The Best Red Light Therapy Devices for Tired, Aching Feet
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There are seemingly endless uses for red light therapy at this point: , it can help with wrinkles. On the scalp, it can help with . But did you know red light can also be beneficial to use on your feet?
"Red light therapy is like a little boost of healing power for your feet," says Shital Sharma, a New Jersey-based foot and ankle surgical podiatrist. "It helps improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and speed up recovery for issues like plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or even just general soreness." Overall, says Sharma, "It's great for keeping your feet happy and healthy."
But with so many devices out there, it can be hard to know what's worth trying. Ahead, we've found the top five best red light therapy devices for feet, including Sharma's own recommendation, so you can have pain-free feet in minutes.Sharma recommends "something simple and reliable," like the Mito red light mat. "They cover the right wavelengths and are easy to use. Plus, they're sturdy and designed for regular use, so they'll last you a while," she says.
Number of LEDs: 1,280Length of Treatment: 1-20 minutes
Customer Review:
"I have used my Mito Full Body Mat for therapeutic reasons and now I find it has become a nightly routine. A beautiful way to relax at the end of my day....and continue gleaning the red light/NIR benefits daily!" —Kat D
$999.00 at mitoredlight.comTherabody's futuristic-looking boots combine compression, vibration, and LED infrared light for a unique therapy that helps all the way down the leg. It has eight routines to choose from, or you can customize your own through the various settings.Length of Treatment: Customizable
Customer Review:
"This arrived the day after a workout so I used it and felt so relaxed, I fell asleep. But I was still sore from working out the day after that. So the next time I worked out, I used it shortly after my workout and the results were incredible. I did not experience any of the usual muscle soreness whatsoever and I lift heavy, with dead lifts, squats, lunges, etc. It also felt like I was getting a massage so the relaxation benefits alone are worth it. I wholeheartedly recommend!" —Carolina
$999.00 at amazon.comThis pair of slides almost looks like your go-to Adidas, but they're lined with LEDs to help with pain relief. And because it comes with both a left and right sandal, you can address pain on both feet at once.
Length of Treatment: 20 minutes
Customer Review:
"I had plantar fasciitis and neuropathy in my right foot. These LED slippers have improved my pain and numbness at least 50 percent. Love them!!!!" —Nancy C
$179.00 at target.comThese slipper slides are on the large side, but that helps them fit a whopping 132 LEDs. And seeing as you probably won't be walking around much while wearing them, it shouldn't be too much of an issue while you enjoy some pain relief.
Number of LEDs: 132Length of Treatment: 20 minutes
Customer Review:
"I can't really know whether this device works, as it's not an instant fix and I don't have the time or patience to test one treatment at a time. So I'll just evaluate the device itself. It's a felt slipper with LEDs and, presumably, some sort of heater, unless I just sweat easily. The battery is in a snap on device that can be removed for charging. It attaches magnetically, which is pretty convenient. It's also easy to slip your foot (or hand) inside for a treatment, which I like."
$129.99 at amazon.comIt may look a little funky, but this device straps right onto the foot so it stays put during your treatment. In addition to the red light, it also warms up for extra relief.
Number of LEDs: 450Length of Treatment: 10-30 minutes
Customer Review:
"This product has been a game-changer for my sports recovery! The heat and light combo works wonders." Rosalia
$199.00 at megelin.com
According to Sharma, red light therapy can "absolutely" be helpful for pain relief. "It calms down inflammation and increases blood flow, which can ease discomfort and stiffness," she explains, adding, "It's a gentle, non-invasive option that can make a big difference for achy feet.""You can use it about three to five times a week, and sessions only take 10-20 minutes," explains Sharma. "Some people see results in just a few weeks, so it's worth sticking with it." As with any device, she recommends to follow the instructions closely to ensure proper safety.Can Red Light Therapy Help Soothe Eczema? Experts Weigh In
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The Best Red Light Wands for Smoother, Brighter Skin in a FlashShital Sharma is a board-certified foot and ankle surgical podiatrist at LuxStep Concierge in New Jersey.For more than 150 years, Harper's Bazaar has been the preeminent fashion and beauty resource for women at every age. We cover what's new and what's next in beauty by working with the world's leading authorities in dermatology, plastic surgery, cosmetics, skincare, haircare, and fragrance. Every story we publish has been thoroughly researched and vetted by our team of beauty editors and industry experts.
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