Arthritis isn't a single medical condition. Instead, arthritis refers to more than 100 different diseases that cause inflammation, pain, and stiffness in your joints, including the 33 joints in your foot and ankle.
Without treatment, arthritis can cause loss of motion and foot deformities. You may be unable to go about your daily activities without pain.
Our experienced St. John's County podiatrists want to help you eliminate your foot pain, prevent further joint damage, and get back to your life. To that end, we can diagnose your condition and offer you safe and effective treatment options, such as braces, orthotics, and Multiwave Locked System (MLS) Laser Therapy.
MLS Laser Therapy: Regenerative Medicine for Foot and Ankle Arthritis
Regenerative medicine uses biological materials like stem cells to stimulate the body's natural healing processes. MLS laser therapy is a form of regenerative medicine approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and may be a critical part of your treatment plan.
MLS Therapy Treats Different Types of Arthritis in Your Foot and Ankle
Many different types of arthritis could affect your feet and ankles, including but not limited to the following:
- Rheumatoid arthritis of the foot and ankle. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes inflammation and damage to the lining of the joints in the foot and ankle. Symptoms include pain, swelling, stiffness, and difficulty walking or standing.
- Osteoarthritis of the foot and ankle. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease that can affect the foot and ankle. It occurs when the cartilage in the joint wears down, causing pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion.
- Gout. Gouty arthritis is a type of arthritis that results from a buildup of uric acid crystals in the joints. It can cause sudden, severe pain, redness, swelling, and warmth in the affected joint. Gout commonly affects the big toe but can also affect other joints in the foot and ankle.
- Psoriatic arthritis of the foot and ankle. Psoriatic arthritis is a type of inflammatory arthritis that can occur in people with psoriasis. It can cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and tenderness in the foot and ankle joints.
The Science Behind MLS Therapy
MLS laser therapy uses multiple therapeutic lasers that emit specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular regeneration, which helps to promote healing and tissue repair.
MLS laser technology uses two therapeutic wavelengths, 808nm and 905nm, to effectively treat pain, inflammation, and edema. The 808nm wavelength is anti-edemic and anti-inflammatory, while the 905nm wavelength is analgesic. By delivering these wavelengths together, MLS creates a synergistic effect that produces more significant anti-inflammatory and analgesic benefits than either wavelength could produce alone. This unique feature of MLS therapy also eliminates the risk of thermal damage.
Another distinctive feature of MLS laser therapy is its ability to combine continuous and pulsed emissions in a synchronized manner, setting it apart from other Class IV lasers. This feature allows for the more precise delivery of therapeutic doses, which early-generation Class IV laser technology could not achieve.
What to Expect From MLS Therapy
Multiwave Laser Therapy is a cutting-edge medical technology that offers patients a variety of benefits. The treatment process:
- Is quick and efficient
- Does not cause pain or discomfort
- Rapidly reduces joint pain, swelling, and discomfort
This advanced laser therapy system has an impressive success rate of 85% to 90% in reducing inflammation and alleviating pain without the risks posed by surgery and prescription medications. Instead, MLS laser therapy has no adverse side effects. Patients who receive this therapy may regain their quality of life and experience significant improvements in joint function without worrying about side effects.
MLS Therapy Works With Braces and Orthotics to Treat Arthritis
MLS laser therapy enhances energy production in joint cells, decreasing inflammation and normalizing joint function. This process leads to improved joint mobility and reduced chronic pain, which can persist for an extended period of time.
MLS therapy may be used alone, or your North Florida podiatrist may recommend MLS therapy combined with custom orthotics or an ankle and foot brace. These devices may help ease your arthritic symptoms and provide you the stability you need to walk safely. Whether you need MLS laser therapy, custom orthotics, an ankle and foot brace, or a combination of treatments, our podiatrists will customize your treatment for your body.
Let Our Experienced Podiatrists Provide the Arthritis Treatment You Need
Arthritis doesn't have to interfere with your daily activities or your running, tennis game, golf game, or other recreational activities. There are treatments that can keep you active and having fun.
If you have foot pain or inflammation, contact a St. Johns County podiatrist at North Florida Foot and Ankle Center for an evaluation to find out if MLS Therapy could be part of your comprehensive treatment plan. Complete our online contact form today or call 904-236-5023 to schedule an appointment.
