO Leg & Foot Compression Massager

Note: The leg compression brand I purchased is no longer available. The The RENPHO Leg & Foot Massager is a close match.

Compression is often recommended for diabetics with circulation issues in their legs and feet, especially with fluid retention. Most of us use compression socks for this purpose, but they can be too hot and uncomfortable for long-term use.

The RENPHO Leg & Foot Massager uses compression to relieve muscle fatigue and increase circulation. There are two, connected pieces in this model. You can get similar devices that only cover calves, or one that covers legs, feet and part of the thigh. The sections are wrapped around the legs and secured using Velcro. Air bags compress your feet and legs from bottom to top, which amplifies the effect. The addition of heat further improves circulation.

There are three settings to choose from. I use all three, working my way up from the lowest compression. I finish up on the highest setting, but only for a minute or so because I find it to be a little too intense for me.

While I don’t see a profound result after use, I know compression can improve circulation and I’m confident it’s helping. The use of compression socks in diabetics has been debated due to fears of impaired circulation, but studies have shown there are no negative effects. If it still concerns you, using a compression device for a limited time every day might be a better option. If you already wear compression socks every day, you could probably skip this one unless symptoms persist.

Conclusion

None of these devices are meant to cure anything, but they do address some diabetic symptoms & complications. I still have some numbness in my feet and problems with mobility. Unfortunately, I’ve been waiting over a year for an MRI to determine the original cause. In the meantime, I’ll continue to use these devices in an attempt to manage my symptoms. They’ve been a sound investment for my particular circulation issues.

Have you tried any diabetic devices, treatments, or supplements to improve your leg and foot circulation? Please share your experience with your fellow diabetics in the comments below.