the manufacturer’s directions: Different machines have different features and suggestions for use. Make sure you pay attention to the instructions. The easy pour spout makes this a simple task and tidying away even more so thanks to the collapsible design. They suggested a combination of features to consider, told us what types of things can be added to foot baths to maximize your experience, and made some important safety notes.

Have a routine, of course!" Correa says. She shares her step-by-step process to make the most of your foot spa:For any and all foot bath needs, be they therapeutic or just for fun, the Niksa Foot Spa Massager with Heat has something for everyone. Vibration and rollers massage tired feet while temperature-controlled heat and bubbles soothe away stress. It heats up fast and is easy to use, making it our top choice for everyday use. Most foot baths on our list have some added features like vibration, rolling massage, bubbles, and pumice stones, which may be particularly important depending on your personal needs.

Without getting too much in the weeds here, proponents of ionic foot baths claim that these treatments can remove toxins with the use of a low-voltage electrical current; the ionization charges atoms in the water that attract toxins in your body and pull them out through your feet. I recommend Epsom salt soaks [after] ingrown toenail procedures or simply for tired feet,” says Dr. Sidney Weiser, president of Quality Podiatry Group. “Soaking [also] helps with softening [hard fungal] nails and makes them easier to cut, and soften corns and calluses prior to debridement.”regularly: A dirty machine increases the likelihood of bacteria and fungi buildup, which puts your feet at risk. After draining your tub, wash it with soap and water and dry it thoroughly. (The Environmental Protection Agency has a great cleaning guide.) With that advice, we scoured the internet for crowd-favorite foot baths with features like vibration, massaging nodes, and temperature-controlled heating. We also tried to find a variety of foot baths for every budget, from simple-but-effective basins to luxurious, at-home spa machines. off after taking a dip: As fun as it is to soak your feet, it’s also important to properly dry your feet afterward. Have a towel at-the-ready to dry off your tootsies to help prevent bacteria and fungi from growing. Depending on which foot spa you buy, it may come with a host of additional features such as bubble jets, vibration, timers and massage rollers.

Find a foot bath that allows you to regulate the water temperature—some let you control the water temperature, and some don't,” says Dr. McEneaney. “If you have muscle pain that's not acute, a warm bath will be good, [but] cold water will be better for joints.” Foot spas are widely available so the good news is, whatever your budget you'll be able to find something suitable for your needs. The size of the unit itself is an important, but often overlooked, feature - particularly if you have larger feet. For the best experience, look for a foot spa with enough room to fit both of your feet inside while allowing the water to reach your ankles. Additional Features If you want a slightly more deluxe, spa-like experience, we recommend the HoMedics Shiatsu Bliss Footbath with Heat Boost. With deep, acupressure kneading and a heat boost feature, you can get a luxurious foot bath in your own home. How We Selected the Best Foot BathsMake sure the foot spa is unplugged while you fill it to the MAX line with warm (not boiling) water. You can add some of your favourite bath salts to create a calming aroma to relax in.

Obviously, if you want even more coverage, you’ll have to keep the height of your foot bath in mind, too. Some are designed to be taller than others, allowing you to fill them more (and soak more of your leg) than shallow baths. At the least, a good spa will be relatively compact, or easy enough to move around the home. If you're after a bit more than a warm foot bath, there's more advanced models out there that will allow you to control the temperature, incorporate bubbles or even opt for a soothing massage.Foot baths need to be big enough to place both feet inside, and water should be able to cover above the ankle,” says Dr. Weiser. Both doctors note that their recommendations only apply to people with healthy feet. You should not use a foot bath if you have open sores on your feet or if the source of your foot pain is undiagnosed. If you have healthy feet and are just looking to use [a foot bath] to relax, it comes down to what you prefer and how much you want to spend,” says Dr. McEneaney. “There are really basic foot baths on the market that could do the job you need it to do, and then there are really sophisticated, expensive ones.”