HuffPost previously asked podiatrists to recommend over-the-counter solutions for dealing with foot pain — specifically the discomfort caused by the very common condition plantar fasciitis. We learned from podiatrist Louis J. DeCaro, who is also president of the American College of Foot and Ankle Pediatrics, that stretching before most physical activities can make the most difference when it comes to foot pain, and devices like this incredibly well-rated and podiatrist-recommended foot stretcher can help. Many state that this rocking stretcher not only eliminated their foot pain, but that it is actually the same device they use in the offices of their physical therapists and podiatrists.
The sturdy rocker design holds the foot in the optimal position for an accurate, deep and efficient stretch, and slip-resistant pads at its base keep the stretcher secure in place while in use. It’s received APMA seal of approval for having been found to be beneficial to foot health.
The maker and reviewers claim that daily use of the ProStretch, which can support up to 250 pounds, helps to reduce pain and inflammation associated with tight calf muscles, tendinitis, plantar fasciitis and shin splints, improving both mobility and quality of life.
Of course, you should always get your doctor’s approval before using devices like this, and seek professional medical attention if your pain persists.
Keep reading for some pain-relief testimonials or scroll ahead to grab a ProStretch of your own.
“This contraption has been added to my daily stretching routine and it’s been a super helpful tool. Especially if you have tightness in your feet/calves/achilles, definitely recommend it. I’m able to stretch my foot with plantar fasciitis and relieve some of the tightness and pain, which is a relief to have in my arsenal. The tool comes with a few suggestions for stretching exercises which I found to be helpful. Especially find standing on one foot stretch to be pain relieving. Great product.” — Shannon Indigo
“I recently developed plantar fasciitis and it was causing me all kinds of pain in my knee, heel and ankle. Using this device before and after my runs made a world of difference. [The] pain is subsiding and I’m able to continue training. Such a great device for a hard-to-stretch area - highly recommend.” — Bels
“Helps greatly with the stiffness in my ankle for stretching the soleus and my calf since I severely sprained my ankle six months ago. It also helps some with my heel pain since we suspect I now have developed plantar fasciitis. It’s exactly what my physical therapist has me use when I am in the office for sessions and so I got one so I can have it at home and properly do my exercises in between sessions.” — Becca’s
“I love this! I was diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and my doctor wanted me to order this for physical therapy. It works great! Each visit to the doctor, my foot has improved. Most of the exercises he wanted me to do didn’t seem to do anything to help, but this rocker did! Easy to use and only takes a minute — two to three 20-second stretches a couple times a day is all I need to do to keep the pain away. When I first started using it I could barely walk the pain was so bad. Now most days I hardly notice any pain at all. Only $20 and it saved me the cost, trips and hassle of going to a physical therapist. Very sturdy and easy to use.” — Julie H
Need more pain relief? Check out these reviewer-loved products under $20, as previously reported by senior HuffPost Shopping writer Tessa Flores.
A penetrative concentrate cream
The Penetrex recovery cream is possibly one of the most impressively reviewed pain-relief topicals on Amazon that features a concentrated blend of natural ingredients. It's a non-greasy and sensitive skin-friendly formula containing arnica and vitamin B6 to soothe sore and achy muscles without the burning or freezing sensation of other numbing creams.
Promising review: "Penetrex works for me. I have tried many different pain relieving creams and really believed a topical cream could not eliminate pain. Some products have a lot of Menthol that distracts from the pain for a while. I broke my wrist in 2015 and have 10 metal pins in my wrist. My hand, as well as my wrist, are frequently painful. I think some arthritis is developing. I am so thankful to have found Penetrex. When my hand or wrist starts hurting, I rub in a small amount of Penetrex and the pain goes away. I have not timed how long it takes. I just know if I want the pain to stop, I use Penetrex and not long after, I realize the pain is gone. I keep a jar at home and at work. I will not be without it, so I hope the company stays around for a very long time. Penetrex is not sticky or greasy, it rubs in completely like a hand cream or lotion. It has a mild fragrance, not a strong odor like some sports creams. I was introduced to electrode therapy and ultrasound during my physical therapy sessions for my wrist. I purchased both for home use. Penetrex works better than either of those therapies. I recommend you try it. It may not work the same for everyone and every type of pain, but it is worth a try." — Rita Berry
A cervical traction pillow for the neck and shoulders
According to one reviewer, this odd-shaped pillow made their shoulder pain "disappear completely" using a stretching technique called cervical traction, which involves gently creating space between the bones of the neck. The pillow is made from a dense foam and strategically follows the natural curvature of the spine to ease pain in as little as 10 minutes a day.
Promising review: "So here's a backstory, I have a pinched nerve and I am an artist who uses their hands A LOT. It causes me a lot of pain in my right hand, which causes my arm to go numb at night and aches all through the night. It stems from my shoulder and for the last several days I've been in a ton of pain, unable to sleep. I bought this on a whim with the hope for some relief in my neck and shoulder. As soon as it arrived I opened it and used it for less than a minute. That 45 seconds I was on it made my shoulder pain disappear completely. I was shocked.. but so happy to finally have this relief. Let me be clear, my back and shoulder is messed up from several things.. and it hurt because of the tension I've kept when I used this product. But it was the kind of pain you would get from a deep tissue massage or something like that. I've continued use through the day, using around 1-2 minutes total. No pain, no aches, my neck feels less tense and my shoulder pain is completely gone. I will continue using it daily! Highly recommended" — Z
An acupressure mat and pillow set
This mat and pillow set may seem intimidating, however an overwhelming number of reviewers swear by this accupressure tool to provide pain relief. Its cushioned surface is covered with over 10,000 hard plastic spikes that, though, are not a complete substitute for acupuncture, are meant to improve circulation and help relax muscles. The mat is available in both large (about 16 by 26 inches) and extra large (about 19 by 51 inches) sizes.
Promising review: "I cannot express enough how much I am in love with this accupressure mat!!!! Yes, it hurts at first for the first few minutes.... but chances are you got this because you have pain anyways....why not grimace for another few minutes to experience the relaxing, pain relieving result while you lay on it and after!! My friend recommended this to me because of my horrible back pains and back diagnoses. I had no clue what I was in for. I did almost want to give up when first laying on it because it does really hurt at first, but then my minute 2-4, it just kinda becomes warm and relaxing. Last time my back went out, it was for 3 months. I was basically bed-ridden. I wish I had had this mat back then. However, since then, I have had those moments where I felt like it was going to go out, I put on a full body meditation channel on youtube, relax myself, lay on the mat for all of 10 minutes (you can go longer), and I am back to feeling better and pain free. It is my understanding you will gain even greater health benefits if you can make this part of your daily routine, but I can vouch how incredible it is even if you just do it when needed because of an onset of pain. Please, do yourself a favor and get this. Research though, there are different levels and and numbers of spikes. I bought a different kind with a less spikey feel, and I will occasionally use that one for the lower half of my body, because for my pain relief I have learned I need the extra spikey feel to get down to my nerves, tissues and muscles I guess. Neck pillow on this one is too much for my neck, but I learned you can put a thin cloth, like slide a thin pillowcase over it and then I am able to use the neck pillow. Love love love this... it has saved me on multiple occasions!!!!" — Storm
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