Is Flat Foot Surgery Worth It? [Recovery Time, Surgery & Treatment]

Is flat foot surgery worth it? 

• Flat foot surgery is very good at correcting obvious deformity and pain.
• The results are extremely the effective.
• Where the surgery is not effective is when you attempt to fix a cosmetic or non-painful defect in your foot.
• This is not a cure for extensive weight gain or wanting to wear six inch heels.

Flat foot surgery is worth it when:

Flat Foot Surgery Pros:

• Obvious deformity.
• Collapse of the foot.
• Inability to wear orthotics.
• Inability to wear supportive shoes.
• Cannot stand or walk for even short periods of time.
• If you are otherwise healthy.
• If you have no major medical concerns.
• If you have realistic expectations, this means wearing good supportive shoes and orthotics in the future.
• If you are willing to wear a brace or supportive shoes in the future.

Flat foot surgery is NOT worth it when:

Flat foot surgery Cons:

• If you do not have severe pain.
• If you are only doing it for cosmetic purposes.
• If you do not have realistic goals.
• If you are extremely overweight and do not plan on wearing supportive shoes or orthotics in the future.

Flat Foot Surgery Before and After:

• This is a picture of flat foot surgery before and after pictures.
• Coming soon!

Flat Foot Surgery Recovery Time:

The day of the surgery:

• Your foot will be numb for about 24 hours, then you will have to start taking some pain medication and relax for a week.
• You will be sent home from the hospital that day, once you are feeling comfortable.
• You will receive a walker, crutches and pain medication

Instructions to speed up Flat Foot Surgery Recovery Time:

• Keep your foot elevated to minimize any possible swelling. This does help with pain.
• You will see physical therapy once the sutures are removed.
• Move around and put pressure only on the foot when you need to. Example: going to the bathroom.
• Your dressing is to stay clean dry and in place, until changed by the Podiatrist.
• Avoid smoking and taking anti-inflammatory medications as this may delay or even prevent the bones from fusing together

Flat Foot Healing Time:

Everyone differs, but this is the general followup schedule.

Two weeks:

•  Incision will be checked, X-rayed and you will be fitted with a new plaster cast or boot

Six weeks:

• Foot and ankle will be X-rayed and the cast removed. You will be given an insole or brace (support) to put in your shoe
• You can start to walk around this time.

Three months :

• follow-up appointment and review
• Transition to a shoe at this time.

Six months:

• final appointment and discharge
• Close to final results now.

Flat Foot Surgery Recovery Time:

Depending on the procedures chosen by your podiatrist and your overall health, the recovery time may differ. At the quickest end of the spectrum you are walking immediately and back into a pair of shoes by 2-3 weeks. At the longer end of the spectrum, it may me a full 6-8 weeks in a cast.

0-2 weeks:

• Fiberglass cast cast and be non-weight bearing with a walker or crutches.

2-6 weeks :

• Transitioning from a cast to a removal boot and be minimal-weight bearing with crutches or a walker.

6-12 weeks:

• Most by this time will be weight-bearing in good supportive tennis shoes with an insole or brace.

12+ weeks :

• You should be able to wear your own shoes
• Physiotherapy and rehabilitation

Flat Foot Surgery Cost:

• Flat foot surgery cost is not considered a cosmetic procedure.
• It has been proven to be just as essential as a knee of a hip replacement.
• This is almost always a covered benefit with any major insurance plans.
• Once you have met your co-pay requirements this will be a covered benefit.
• Check with your podiatrist’s office to get specific details.

Surgery for Flat Feet in Adults:

• Surgery for flat feet in adults usually requires more bone orientated procedures.
• If the foot is not flexibile, fusion or bone procedure might be required.
• If the foot is flexible, the healing time is usually quicker and you are walking sooner.

Surgery for Flat Feet in Children:

• Surgery for flat feet in children should only be considered in extreme deformity.
• We prefer not to do surgery on someone under 18 unless it is a severe deformity.
• This would mean extreme or unusual pain beyond a normal range.
• This would also a deformity like clubfoot.

Flat foot correction surgery:

• Flat foot correction surgery is overall considered a very proven and beneficial procedure.

Non-Surgery For Flat Foot Correction:

• Consider the following treatments before seeking surgery.
• These are some possible good products for your situation, but if concerned, check with your podiatrist!

Best Flat Foot Home Treatment:

• There are usually two phases to bottom of the foot pain treatment.
• The two phases of treatment include controlling the acute inflammation, and correcting the biomechanics which led to the problem in the first place.
• If the tendons and ligaments are inflammed, they are almost frozen in place and cannot function properly.
• Once the inflammation is decreased, we need to correct the biomechanical causes to ensure that they can never become over worked and inflammed again!
• This doesn’t matter whether it’s plantar fasciitis, plantar fibroma, sore bottom of foot, or even Achilles tendon pain. Treatment is all roughly very similar.

Removing The Stress:

• The key is to prevent future pain.
• If you can get rid of the pain and swelling, this will let you start walking normally.
• If you can walk normally, the vast majority of your pain should gradually start to go away.
• The best way to ensure that your plantar fascia, foot and ankle ligaments are not overworked is to support them.
• The best way to support them is to use great orthotics and great shoes.
• Some people may also need to rely on supportive ankle braces and other supportive modalities.

Best Flat Foot Shoes:

• Getting a great supportive pair of shoes will make sure that there is pressure removed from the heel and plantar fascia region.
• This is especially important if you have plantar fasciitis, heel spur pain or Achilles tendonitis.
• Consider shoes combined with a good supportive orthotic for best pain relief!
• The following link will show you what our favorites are.

Best Flat Foot Orthotics:

• These are our recommended orthotics.
• There are different types for different shoes.
• Women’s shoes usually need a less bulky orthotic, but allow for less correction.
• A full length orthotic requires a running shoe, boot or comfortable walking/dress shoe.
• We recommend doing everything you can to get a good supportive shoe that can fit a full length orthotic.
• This is the best way to maximize your orthotics for great results.

Best Full Length Orthotics:

• These will only work in wider shoes or a good supportive running shoe.
• This will not work in sandals, flats or most women’s dress shoes.

Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:

Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)

Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)

Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)

Best Women’s Orthotics

Price:

$40.46

Price not available

Price not available

$59.00

Overview:

These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.

Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.

These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.

Great Support & Better Fit

Pros:

Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.

My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them

They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.

Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.

Cons:

Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!

Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.

Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.

A little bit more expensive.

Crucial Tips:

Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!

This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!

If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.

These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.

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Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:

Best Overall Orthotic For Everything (Medium Thick Fit)

Price:

$40.46

Overview:

These work best in shoes with laces and running shoes. Not good for dress shoes or women’s cute shoes.

Pros:

Pretty much guaranteed to help you if it fits in your shoes and you give it 2 weeks to get used to. 5,000+ amazon reviews, great track record.

Cons:

Do not wear these in cute or dress shoes!

Crucial Tips:

Ease in to these, 1-2hrs a day. They are like braces for your teeth, they suck at the beginning! But they will make your feet pain free as 1-2 weeks go by. Don’t give up on them after 1 or 2 days. Everyone feels off at the beginning!

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Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:

Best Heavy Duty Orthotic (Thickest Fit)

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

Biggest and most corrective option. Only use for running shoes or work boots. Not cute shoes.

Pros:

My personal favorite, but not for everyone. Amazing reviews over 3,500. But not for everyone. Only for bigger shoes that can fit them

Cons:

Bigger and bulkier than all the other ones. You will be dissappointed if you have a cute women’s shoe or dress shoe. This is meant for running shoes and boots.

Crucial Tips:

This has the most correction, but hardest break in time! IF SENSITIVE, USE A SOFTER PAIR FIRST! But if you get these, you must break them in. Give it 1-2 hours a day, but then you will start to have excellent results. The bad reviews are all people who couldn’t fit it into their shoes and gave up too quickly. You have been WARNED!

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Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:

Best SOFTER Choice For Sensitive Feet (Medium Thick Fit)

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

These are full length inserts, but softer. Great if you can’t tolerate the firmer ones. Best for very sore and sensitive feet.

Pros:

They are softer and the initial break in time is AMAZING. But longer term benefits are less. >500 Almost 5 star amazon rating.

Cons:

Great to start with, but don’t correct long term as much as the other ones.

Crucial Tips:

If you are very sore, TRY THESE FIRST! These are easiest to break in with initially. If you are very sore and rigid, don’t use the heavy duty ones to start with.

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Best Medium to Heavy Duty Heel Pain Orthotics:

Best Women’s Orthotics

Price:

$59.00

Overview:

Great Support & Better Fit

Pros:

Sleek, supportive and have a better fit than the orthotics above.

Cons:

A little bit more expensive.

Crucial Tips:

These will have a harder time fitting in flats and pointed shoes.

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Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:

• These are a great choice for dress orthotics.

Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:

Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)

Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.

Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men

Price:

Price not available

Price not available

$34.88

Overview:

This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!

Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.

Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.

Pros:

Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.

Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.

These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results

Cons:

Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.

These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.

They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support

Crucial Tips:

If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.

This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.

Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.

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Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:

Best Fitting Dress Shoe Orthotic (3/4″)

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

This is my top choice due to best fit. It is a little less supportive than full length, but fit is the key in dress shoes!

Pros:

Excellent overall fit. This will fit in almost every dress shoe. Excellent reviews and reasonable cost overall. Can’t go wrong in most cases.

Cons:

Less correction than full length and heavy duty orthotics.

Crucial Tips:

If you haven’t used dress orthotics before, get this one and avoid poor fit. If you wear dress shoes every day with room, the full length might give you more support.

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Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:

Best Full Length Dress Orthotic.

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

Best option if you can fit a full length orthotic. This does give you most control.

Pros:

Great color dress option. Not the most corrective, but very color and dress appropriate. Great Reviews. Better correction and relief than the 3/4″ length.

Cons:

These can have a poor fit in in some shoes. If you have tight shoes, DO NOT BUY the full length orthotic! You have been warned.

Crucial Tips:

This is will work great in most men’s shoes that are not pointy. If you have a rounded toe box, this will probably work well. If a tight shoe go with the 3/4″ length.

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Best Dress Shoe Orthotics:

Great Heavy Duty Insole for Men

Price:

$34.88

Overview:

Great price and heavy duty insole for Oxford shoes.

Pros:

These fit in most shoes and have really good predictable results

Cons:

They are not full length and thus do not provide as much support

Crucial Tips:

Get these for Oxford and pointed shoes. This will provide best results.

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Best 3/4 Length Orthotics:

• These are great options for women’s dress shoes and thinner shoes.
• These are not the most supportive pair of orthotics.

Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:

Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.

Pros:

They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.

Cons:

At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!

Crucial Tips:

**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.

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Best Flat Shoe (Non-Lace Up) Orthotics:

Best Choice For Tight Women’s Shoes or High Heels..

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

These are the best fitting for the most narrow shoes. Some but not great correction.

Pros:

They will fit in even the tightest shoes! Guaranteed to make you feel better, but you know what you are getting in a tight shoes. Great reviews and price.

Cons:

At the end of the day high heels and slender orthotics help, but never cure all your pain. Make the best of a painful shoe!

Crucial Tips:

**WARNING***: If your shoe almost just barely fits onto your foot, this WILL NOT FIT! Be aware, it still needs a small amount of space to fit.

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Get A Great Dynamic Stretch:

• It is possible to stretch on your own, but these products can also really help!
• This will take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
• We personally prefer this method of stretching.

Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:

Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.

Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.

Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.

Best Hamstring Stretching Device

Price:

$37.97

$24.36

$45.95

$69.95

Overview:

Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)

Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.

Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.

Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.

Pros:

Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.

Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.

Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.

Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.

Cons:

More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.

The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.

Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).

These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.

Important Tips:

Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.

Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.

Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!

Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.

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Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:

Best Premium Plantar Fascia Stretching Device.

Price:

$37.97

Overview:

Great Stretching Device While Standing. (4.9 Amazon Rating)

Pros:

Very sturdy and durable. Great bottom grip and weight so it won’t slide on you. Perfect 5 star review on Amazon.

Cons:

More expensive and built like a tank = more weight. If you can’t balance well or support yourself it could be dangerous.

Important Tips:

Make sure you can balance yourself well against a counter/railing. Do only one foot at a time to prevent falling. Uses your body weight to stretch for you.

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Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:

Best Budget Plantar Fascia Stretching Stretch Device.

Price:

$24.36

Overview:

Plastic and Lighter Plantar Fascia & Achilles Stretching Device.

Pros:

Amazing cost, still works and 1,300+ 5 star reviews. Works great overall and gives you the same stretch.

Cons:

The plastic and less bulk/grip makes it more dangerous to slip. Less premium feel to it.

Important Tips:

Even more important to balance yourself well with this device, make sure you don’t injure yourself with this thing! Still gives you a great stretch to the area.

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Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:

Best Stationary Calf Stretching Device.

Price:

$45.95

Overview:

Premium Best Rated Wood Ankle Stretch Device.

Pros:

Near perfect 4.8 star review on Amazon. Great sturdy device that stretches your calf and hamstring. All you have to do is lean forward. Can be very effective.

Cons:

Nothing wrong with the product, as the reviews suggest, but at the end of the day you can do this stuff yourself (just a little bit harder).

Important Tips:

Make sure you balance yourself on a counter/railing. You need to keep up with this daily at least 15-30 second x 3 or so per morning. It doesn’t stretch for you!

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Best Standing Foot & Ankle Stretching Devices:

Best Hamstring Stretching Device

Price:

$69.95

Overview:

Uses gravity to stretch your hamstring for you. Great reviews and track record.

Pros:

Reviews on Amazon are >4.5 overall with hundreds of reviews. It uses gravity to stretch for you, allows you to also use your hips. Gets great results.

Cons:

These are stretches that you realistically can do on your own. If budget is tight, this is not worth it. If you need help with hamstring stretching, it can make all the difference.

Important Tips:

Need to do 3-5 stretches per day 15-30 seconds. You should notice a massive difference to knee and hamstring tightness. You can massage roll ahead to time for better results for 30-60 seconds.

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Get A Great Static Stretch:

• These devices are great for stretching while you are resting.
• This will also help take pressure off of the ball of your foot.
• This works great for plantar fasciitis.
• It can be used while watching TV or at night time.

Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:

Most Cost Effective Night Splint (Not Best for Sleeping).

Best Actual Night Splint (For Night Time Use)

Best Price & Light Support Night Splint

Price:

$44.99

$65.41

Price not available

Overview:

Hard Night Splint -** Use it before going to bed for 20-30 minutes**

Best & most comfortable splint for actual night time use.

Top of the foot softer & more gentle splint.

Pros:

This is an amazing device with the highest amazon rating. Has 2 great foot wedges that bend your big toe up and lock your foot in. Great at what it does.

This has excellent reviews(better than the hard splint), less foot numbness and soreness in the ball of your foot. Very soft and comfortable.

Most people can tolerate this one during the night, but only because it stretches you less! That might be a good thing if you can set it and forget it for 6-8 hours at night.

Cons:

Hard to use at while sleeping, so don’t use it that way! Easy to use it incorrectly if you don’t use the foot wedges correctly. Your big toe should be angled up to lock your foot in.

It actually stretches you less (that’s why you are able to wear it all night). It is more expensive.

Basically it is more tolerable because it is weaker. This less results in more time.

Important Tips:

**Must use the foot wedge in the front to angle your toes up. This locks your foot from twisting out rather than stretching through the Achilles tendon – This is the KEY!**

If you prefer to actually wear it at night then this is the BEST option. It does work, but this is for those with very little time and can fall asleep in it!

This is meant only for sleeping because to get results you need to wear it a lot longer than the other braces. Use it only if you are very sensitive.

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Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:

Most Cost Effective Night Splint (Not Best for Sleeping).

Price:

$44.99

Overview:

Hard Night Splint -** Use it before going to bed for 20-30 minutes**

Pros:

This is an amazing device with the highest amazon rating. Has 2 great foot wedges that bend your big toe up and lock your foot in. Great at what it does.

Cons:

Hard to use at while sleeping, so don’t use it that way! Easy to use it incorrectly if you don’t use the foot wedges correctly. Your big toe should be angled up to lock your foot in.

Important Tips:

**Must use the foot wedge in the front to angle your toes up. This locks your foot from twisting out rather than stretching through the Achilles tendon – This is the KEY!**

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Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:

Best Actual Night Splint (For Night Time Use)

Price:

$65.41

Overview:

Best & most comfortable splint for actual night time use.

Pros:

This has excellent reviews(better than the hard splint), less foot numbness and soreness in the ball of your foot. Very soft and comfortable.

Cons:

It actually stretches you less (that’s why you are able to wear it all night). It is more expensive.

Important Tips:

If you prefer to actually wear it at night then this is the BEST option. It does work, but this is for those with very little time and can fall asleep in it!

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Best Night & Stretch Splint Products:

Best Price & Light Support Night Splint

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

Top of the foot softer & more gentle splint.

Pros:

Most people can tolerate this one during the night, but only because it stretches you less! That might be a good thing if you can set it and forget it for 6-8 hours at night.

Cons:

Basically it is more tolerable because it is weaker. This less results in more time.

Important Tips:

This is meant only for sleeping because to get results you need to wear it a lot longer than the other braces. Use it only if you are very sensitive.

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Control Inflammation:

Massage & Ice Products:

• Ice is the an excellent option that can be safe for almost everyone.
• There is some debate whether icing is worth doing, but for chronic pain this can help limit the need for medications and keep your options open.
• This works great for your arch, less for the ball of the foot.
• The more muscle and ligament tissue there is, the better ice will work there.

Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:

Best Premium Massage Roller

Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.

Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.

Price:

Price not available

$7.99

$16.49

Overview:

Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.

Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick

Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.

Pros:

Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!

Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.

Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.

Cons:

More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.

Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.

It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.

Important Tips:

Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.

Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!

Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.

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Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:

Best Premium Massage Roller

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

Premium freezable metal ball that stays cold for up to 6 hours. Great for plantar fascia, neck, shoulders and calf muscles.

Pros:

Great reviews – near 5 star. Stays cold for a long time with deep penetrating plantar fascia massage. Used by professional athletes. Stays cold for HOURS!

Cons:

More expensive than some of the other options, but near perfect reviews.

Important Tips:

Use it with a sock to start (could be too cold). Massaging and icing definitely loosens you up and makes you feel better, but you still have to prevent the pain in the first place. You still need stretching, orthotics and good shoes to prevent the initial damage.

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Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:

Most Cost Effective Massage Roller.

Price:

$7.99

Overview:

Amazing Price, Great Reviews – Non-Freezable Massage Rolling Stick

Pros:

Great for what it does. You roll it back and forth along your plantar fascia massaging the swelling and irritation out. Decreases pain. Thousands of 5 star reviews on Amazon.

Cons:

Is not freezable like the other two options. Massaging a sore muscle without the cold sensation can be very painful and render it useless to you if really sore.

Important Tips:

Two things: Without the freezing component, it may be really painful for a very sore arch (So make sure to use ICE also). Also this only reduces pain, it does not stop the cause! You still need good orthotics, shoes and stretching to stop the pain in the first place!

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Best Foot & Ankle Manual Massage Devices:

Cost Effective Freezable Massage Roller.

Price:

$16.49

Overview:

Great price and it is freezable. Budget friendly freezable massage roller.

Pros:

Excellent reviews. It massages and ices, so it is a step up over the massage rollers. Near 5 star reviews with >500 reviews.

Cons:

It does a great job doing what it is supposed to do. Main downside is that it does not stay cold as long as the premium metal ball.

Important Tips:

Start with socks at first, especially if you have peripheral neuropathy => don’t freeze your foot! Remember that you still need good orthotics, good shoes and inserts as well as temporary activity reduction.

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Menthol Based Gels:

• Biofreeze is one of our favorites.
• These gels have been studied to work 2x as long as ice.
• This works great for the ball of the foot.
• This can be very effective for bottom of the heel and Achilles tendon sore regions.

Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products

Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.

Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.

A giant container of value size biofreeze.

Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract

Price:

Price not available

$37.88

$149.99

$19.99

Overview:

The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel

Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.

8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!

This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.

Pros:

Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.

The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.

If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.

It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.

Cons:

Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.

Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.

A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.

Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.

Important Tips:

Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**

Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.

If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!

The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.

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Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products

Best & Proven Pain Relieving Gel.

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

The Proven and Scientifically Published Menthol Based Gel

Pros:

Scientifically proven to loosen up and relief pain up to 2x longer than Ice. Less effort than ice and great reviews. 900+ 5 star reviews on Amazon.

Cons:

Don’t put this on open sores or mucous membranes, it will burn! It can run out quick and doesn’t prevent pain, just helps it.

Important Tips:

Menthol is the active ingredient in this and other hemp based creams. It works similar to ice, but once you apply it you can just move on rather than waiting 20 minutes. **Works great to get your through the night if you have pain sleeping**

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

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Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products

Roll On Version of Biofreeze Gel.

Price:

$37.88

Overview:

Same as biofreeze gel, but the roll-on is prefered by some people for their feet, less messy.

Pros:

The roll-on application of this biofreeze can be easier to apply. Less overall mess.

Cons:

Not as easy to spread in other areas, main difference is the roll on applicator, same solution.

Important Tips:

Roll-on method is best for the bottom of the feet. No other real advantage. Most patients like it prior to bed for easy sleeping without foot pain.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

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Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products

A giant container of value size biofreeze.

Price:

$149.99

Overview:

8.1 lbs(3.67 kg) of Value Sized Biofreeze!

Pros:

If you know you already love it and trust the reviews. This is a great value that lasts a long time.

Cons:

A gigantic bottle that could fall over and injure you! Seriously this could be too big in some situations.

Important Tips:

If you know you love it, this stuff works all over the sore areas in your body not just your foot. I have had many people get me to order this for them in the past and LOVED IT!

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon

Best Foot & Ankle Muscle/Ligament Pain Relief Products

Menthol Based Ointment with Hemp Extract

Price:

$19.99

Overview:

This is an alternative cream: Basically Biofreeze + hemp extract.

Pros:

It has great reviews, loved by the all natural crowd. 100s of 5 star reviews with a near perfect rating.

Cons:

Basically looks like menthol(active Biofreeze ingredient), but with hemp extract SKYROCKETING the price.

Important Tips:

The hemp extract is almost nothing and likely a marketing gimmick. It’s basically Biofreeze with some hemp extract raising the price.

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Massage Sticks:

• These can work great for loosening your muscles.
• This allows less tightness and pressure on the ball of your foot.
• This is very effective for the arch, the gastrocnemius or calf muscle and for the hamstring and thigh muscles.
• This also works very well for the gluteus muscles if you are having butt cheek or hip pain.

Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:

Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick

Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.

Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit

Price:

$39.95

Price not available

Price not available

Overview:

This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.

Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.

A well reviewed foot massage unit.

Pros:

Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.

Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.

Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.

Cons:

If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.

Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.

A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!

Important Tips:

Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.

Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.

This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!

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Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:

Best Overall Muscle Massage Stick

Price:

$39.95

Overview:

This is a great option because hair or skin never gets pinched between the wheels. Softer interface.

Pros:

Best reviews. Hair and skin cannot get pinched. Almost instantly makes you less tender and more flexible. This is a professional grade massage roller.

Cons:

If truly injured (break or tear) this won’t fix your pain. But no real downsides as far as what a massage roller does. Reviews are near perfect.

Important Tips:

Studies show how effective massage rollers are: Use for 30-60 seconds to loosen up tight muscles, and then you can stretch further short term(1-2 hrs). Great for calf, hamstring, thight and IT band muscle stretching.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

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Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:

Best Cost Effective Massage Roller.

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

Great option for an amazing cost. Not as sturdy and comfortable as the tiger tail.

Pros:

Amazing reviews for the price point. It essentially does the same job. Muscles feel great afterward. Same overall benefit.

Cons:

Wheels and handles can come loose. As a result it can gap and pinch skin and leg hairs. Not as durable as the other roller recommended here.

Important Tips:

Same as for the more expensive one. Studies show the real benefits appear in 30-60 seconds per muscle => less sore and more flexible. That is the time to take advantage and play sports/stay loose. Very proven results.

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

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Leg & Calf Muscle Massage Roller Sticks:

Best & Most Affordable Foot Massage Unit

Price:

Price not available

Overview:

A well reviewed foot massage unit.

Pros:

Amazing reviews averaging almost 5 stars. Reasonable price compared to most other units. Relieves swelling and inflammation in your feet naturally.

Cons:

A more expensive version of manual and ice massage. The extra $ is basically to remove the manual labor yourself if you are OK with that!

Important Tips:

This can actually help loosen up your calf muscles and foot muscles for a better stretch. So take advantage! You will be less sore and more flexible, but the results disappear after 1-2 hours or so!

Affiliate Link (Buying through these links will connect you to Amazon):

Buy on Amazon