At St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center, our experienced podiatrists understand the frustration and limitations associated with ongoing foot pain. That’s why our team of skilled foot doctors offers advanced treatment options, including Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy.
Whether you're suffering from plantar fasciitis, arthritis, or another painful foot condition, MLS laser therapy might be the non-invasive solution you've been searching for. This innovative treatment has helped many laser therapy candidates return to an active lifestyle without the burden of chronic pain. Below, discover how this treatment works and whether it could be right for you.
Understanding MLS Laser Therapy for Foot Conditions
MLS laser therapy is an FDA-approved, noninvasive advanced treatment that uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate healing and reduce pain and inflammation in damaged tissues. Unlike older laser technologies, the MLS system synchronizes two wavelengths—one for pain control and one for reducing inflammation—delivering better results with fewer treatments.
During MLS therapy, the laser is directed at the affected area, allowing the light energy to penetrate deep into the tissues. This energy triggers a series of beneficial biological responses, including increased circulation, reduced inflammation, and accelerated tissue repair. The treatment works at the cellular level to help your body heal itself more efficiently and addresses symptoms and underlying causes. Each session typically lasts between 10 and 15 minutes. Most conditions require a series of treatments for optimal results, usually 6-10 sessions over several weeks.
Common Foot Conditions Treated With MLS Laser Therapy
MLS laser therapy can be effectively used to treat a wide range of foot and ankle conditions that cause chronic pain and limited mobility, including conditions like:
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Plantar fasciitis
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Achilles tendonitis
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Arthritis in the feet or ankles can be debilitating
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Neuromas
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Numbness in the extremities (depending on the cause)
Ideal Candidates for MLS Laser Therapy
Not everyone with foot pain will be an ideal candidate for MLS laser therapy, but it can be an excellent option for many patients. Those who can benefit include:
Patients With Chronic Foot or Ankle Pain
Patients with chronic pain conditions who haven't found relief through conservative treatments often make excellent candidates for MLS laser therapy. If you've tried rest, ice, compression, elevation, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory medications without adequate improvement, laser therapy may provide the breakthrough you need.
Athletes and Others with an Active Lifestyle
Athletes and active individuals frequently benefit from the accelerated healing MLS laser therapy provides. The treatment can get you back to your favorite activities faster than traditional recovery methods alone, making it popular among runners, hikers, and sports enthusiasts in the St. Cloud area who want to maintain their active lifestyles.
People Living With Diabetes
MLS laser therapy may provide relief to patients living with chronic diabetic foot pain by helping to improve blood flow to their extremities. However, it's essential for diabetic patients to have a thorough evaluation to determine if they're appropriate candidates.
Individuals With Circulatory Problems
People with poor circulation often respond well to MLS laser therapy because it stimulates blood flow to the treated area. Improved blood circulation brings more oxygen and nutrients to damaged tissues, enhancing the body's natural healing processes, which may otherwise be slower for those who have poor blood circulation.
When MLS Laser Therapy May Not Be Appropriate
While MLS laser therapy is safe for many people, there are situations where it may not be recommended. Understanding contraindications is important when considering treatment options.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women should generally avoid MLS laser therapy. Although there's no evidence that laser therapy is harmful during pregnancy, most medical professionals recommend avoiding it as a precautionary measure until more research is available on its effects during pregnancy.
Cancer
Patients with active cancer in the treatment area are typically not candidates for MLS laser therapy. This is because increased circulation and cellular stimulation could potentially affect cancer cells.
Light Sensitivity
Those with certain photosensitivity issues may need to avoid laser therapy or undergo modified treatment protocols. If you have a condition that makes your skin unusually sensitive to light, or if you're taking medications that cause photosensitivity, be sure to discuss this with your St. Cloud foot doctor.
Pacemaker
Patients with pacemakers or any other implanted electronic device need to be carefully evaluated before undergoing MLS laser therapy. While the treatment doesn't necessarily interfere with these devices, your podiatrist may recommend additional precautions or alternative treatments depending on your specific situation.
Infection
Individuals with infections in the treatment area should wait until the infection clears before starting MLS laser therapy. Otherwise, the treatment could potentially cause the infection spread.
What to Expect During MLS Laser Treatment
It's important for MLS laser therapy candidates to know what to expect during treatment. From your first consultation to your final session, the experience at St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center is designed to be comfortable and efficient.
Pre-Treatment Exam
During your initial consultation, your St. Cloud podiatrist will thoroughly examine your feet and review your medical history before discussing whether MLS laser therapy is appropriate for your specific situation. Then, your podiatrist will develop a customized treatment plan for you. For optimal results, most patients require a series of 6-10 sessions spaced over several weeks.
Treatment Process
On the day of treatment, you'll be seated comfortably while the laser device is positioned over the affected area. You won't need to remove any clothing for foot and ankle treatments, though the area being treated must be exposed. You may feel a gentle warmth but no discomfort. A St. Cloud Foot & Ankle Center team member will remain with you throughout the process, monitoring the treatment and ensuring your comfort. After each treatment, you can immediately return to your normal activities, with no downtime.