Five Conditions We Treat with Laser Therapy for Pain

Foot and ankle pain can make even simple activities, such as walking through the grocery store or standing at work, uncomfortable. While medications, rest, physical therapy, orthotics, and other treatments may help, some patients continue to experience pain that interferes with daily life.

At Optimum Podiatry, our Marietta podiatrist uses laser therapy for pain relief, alone or as part of a larger treatment plan. This non-invasive therapy uses focused light energy that is intended to support the body’s natural healing response, improve circulation in the treatment area, and reduce inflammation and discomfort.

Depending on the cause of your symptoms, laser therapy may be recommended alone or alongside other podiatric treatments. Here are five conditions we may treat with laser therapy for pain.

Key Takeaways

• Laser therapy can serve as a stand-alone treatment for pain, or work in combination with other therapies
  
  
• Conditions that respond well to laser therapy include plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, soft-tissue injuries, arthritis and neuropathy
  
  
• Before beginning laser therapy for pain, you should undergo a comprehensive podiatric evaluation to rule out underlying injuries or conditions that may not respond to this course of treatment

1. Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain. It occurs when the plantar fascia, the strong band of tissue running along the bottom of the foot, becomes irritated or inflamed.

The condition frequently causes sharp heel pain when taking your first few steps after getting out of bed in the morning. Pain may also return after long periods of standing, walking, or exercise.

We can incorporate laser therapy into a plantar fasciitis treatment plan to target painful and inflamed tissue. The goal is to decrease discomfort while encouraging the healing process.

Other plantar fasciitis treatments may include:

• Stretching exercises
• Supportive footwear
• Custom orthotics
• Activity modifications
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory treatments

Because plantar fasciitis can become persistent when the underlying stress on the foot is not addressed, a comprehensive evaluation with Dr. Alvin Cowans can help identify contributing factors and create a more complete treatment plan.

2. Laser Therapy for Pain: Treating Achilles Tendinitis

The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone and plays an important role whenever you walk, run, climb stairs, or push off the ground.

Overuse, repetitive stress, sudden increases in physical activity, and tight calf muscles can contribute to Achilles tendinitis. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, tenderness, and swelling along the back of the heel or ankle.

We can use laser therapy to help manage inflammation and discomfort around the Achilles tendon while the injured tissue heals.

Treatment often involves more than simply addressing the painful area. Depending on your condition, we may also recommend stretching, strengthening exercises, changes in activity, footwear modifications, or orthotics to reduce continued stress on the tendon.

3. Arthritis-Related Foot and Ankle Pain

Arthritis can affect many of the joints in the feet and ankles. As joint cartilage changes or wears down, patients may experience pain, swelling, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

These symptoms can make walking and other everyday activities increasingly difficult.

Although laser therapy does not reverse arthritis, it may be used to help reduce pain and inflammation surrounding affected joints. For some patients, this can make movement and daily activities more comfortable.

A comprehensive arthritis treatment plan may also include supportive shoes, custom orthotics, exercise modifications, medications, injections, or other treatments based on the severity and location of the affected joints.

4. Laser Therapy for Pain: Tendon and Soft-Tissue Injuries

Your feet and ankles contain numerous tendons, ligaments, muscles, and other soft tissues that absorb stress throughout the day. Injuries to these structures can occur because of sports, repetitive activity, sudden movements, or overuse.

Examples may include certain tendon injuries, muscle strains, and ligament-related pain.

Laser therapy may be used as part of treatment for some soft-tissue injuries to address inflammation and discomfort and support the healing environment around the injured area.

However, persistent foot or ankle pain should not simply be treated as soreness. Different injuries can cause similar symptoms, and some may require immobilization or other specific treatment. A thorough examination at our podiatry practice in Powder Springs will help determine which structure is injured and how serious the problem may be.

5. Peripheral Neuropathy and Nerve-Related Foot Pain

Peripheral neuropathy can cause burning, tingling, numbness, sensitivity, or shooting pain in the feet. Diabetes is one well-known cause, although neuropathy can develop for many different reasons.

For certain patients with nerve-related foot discomfort, laser therapy may help manage your symptoms.

If you have neuropathy, you should also maintain regular visits for comprehensive diabetic foot care.  Reduced sensation in your feet can increase your risk of unnoticed cuts, sores, infections, and other complications that can lead to ulcer development, threating your limb health.

What Is Laser Therapy for Foot Pain?

Therapeutic laser treatment uses specific wavelengths of light directed toward an injured or painful area. The treatment is non-invasive, meaning there are no surgical incisions.

During a session, the laser is applied to the targeted area of the foot or ankle. Treatment plans vary depending on the condition, its severity, and how an individual responds to therapy.

Laser therapy may be particularly appealing to patients looking for a treatment that can be incorporated into a conservative care plan. However, it is not appropriate for every type of foot or ankle pain.

That is why determining the cause of the pain matters first.

Is Laser Therapy Right for Your Foot or Ankle Pain?

Heel pain, tendon pain, arthritis, nerve discomfort, and soft-tissue injuries can all interfere with your ability to stay active. But similar symptoms can have very different causes.

At Optimum Podiatry, we first evaluate your foot or ankle to determine what is causing your symptoms. If laser therapy is appropriate, it can then be incorporated into a treatment plan designed around your specific condition.

Rather than continuing to work around persistent foot or ankle pain, consider having it evaluated.

Contact Optimum Podiatry today to make an appointment and find out whether laser therapy may be an appropriate option for your foot or ankle pain.