How many times have you come home from work, kicked off your shoes, fell into the couch, and rested your legs up on the coffee table? There are just some days where your feet, ankles, and calves ache.
I know that I have been there, and often find myself trying to soothe my pain by rubbing my calves or the bottom of my feet. Sometimes it works, but often it doesn’t. At least, it helps with my flexibility.
Taking care of your feet and calves is important. Especially in a world when we are on our feet so often. The fact is, we are built to be on our feet often, but we often do not take care of our feet and lower legs as we should.
When we go for a run or bike ride, we’ll stretch after or have a massage. When we are standing or walking, we tend to forget that we are exercising the muscles down there, especially those calf muscles.
Let me explain why calf massage may be the best treatment and tell you more about the best calf and foot massagers on the market.
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What causes calf pain?
I love to wear high heels, and I love to run (just not at the same time). Both activities take their toll on my calves. I can often feel the tightness in my calves but will overlook it when it is combined with other pain. If my feet are killing me or my Achilles or hamstring is acting up, then I find myself concentrating on those areas instead of my calves.
I recently discovered how much of an impact calf care could have. I found myself reading up about plantar fasciitis and leg cramps and worried that I was not taking care of myself so I turned to calf massage.
How to manage calf pain
We have already talked about the benefits of foot massage, but what are the benefits of calf massage?
Flexibility is key for your muscles. If you find it hard or uncomfortable to move your muscle, then you are going to get yourself into a lot of trouble if you continue down that path.
Your calf muscles can become tight when you put your muscles into awkward positions (such as wearing high heels) and push your muscles (go for a run). A massage will increase the flexibility of your calf muscles, and get rid of calf and foot pain.
Massage also improves the circulation of blood in your muscles. This is not only great for your entire body but will help with the flexibility of your muscles as well as the repair of your muscles. Improved circulation also works wonders for your skin.
If you have had any kind of massage before, then you know how relaxing they can be. The same is true for a calf massage. Not only will a massage relieve the stress and tension in your muscles, but it will also help to release the endorphins which will help to relieve the stress and tension in your mind.
A calf massage brings all of those things together to relieve you from the pain and stress of strenuous exercise and everyday life. Calf massage can help you work towards a greater sense of well being.
The Top 9 Calf and Foot Massagers Reviewed
There are many massagers that do a good job of targeting your feet and calves, but we have narrowed it down to the best five. The table below provides a summary of the massagers and detailed reviews of each follow.
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Brand |
Key Features |
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Cloud Massage   |
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Human Touch   |
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Fit King   |
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TISSCARE   |
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Homedics   |
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QUINEAR   |
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TERELAX   |
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Vitalzen   |
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Medical Breakthrough   |
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Cloud Massage Foot Massager with Heat for Feet, Legs, and Calf
This calf massager uses heat to get into your muscles and boost your circulation. Stimulated blood flow means healthier muscles and a healthier body. The massager also uses rolling ball massagers to combine a high-pressure massage with the heat. The result is stress-free muscles and a release of tension.
We like how adjustable this massager is. We have been primarily using it to massage out calves, but with a simple adjustment, the massager is perfectly suited for your feet too.
A unique selling point is the use of pressure points. The massager is designed to specifically target pressure points in your feet to relieve tension and stress. It is also the best foot massager for runners.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Human Touch Reflex5s Foot & Calf Shiatsu Massager with Patented Figure-8 Technology
We use home massagers to replace the real-life masseurs which we do not have the time or money to visit. The patented figure-8 technology in this massager comes as close to feeling like a real massage as is possible. As soon as you switch the massager on (and we recommend closing your eyes to get the full experience), you will feel as if you are in a massage parlor.
This is definitely a massager which gets your blood flowing. The underfoot massage also utilizes reflexology to give you a massage which is almost a spa treatment instead of a home massage.
The entire machine is designed to give you comfort, from the floor protectors which keep the massager in place to the enhanced angle which has been designed to match the ergonomics of the body. This massager will take away all of your stress.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
FIT KING Air Compression Leg Massager for Foot and Calf Circulation
This is another massager which is perfect for your calves but will also give your feet an expert massage. The air-compression massage system, coupled with the air bags inside, relieve fatigue, swelling, pain, and aches from your calves while boosting your circulation and overall health. If you have any swelling, then this massager is particularly great at treating it.
We like that you can customize your massage. There are three separate massage modes, 10 massage techniques, and three intensity levels. The newest model also includes two knee heating massage levels that you can turn off separately.
The controls are also handheld so you can change the settings mid-massage if you wish. There is also a shut-off feature should you fall asleep while using the massager (I’ve been there).
This is the best leg massager if you want your massage to go. The portability and storage bag means that you can take this massager anywhere you like.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
TISSCARE Foot & Calf Massager
This massager looks like a calf massager, but with one quick adjustment, you can convert it into a foot massager. Start at the bottom of your feet and use this massager to work all the way up your legs, for a half-body massage.
We love the Shiatsu treatment which you get from this massager. It also does rolling, scraping, kneading, and air compression. You can choose from three levels of intensity and two different massage functions.
It can be tilted to make sure the angle is right and you get the most comfortable massage possible. With its open design it can fit all foot sizes. The fabric covers are easy to remove and wash.
The massager also benefits from heat to boost your circulation, improve your well being, and add a healthy glow to your skin. Just use the remote control to apply the settings and relax.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Homedics Foot and Calf Rolling Massager
If you want a foot massage that doesn’t stop at the ankle, this popular massager from Homedics will give your feet and calves the professional-style treatment they deserve. You get a full-coverage, deep-kneading, rolling massage experience from calf to toe.
We love that this calf and foot massager is so adjustable. It offers four unique massage programs. You can choose from low, medium, or high intensity depending on how deep of a massage you need.
The tilt can be modified so you can enjoy your massage from nearly any seated position. The liners are removable so and washable for easy cleaning.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
QUINEAR Leg Massager
If you are looking for a compression massager for your legs, this is another good option. It is similar to the popular Fit King Leg Air Massager, but also gives higher up your legs.
The QUINEAR foot and leg massager has 3 + 3 airbags inside so it can provide a comfortable kneading massage from your toes to thighs. After regular use, you will notice reduced fatigue and pain and improved circulation.
It’s easy to program this calf massager using the handheld controller. Choose from three massage modes (Sequence, Circulation and Whole Massage) and 3 intensity levels (Low, Mid and High). It’s best to start on low and work your way up.
The wraps are secured with velco and can be adjusted easily to change the size and intensity. It comes with two extensions for larger size calves. When not in use, store it in the travel bag, which is also included.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
TERELAX Foot/Calf Massager with Heat
The TERELAX foot massage can give your calves, legs, sole, toes, ankles and arms a powerful deep massage thanks to the 360-degree adjustable support bar. When you stimulate these areas, tension throughout the body eases.
With the newest 3D massage technology including soft silicone rubber pads, rotation balls, rolling sticks with smooth heat components, it offers deep kneading, squeezing, rolling and scraping, or shiatsu massage. Enjoy your massage while watching TV, working at the office, or just relaxing at home.
You have the option to use three different modes and speeds. Add heat too, if you like, and in a few minutes it will warm up to 108℉. It can also be used as a forearm massager.
When you start using this foot massager, use the lowest settings and work up to a more intense massage. While it comes programmed with a 15 minute shutoff, you can adjust it up to 30 minutes.
The open configuration will fit most feet and calves less than 5″ wide. The liner is removable, making it easy to clean. It comes in four different colors.
This foot massager machine is FDA registered and comes with a one-year warranty. TERELAX strives to provide 100% satisfaction for their customers, so you can contact them if you have any concerns with the product.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
VITALZEN Plus® Massager for Feet, Calves, Legs, Knees and Thighs
This calf and foot massager machine has 30 mini-airbags with 3 massage modes and 3 adjustable intensity levels of pressure to your calves and feet at the same time. The shiatsu massage techniques are combined with acupressure, reflexology, kneading, and compression to stimulate and alleviate sore muscles.
The heat and pressure also help to stimulate the blood flow within the muscles. This is a great massager for relieving swollen or fatigued calf muscles. It will also help to tone your calf muscles. The vibrating effect can help fight cellulite. (Also check out this anti-cellulite massagers.)
This Vitalzen has two folding sections that work separately. The upper section can be adjusted to target your thighs or knees as desired. There are with rear wheels for portability.
It has an automatic shut-off after 15 minutes for safety and it has a removable washable fabric cover. This high-end massager comes with a 2-year warranty from Global Relax so you can buy with confidence.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Podiatrist v3 Calf and Foot Massager
This is the only foot and calf massager designed by podiatrists. While a podiatrist is not a medical doctor, they are specifically trained to assess, diagnose and manage foot issues.
Start out with a gentle, relaxing massage experience, then with the press of a button, you can turn up the intensity to get a strong deep tissue massage. The Podiatrist v3 massager uses rollers, air compression, and heat to help with pain, muscle fatigue, and circulation.
The rollers offer a complete massage from your toes, along the sole of your foot, up to your calves. The specialized air cells work to expand and contract to gently squeeze your feet and legs, which promotes blood circulation and pain relief.
You can choose from three different massage settings with three levels of intensity and add a gentle heat if you like. Adjust the tilt of the device to make sure you are comfortable.
What Customers Like
What Customers Don’t Like
Read Next: The 8 Best Budget Massage Chairs for 2022
What is the best foot calf massager?
With all the quality options to choose from it may be difficult to decide which one to buy. You can go wrong with any of these, but here are our favorite massagers.
This massager can target your feet or your calves with a simple adjustment of the angle. The shiatsu massage also helps to get the blood flowing, contributing to your overall health and well being. It specifically targets pressure points to relieve stress.
Best-Rated Foot and Calf Massager
This massager can target your feet or your calves with a simple adjustment of the angle. The shiatsu massage also helps to get the blood flowing, contributing to your overall health and well being. It specifically targets pressure points to relieve stress.
Best Foot and Calf Massager for the Money
The Fit King is completely customizable to your needs and will relieve you of all your stress and tension. It is also completely portable. For the money, you will not find a better massager.
Calf and Foot Massager FAQs
If you haven’t used a foot and calf massager machine before, you probably have some questions. Here we will answer a few of the most common.
Can I have a calf massage if I’m pregnant?
Calf muscles often swell up during pregnancy and massage is one of the few ways in which you can deal with this. We would recommend waiting until you are past your first trimester before you start massaging your calves. You should also check with your doctor before you attempt any kind of massage while you are pregnant.
When should I not massage my calves?
If ever you have a blood clot or suspect that you have a blood clot, then you should stay away from any kind of massage. A history of blood clots is fine, but we still recommend getting checked and given the all clear before proceeding with a massage. If you have an injury, then you should consult with a medical professional before you massage the area.
Can I use massage oil with my calf and foot massager?
It depends on the specific machine. Please check the owner’s manual for your calf and foot massager to be sure.
RELATED: The Best Oil for Foot Massage
Are there other alternatives to a calf and foot massager?
These massagers are designed specifically to target your feet and calves so they are going to be your best bet. Of course, if you already have a handheld massager you can use that on your calves. A massage ball can be used to massage your feet and calves.
Is a Calf and Foot Massager Worth it?
Most of the modern home massagers have advanced so much that they are almost as good as a professional massage, and with some of them, it is hard to tell the difference. Massage costs can soon add up, but with a home massager, you can have a professional massage, whenever you want and wherever you want. A home massager pays for itself and gives you a better life.
Calf massagers really will take away your aches and pains, as well as getting rid of calf and foot swelling. This can help improve your athletic performance. Calf massagers for runners are essential.
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