Low-level Laser Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes pain on your foot, affecting the plantar fascia. The plantar fascia is a band of ligaments at the bottom of your foot. These ligaments are around the heel and the arch, absorbing the shock as you walk or run.

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis causes pain when you wake and take your first steps. As the day continues, the pain decreases. However, it may return after standing for long or when you stand up. The pain may also become worse after exercising.

Treating Plantar Fasciitis Using Low-level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy offers a painless, non-invasive way to relieve the debilitating pain of this condition. The laser penetrates deep into the tissue and works on a cellular level. It has no side effects, helping deal with acute flare-ups and inflammation.

How Does It Work?

A clinician focuses a high-energy beam of light over the plantar fascia. The technology helps stimulate the production of intracellular energy, promoting wound healing. The depth the laser reaches together with the intensity can vary with the brand. But after multiple treatments, your body can synthesize the protein it needs to heal.

Is the Treatment Effective?

The treatment is highly effective in treating plantar fasciitis. Some patients feel immediate relief after a therapy session. In others, it may take a couple of sessions. Also, some of the patients may need stretches and exercises to encourage complete healing.

Low-level laser treatment does not produce heat. Thus, it does not damage any cells or your skin. It is painless and non-invasive, making it preferable for many people.

Benefits of Low-level Laser Therapy

Patients usually start feeling relief after one or two treatments. The majority will do so after five treatments. Here are some benefits of choosing low-level laser therapy to treat your plantar fasciitis.

Pain Relief

The laser decreases the sensitivity of your nerves by lowering the pain chemical in your body. It releases endorphins that have an analgesic effect on your body.

Anti-inflammatory

The technology stimulates the production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which carries energy in the cells. It increases intracellular energy production for the repair and regeneration of cells. The therapy also widens the veins and arteries around the area of injury, allowing for cellular debris to move. It opens up the channels to allow the flow of nutrients and oxygen.

Tissue Repair and Cell Growth

Photons penetrate deep into the tissue. They interact with the light-sensitive parts of the cells, initiating cellular growth. The growth and reproduction encourage the repair of ligaments, tendons, muscles, and nerves. The therapy also increases the number of stem cells for fast healing.

Fast Healing

The laser light penetrates the cells, stimulating the building blocks of collagen. Collagen is fundamental in healing wounds and damages to tissues. It is the essential protein that helps in the replacement of old tissue and the repair of injuries. 

Low-level laser therapy has many benefits. It is also the preferable therapy for seniors since it is relatively painless and non-invasive. The technology does not damage their cells and promotes fast healing of their injuries.

For more information on plantar fasciitis, visit Pain and Laser Centers of North Carolina at our office in Greensboro, North Carolina. You can also call (336) 815-5800 to book an appointment today.