Living with persistent foot pain can make every step a challenge. Whether you're spending long hours on your feet at work or trying to enjoy a round of golf at your favorite local course, chronic discomfort can severely impact your quality of life. At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, Tony Abbott uses advanced MLS laser therapy to help patients find relief from foot and ankle pain without surgery or medication.
Laser Therapies for Foot and Ankle Pain
There are three primary types of laser therapies that can help folks suffering from foot and ankle pain. They include:
Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy
At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic in Collingwood, we specialize in MLS laser therapy, an advanced Class IV laser treatment that synchronizes dual wavelengths to target pain and inflammation. This innovative system delivers controlled, precise energy to damaged tissues, promoting faster healing and pain relief. MLS therapy is particularly effective for treating plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and sports injuries, with most patients experiencing significant improvement in just a few sessions.
Cold Laser Therapy (Low-Level Laser Therapy/LLLT)
Low-Level Laser Therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing at the cellular level. This gentle treatment penetrates the skin's surface to reduce inflammation and accelerate tissue repair. LLLT is particularly beneficial for chronic conditions and can help manage neuropathy symptoms. While it typically requires more sessions than MLS therapy, its gentle nature makes it suitable for sensitive patients.
CO2 Laser Therapy
CO2 laser therapy serves as a precise surgical tool for specific foot conditions. This specialized treatment removes warts, addresses certain nail problems, and performs minor surgical procedures. While more invasive than other laser options, CO2 laser therapy offers exceptional precision and typically results in faster healing times than traditional surgical methods. Local anesthetic ensures patient comfort during treatment.
At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we focus on MLS laser therapy as our primary laser treatment option, having found it provides optimal results for our patients' needs. We're happy to discuss which treatment approach might work best for your specific condition during a consultation.
What Is MLS Laser Therapy?
MLS laser therapy is an innovative treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce inflammation. This FDA-cleared technology combines two therapeutic wavelengths – an 808nm continuous wave and a 905nm pulsed wave. When synchronized, these wavelengths work together to decrease inflammation while promoting tissue repair and cellular regeneration.
MLS Laser Therapy Can Help Many Foot and Ankle Conditions
MLS laser therapy accelerates the healing of sprains, strains, and other injuries by reducing swelling and promoting tissue repair. It’s a non-invasive alternative for folks who sustained sports-related injuries or other forms of acute trauma. Laser therapy can also help treat:
- Chronic pain. The dual-action laser system provides lasting relief for conditions like arthritis and tendonitis by decreasing inflammation and improving circulation.
- Post-surgical recovery. Patients recovering from foot or ankle surgery often experience faster healing and less post-operative pain with MLS laser treatments.
- Nerve pain. The therapeutic wavelengths can help reduce nerve-related discomfort and promote healing for conditions like neuropathy and neuromas.
- Joint problems. MLS laser therapy helps decrease joint inflammation and stiffness while improving your range of motion.
MLS Laser Therapy and Plantar Fasciitis
For patients suffering from plantar fasciitis, MLS laser therapy offers targeted relief by addressing both pain and inflammation in the plantar fascia. The continuous wave component provides immediate pain relief, while the pulsed wave stimulates deep healing of the damaged tissue. This combination approach helps reduce the morning pain and stiffness typically associated with plantar fasciitis while promoting long-term healing of the affected area.
Combining MLS Laser Therapy with Other Treatments
At Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, we often recommend combining MLS laser therapy with other treatment options for optimal results. Our custom 3D-printed Cryos orthotics can help maintain proper foot alignment while laser therapy promotes healing. We'll work with you to develop a comprehensive treatment plan to address your immediate pain and long-term foot health.
What to Expect After MLS Laser Therapy Treatment
Preparing for your first laser therapy session is simple. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to the treatment area. There's no need to fast or adjust medications before treatment. You can drive yourself to and from appointments since there are no side effects that would impair your ability to operate a vehicle.
After your MLS laser therapy session at Abbott Foot & Ankle Clinic, you should be able to return to your daily activities immediately. Unlike some treatments that require rest or recovery time, laser therapy allows you to maintain your regular routine. Here's what you can expect in the days following your treatment:
Immediate Effects
Many patients notice some improvement right after their first session. You may experience:
- Reduced pain levels in the treated area
- Decreased inflammation and swelling
- Improved mobility and range of motion
- A mild warming sensation that typically subsides within an hour
First 24-48 Hours
The therapeutic benefits of MLS laser therapy continue to develop after your session:
- Pain relief often increases gradually.
- Inflammation continues to decrease.
- Improved circulation in the treated area promotes healing.
- Some patients report increased energy in the treated area.
Long-Term Results
As you progress through your treatment plan, each session builds upon the results of previous treatments. Your pain relief typically lasts longer, and your healing can accelerate. Your overall foot function should continue to improve, too.
Monitoring Your Progress
We'll work closely with you to track your improvement, but there are some things you can do on your own. We recommend that you keep notes about your pain levels and mobility. You should also document any changes (both positive and negative) in your ability to perform daily activities. Schedule follow-up appointments to assess your progress and ensure you don’t fall behind. Our chiropodist Tony Abbott will adjust your treatment plan if needed for optimal results.
Activity Guidelines
While there are no strict restrictions after MLS laser therapy, we recommend:
- Staying well-hydrated to support the healing process
- Maintaining normal activity levels as comfort allows
- Avoiding overexertion of the treated area
- Following any additional recommendations specific to your condition
When to Contact Us
While complications are infrequent with MLS laser therapy, contact our Collingwood clinic if you experience:
- Unexpected increase in pain
- Unusual swelling or discomfort
- Any concerns about your treatment or recovery
- Questions about your ongoing care plan
Is MLS Laser Therapy Right for You?
MLS laser therapy is ideal for many patients with foot and ankle pain. However, we may not recommend it to patients who:
- Are pregnant
- Have active cancer in the treatment area
- Have a pacemaker
- Have certain medical conditions
During your consultation, Collingwood chiropodist Tony Abbott will review your medical history and current symptoms to determine if MLS laser therapy is the best treatment option for your situation.