In 2022, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that nearly 19% of U.S. adults were living with arthritis. This common condition causes swelling and inflammation in the joints, including the small joints in the ankles and feet. Arthritis doesn’t just happen because of age; rather, it can develop due to overuse and wear and tear on your joints from years of exercising, standing, walking, and playing sports. Also known as osteoarthritis, this condition may cause pain, inflammation, stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility.
Our knowledgeable podiatrist at Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, Dr. Benjamin Weaver, understands that foot health is crucial to overall body health. With bones that make up approximately 25% of the total bones in your body, your feet can carry up to six times your body weight. They’re key to your stability, balance, and mobility. He also knows that while arthritis isn’t curable, it can be managed with a variety of treatments, including Remy laser therapy. With the proper treatment, arthritis doesn’t have to negatively impact your daily life. Here, Dr. Weaver discusses Remy laser therapy and explains why it’s an effective option for arthritis pain in the feet and ankles.
How Remy Laser Therapy Works
At Central Kansas Podiatry Associates, we see many patients with arthritic foot and/or ankle pain, and we know there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, which is why we offer a variety of treatments, including FDA-approved Remy laser therapy. This advanced tool is safe and effective in helping to treat many conditions, including arthritis.
Remy laser therapy works by using laser light to stimulate your body’s natural healing and anti-inflammatory systems. This laser therapy emits electromagnetic light waves in a process called photobiomodulation. When the laser touches the skin, the light particles penetrate the underlying tissue, and the cells absorb the light’s energy. This causes more production of adenosine triphosphate (ATP), which is the fuel source for all other cells and helps them perform their necessary functions. When there is increased ATP production, studies have shown accelerated cell growth, tissue repair, and nerve regeneration—all things that are critical for healing and pain relief.
Why Remy Laser Therapy Helps Arthritic Foot and Ankle Pain
Arthritis pain is generally caused by inflammation in the joint and surrounding tissues. Remy’s laser light penetrates the skin and is absorbed by cells in the inflamed area. By stimulating these cells, laser treatment may do the following:
- Decrease inflammatory chemicals. These chemicals are released by the body in response to injury, infection, or chronic stress. They coordinate the immune response, causing pain, swelling, and redness to protect the body. However, they can cause chronic damage if they persist. Remy therapy reduces these chemicals to produce ATP, which increases anti-inflammatory signals.
- Reduce swelling around the joint. When cells are stimulated through photobiomodulation, the absorbed light enhances metabolism and reduces the production of inflammatory cytokines.
- Improve lymphatic drainage. Remy laser therapy can stimulate the lymphatic system to move fluid more effectively. This helps reduce swelling, accelerate waste removal, and enhance immune function.
- Improve blood circulation. The laser encourages vasodilation, which widens blood vessels around the treatment area. When you have better circulation, more oxygen reaches the joint, nutrients arrive faster, and inflammatory byproducts are removed. This all helps heal tissues and reduce chronic joint irritation.
- Reduce pain signals. Remy laser therapy can also positively affect nerve activity by reducing nerve sensitivity, interrupting the transmission of pain signals, and increasing the release of endorphins.
- Help joint mobility. When pain and inflammation are reduced, many patients experience less stiffness, improved range of motion, and easier movement.
Benefits of Remy Laser Therapy
Remy laser therapy offers several benefits for the management of foot and ankle pain due to arthritis, including the following.
- Remy is a non-invasive treatment. With Remy laser therapy, there are no incisions or injections, so there are less risks than those associated with surgical procedures.
- Remy has few side effects. When administered appropriately, therapeutic laser treatments are well tolerated by most patients suffering from arthritis.
- Remy can be a complementary treatment. Laser therapy can be combined with orthotics, bracing, and strengthening programs.
- Remy is administered in quick sessions. Most appointments are brief, making treatment convenient for busy schedules.
- Remy provides progressive improvement. The benefits of Remy laser therapy often build over multiple sessions as inflammation continues to decrease.
Many patients appreciate this treatment because it treats the joints gently while encouraging their body’s own repair mechanisms.