Understanding the Different Types of Laser Treatments

Laser therapy harnesses the energy in light to restore and revitalize soft tissue in the body. There are countless laser treatments available today, and some of the most well-known include aesthetic services like laser hair removal and laser skin resurfacing.

But did you know that laser treatments aren’t just for medspas? A type of laser technology called low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has therapeutic benefits that speed musculoskeletal healing, minimize inflammation, and reduce pain.

LLLT has been used to improve natural healing responses for over 40 years. At Optima Foot and Ankle, Laura Schweger, DPM, Evan Ross, DPM, and our podiatric team specialize in laser treatment for foot conditions ranging from toenail fungus to plantar fasciitis.

Laser treatment for toenail fungus

Up to 12% of people have onychomycosis, the medical term for nail fungus. It’s a common condition that makes your nails thick, brittle, discolored, and crumbly. Toenail fungus usually doesn’t pose health risks, but those crumbling, unsightly nails can be embarrassing. 

Our team regularly recommends laser treatment for patients with bothersome toenail fungus. The Erchonia Lunula Laser® is a touchless, painless laser treatment to rid your nails of fungus and improve their appearance.

The Lunula Laser directs a specific wavelength of light through your toenail to the fungus below. Light passes through your nail without damaging surrounding tissue, effectively killing the fungus.

There’s no discomfort and no downtime with laser treatment for toenail fungus. Our team develops a customized treatment plan for you, and many patients find that a few 12-minute sessions are all they need to start growing healthier nails again.

Low-level laser therapy for inflammation

Heel pain and foot pain can severely limit your life. Plantar fasciitis and other common foot conditions often cause inflammation in the muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the foot, but effectively relieving pain and inflammation is notoriously difficult. 

LLLT taps into your body’s natural healing ability to speed recovery, reduce inflammation, and stop the pain. We offer two different types of LLLT at Optima Foot and Ankle, and our podiatry team can help you decide which treatment is best for you.

The Erchonia FX 635 is specially designed to treat plantar fasciitis. It’s FDA-cleared to reduce the inflammation that causes plantar fasciitis symptoms, so you can get back to your favorite activities in weeks — not months.

Our other LLLT treatment option is the Microlight ML830®. This laser treatment triggers healing at a cellular level, and it can be used to speed healing from injury or surgery and treat chronic pain.

Bothered by unsightly toenail fungus? Living with chronic foot pain? It’s time to find out what laser treatment could do for you. Contact our team at Optima Foot and Ankle to schedule your first appointment.