ADVERTISING: Advertorial — Plantar fasciitis and low-level laser therapy

The most common cause of foot pain, affecting approximately 10 percent of the population, is plantar fasciitis. The plantar fascia is a structure located at the bottom of the heel bone that travels up to the toes. Its main job is to help maintain the arch of the foot. Plantar fasciitis (PF) denotes an inflammation of the plantar tendon, which is a layer of tissue that stretches across the bottom of your foot. When it is inflamed, it can cause a sharp pain under the heel that is worse with the first steps in the morning or after periods of inactivity.

Risk factors include overuse, an unusual increase in activity level, standing for long periods of time, and excessive weight gain. It can also be caused by improper footwear like high heels, worn out running shoes, or any footwear that does not provide adequate support for the feet. Inflexibility or weakness in the calf and foot could also cause the problem. In fact, any movement that causes a pull on the plantar tendon has the potential to result in painful stabbing sensations in the heel.

Plantar fasciitis treatment ranges from rest to surgical intervention. According to studies, 90% of PF cases will resolve within 12 months with conservative methods that generally include some combination of rest, a change in activity levels, stretching, physical therapy, foot orthotics, night splinting, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents (NSAIDs), oral analgesics, or corticosteroid injections. Patients unresponsive to conservative therapies can undergo treatment that is more aggressive, including extracorporeal shock wave therapy and endoscopic or open plantar fasciotomy. Failure of these measures occurs in about 10% of patients, resulting in chronic PF and a difficult clinical problem.

A new treatment for chronic PF is low-level laser therapy (LLLT). It has become increasingly popular because it is painless, noninvasive, and effective. LLLT therapy works by harnessing the power of laser energy to treat various pain conditions, including PF. During the procedure, different wavelengths of low-level light are administered directly to the damaged plantar fascia. The body absorbs the light, which causes a reaction in your damaged cells that stimulates healing and regeneration. The technique is also called “cold” laser therapy because it doesn’t heat your body’s tissue, so there is no risk of damage. 

In the 2019 Medicine journal, a systematic review and meta-analysis was conducted to evaluate the effect of LLLT treatment of PF. Overall, the analysis suggested that LLLT can significantly relieve pain of PF for 3 months after treatment.  

Plantar fasciitis is notorious for causing pain that interrupts your daily life. With LLLT, you can find relief by speeding up the body’s natural healing process, so pain relief is quick and lasting.

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Want to learn more? Contact Hayden Health and Wellness at 208-635-5658 or info@haydenhealth.com.