PLANTAR FASCIITIS! IS THE LASER THE WAY TO GO?

 If you have heel pain in the morning or after sitting a long time, then you probably have plantar fasciitis and/or heel spurs. Plantar fasciitis is the result of bone or nerve irritation from too much tension, inflammation, or scar tissue in the fascia - the ligament on the bottom of the foot. The pain often increases with more walking and standing. The pain is usually where the fascia attaches to the heel, but it can be over the entire bottom area of the foot. A heel spur is a growth of bone from the heel that is often associated with plantar fasciitis pain because the bone sticking out from the heel spur is rubbing on the plantar fasciitis and causing irritation.

 Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for plantar fasciitis or "photobiomodulation" is the use of specific wavelength of light (red and near-infrared) to create therapeutic effects. The effects include but not limited to improved healing time, pain reduction, increased circulation, decreased swelling and vasodilation. Laser therapy has been widely utilized in Europe by physical therapists, nurses, and doctors as far back as the 1970s. Now, after FDA clearance in 2002, laser therapy is being used extensively in the United States.

Physician Consult

People with chronic plantar fasciitis should consult with their physician about whether laser therapy might help. The doctor will be able to have a better assessment of the plantar fascia after he/she takes x-rays and does a full physical of your legs and feet, as well as observes your gait.

Procedure

The procedure involves focusing a light beam on the foot to stimulate cellular reactions believed to reduce inflammation and pain while also speeding up recovery. Laser therapy is proven to biostimulate tissue repair and growth. The laser accelerates wound healing and decreases inflammation, pain and scar tissue formation as well as producing singlet oxygen, which destroys fungus. When it comes to pain management and fungus destruction Class 4 laser therapy provides dramatic results, is non-addictive and virtually free of side effects.

Proposed Mechanism

Laser therapy is believed to counteract plantar fasciitis by stopping the cycle of inflammation. Chronically inflamed tissues block nutrient and oxygen flow to the surrounding muscles and joints. The aim of treatment is to deliver focused laser energy directly to injured cells to repair and heal the tissues in order to fight the inflammation and restore oxygenated, nutrient-rich blood flow…

If you or someone you know has problems with Plantar Fasciitis or heel pain, Contact your Podiatrist today to find out if Laser therapy is right for you!! Because remember,  when your feet hurt, you hurt all over!!