You could be working out, playing a game of tennis, competing in football, or taking a daily jog when you may suddenly experience pain in your heel, foot, or ankle. Maybe you’ve pushed your exercise routine too far; maybe you’ve started your practices too hard and too fast; maybe you’ve twisted your foot/ankle in an unnatural way. Whatever the reason, you don’t have to be an athlete to be sidelined by a sports injury.
Our skilled podiatrist at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, Dr. Benjamin Weaver, understands that when you have foot or ankle pain, it not only limits your mobility and keeps you from doing what you love, but it can also test your mental resilience, attitude, and frame of mind. He knows that getting you back on your game quickly is important for both your physical and mental health. That’s why our podiatry office offers Remy laser therapy for foot and ankle pain. This innovative technology reduces inflammation and accelerates healing without surgery or long downtime. Here, Dr. Weaver discusses the benefits of Remy laser therapy and why it can be an effective treatment for foot and ankle pain.
Understanding Remy Laser Therapy
Remy laser therapy uses focused light energy to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes at the cellular level. Remy is a Class IV laser that emits electromagnetic light in a healing process called photobiomodulation. Once laser light touches the skin, photons (light particles) penetrate the underlying tissue, and the cells absorb the light’s energy. This results in an increased production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) responsible for carrying energy so other cells to perform their needed functions. It is, basically, the fuel source for all other cells. When the production of ATP increases, studies have shown accelerated cell growth, tissue repair, and nerve regeneration which are all vital for expedited healing and pain relief.
Remy Laser Therapy Is Popular Because It’s Effective
Remy therapy has been cleared by the FDA. Additionally, multiple clinical studies have proven that there are many benefits when using Remy laser therapy, with no known long-term negative side effects. This treatment for foot and ankle pain is a favorite among athletes because of the following:
- It’s a noninvasive treatment. With Remy laser therapy, there are no incisions and no anesthesia used. This treatment just uses targeted light energy delivered through the skin.
- It provides pain relief without medication. For many athletes, it’s important to avoid anti-inflammatory medications that could interfere with training or mask symptoms. Remy laser therapy requires no prescription or over-the-counter drugs.
- It accelerates healing and recovery. Many patients who are treated with Remy laser therapy report reduced pain and improved mobility with just a few sessions.
- It has no downtime. Patients who are treated with Remy laser therapy typically leave their appointment and return to their daily activities the same day.
Treating Sports Injuries With Remy Laser Therapy
Athletes in every discipline—from tennis players to runners to dancers—deal with impact and overuse injuries that don’t always require surgery but still need effective care. Non-athletes who play and compete hard also need effective treatment. Remy laser therapy for foot and ankle pain is particularly helpful for the following common sports-related conditions:
Plantar fasciitis. This injury often affects those who participate in high-impact sports. Patients may feel heel pain, especially in the morning. The pain is caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that connects your heel bone to the base of the toes. Remy laser therapy reduces inflammation in the plantar fascia and promotes collagen repair.
Achilles tendinitis. When the large tendon that connects your calf muscles to your heel becomes inflamed or there are micro-tears in the tendon, you may suffer Achilles tendinitis. Those who participate in sports that require sudden bursts of activity face a greater risk of this condition. Remy laser therapy helps by increasing blood flow and cellular repair, easing stiffness, and reducing scar tissue.
Ankle sprains. An ankle sprain can occur when the ligaments that support your ankle are stretched too far or tear—often when you make quick directional changes. Laser energy penetrates swelling tissues to decrease edema and support ligament healing.
Stress fractures. This hairline crack in the bone can develop due to high-impact sports when your bones are placed under excessive, repetitive stress and strain. Remy laser therapy stimulates bone repair and circulation.
Turf toe and joint inflammation. Remy laser therapy decreases localized pain and restores flexibility in ligaments and small joints.