Are the Revitive foot massagers ok for type 2 diabetics

[dog-man]

I know that around 15 years ago, they were frowned upon as being any use to a diabetic, but not there are new and much more sophisticated ones on the market. I am currently looking at Revitive massagers.
Are they good or bad for diabetics, and why?

 

[Leadinglights]

I know that around 15 years ago, they were frowned upon as being any use to a diabetic, but not there are new and much more sophisticated ones on the market. I am currently looking at Revitive massagers.
Are they good or bad for diabetics, and why?

There is a thread discussing this.

Search results for query: Revitive

forum.diabetes.org.uk

It did used to say not suitable for diabetics but that seems to have disappeared from the 'who should not use' section in the description on their website.

 

[Pam123]

Ive had a Revitive for over a year now and have found it very helpful, I use it 3 to 4 times a week.

 

[dog-man]

I have some neuropathy in my feet and get swollen feet and legs on a daily basis, probably due to taking Forxiga every day. Is this a reason not to buy one?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

Some of our members have been recommended not to use one by their podiatrists and DSNs, perhaps have a chat with your nurse? Other members have been told that they can make some problems worse - though clearly @Pam123 has a different experience.

 

[dog-man]

Some of our members have been recommended not to use one by their podiatrists and DSNs, perhaps have a chat with your nurse? Other members have been told that they can make some problems worse - though clearly @Pam123 has a different experience.

I doubt that I could get an appointment with a diabetic nurse at my GP practice to discuss a foot massager. It is not easy getting appointments at my practice, sadly. I went five years without my feet being checked and four years without being weighed at my annual checks. I have no doubt that if I could access my files, it would show that they were done.
I assumed that they were no longer doing foot checks for the same reason they told all type 2 diabetics they no longer needed to test their blood sugar levels.

 

[Leadinglights]

I doubt that I could get an appointment with a diabetic nurse at my GP practice to discuss a foot massager. It is not easy getting appointments at my practice, sadly. I went five years without my feet being checked and four years without being weighed at my annual checks. I have no doubt that if I could access my files, it would show that they were done.
I assumed that they were no longer doing foot checks for the same reason they told all type 2 diabetics they no longer needed to test their blood sugar levels.

The treatment that people get from their surgeries varies enormously from those who get good support with regular blood tests, foot check, eye screening and some will even be prescribed a blood glucose monitor even as Type 2 on only metformin or only dietary managed.
Many do ignore the 'not to test' and self fund a monitor and strips as it gives them control over their condition.

 

[Flower]

I have some neuropathy in my feet and get swollen feet and legs on a daily basis, probably due to taking Forxiga every day. Is this a reason not to buy one?

The potential problems can come if you have diminished feeling in your feet from neuropathy and may not be able to tell if the skin is being irritated or damaged by the electrode pads.

If you have any loss of sensation to touch, heat etc I would be very wary of using something that stimulates & massages feet.

Have you been diagnosed with neuropathy? Podiatry services have really suffered since COVID but getting an annual foot check with a gp surgery is important especially if you are noticing problems. I know the level of checks & support varies a lot around the country but I would ask again for a foot check as part of your diabetes check up.

 

[Chelseagirl]

I had pain in one calf particularly. Turns out it would have been intermittent claudication, and the artery blocked eventually. This resulted in an emergency femoral bypass operation. I’m not sure that this piece of kit would have helped previously. Not saying don’t get it, just make sure your foot pulses can be detected before you get one, to rule this out.

 

[dog-man]

I do still have foot pulses.
I asked if I could see podiatry on a regular basis, like I used to, several years ago. If only because I sometimes cut my toes when cutting my nails.
It once took me 2.5 days to stop the bleeding on one toe.
I was given a huge list of conditions that qualify for seeing podiatry and told I don't qualify.