Are foot spas good for your feet? – Chicago Tribune
When it comes to relaxation methods, foot spas may not come to mind first. But these machines can more than alleviate the pain resulting from long standing labor or the symptoms of medical problems you may have. However, you must use them appropriately to avoid injuring your feet or making your symptoms worse. You also need to balance features you may or may not need to alleviate specific problems with the increased price that often accompanies them.
Size
Foot spas are not uniform in size. Some are small so can be easily transported once filled. Others are larger to accommodate those with larger feet. Before purchasing one, always check its dimensions in relation to the width and length of your feet. Also check what the given dimensions actually measure; some measure the overall size of the spa while others measure the interior capacity.
Depth
Most foot spas are deep enough to cover most of your foot. Some spas, however, are a little deeper to cover the ankles of people with ankle problems. A handful of foot spas are even deep enough to soak your calves; these should only be purchased by those who really need calf attention, otherwise they are too large, bulky and difficult to fill to be worth it.
Toe checks
The best foot spas have controls that are easy to operate with a toe. This allows you to adjust the water temperature, massage settings and other aspects without having to bend over.
Noise
Most foot spas are fairly quiet, although there should still be some noise from low-power massage functions. Hot tubs with high-powered massage features, however, may make more noise, enough to disturb someone else in your room or home.
FAQs
Q. What are the benefits of using a foot spa?
A. There are two main advantages. First of all, and this is the simplest, it’s relaxing. It is the same principle as that of the hot bath; it relaxes muscles and relieves tension. This can be taken further and become a pain relief, especially for people with arthritis. Second, it can prepare your feet for additional care, such as softening calluses and nails for later removal.
Q. Is it ever dangerous to use a foot spa?
A. This can happen under good (bad?) circumstances. The most common danger is contracting an infection by not cleaning your hot tub properly after each use. Additionally, you should not use a foot spa at all under certain conditions, such as if you are diabetic or pregnant. If you are concerned that you may have a medical condition that makes foot spa use unsafe, consult your doctor. Finally, you should never use a foot spa if you have fresh or still healing wounds.
The best foot spas
Conair Soothing Vibration Foot Spa
The vibrations of this spa are gentle enough not to numb your feet but strong enough to relax them. It can be controlled with the touch of a single toe.
Conair Waterfall Foot Spa
This spa can maintain the heat of any added water, but it cannot heat cold water. It is equipped with foot washes, a pumice stone and blue lights to promote a calm atmosphere.
Homedics Bubble Foot Spa
This is one of the most affordable foot spas, but still has some great features, such as a built-in pumice stone, raised massage nodes, and massage bubbles. It can also be controlled with your feet.
Homedics Shower Bliss Foot Spa
This spa can heat the water so you stay warm for the duration. It offers two main massage functions: bubble and waterfall. It also has a pumice stone for scrubbing.
Best Hand Towel Sets
Madamelique Hand Towel Set
These decorative towels are perfect to place under your foot spa if you want to keep your water collection towels looking great. They measure 18 inches by 40 inches and come in 12 colors.
Tian Home Hand Towel Set
This collection of four towels measuring 14 x 29 inches is ideal for drying your feet right after a spa treatment. They are cotton and each towel is a different color.
Utopia Towels Hand Towel Set
This towel collection is available in packs of six or 72, if you practically run your own spa. They measure 16 x 28 inches and come in 16 colors.
Prices shown reflect the time and date of publication and are subject to change.
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