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There are seemingly endless uses for red light therapy at this point: As a mask, it can help with wrinkles. On the scalp, it can help with hair growth. 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.
The Best Red Light Devices for Feet
Pros
Works on the full body
Cons
- Pricey
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: 1,280
Length 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
Best Compression Boots
Therabody JetBoots PRO Plus Wireless Compression Boots
Pros
- Wireless charge lasts 5 hours
Cons
- Large size is hard to store
Therabody'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
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Pros
- Features adjustable straps
Cons
- Only one size
This 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
Pros
- Has a 20-minute auto-timer
Cons
- The larger size may not work for smaller feet
These 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: 132
Length 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."
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Pros
- Adjustable and stays on well
Cons
- Only comes with one
It 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: 450
Length 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
Frequently Asked Questions
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Does Red Light Therapy Help with Foot Pain?
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."
How Often Should You Use Red Light for Your 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.
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Meet the Expert
Shital Sharma is a board-certified foot and ankle surgical podiatrist at LuxStep Concierge in New Jersey.
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