Plantar fasciitis. Flat feet. Achilles tendinitis. Ankle sprains. Bunions. Neuromas. There are countless reasons as to why your feet and/or ankles might be hurting. And for every painful foot condition out there, there are just as many possible causes and contributing factors – our feet are just intricate that way.
In order to address this huge array of potential problems, the medical field continuously improves traditional treatment options, as well as creates new ways to provide relief for patients who need it. Orthotics, for instance, have been around for a very long time, though technology has allowed these custom devices to be even more customizable and fit your needs to a T. In the same way, technology has opened doors for other, more advanced treatment methods, like MLS laser therapy.
Now, you may be thinking: “Lasers? To treat foot problems? Really?”
Really. (It may sound like something out of a sci-fi movie, but bear with us; we will explain here shortly just how mundane MLS laser therapy actually is.)
Both custom orthotics and MLS laser therapy can provide highly effective, long-term relief for painful foot and ankle conditions. But which option if best for you?
Well, every case is unique and while one method may be beneficial to one person, another method may be better to address your specific case. That being said, custom orthotics are often used in conjunction with laser therapy to provide better and faster relief from painful symptoms.
So, at the end of the day, you might not even have to choose between the two!
Nevertheless, it is worth knowing the benefits of each so that you are able to make a well-informed decision about your foot care.
The Benefits of Custom Orthotics
You may think of orthotics as simple and old-fashioned – especially when compared to more advanced technological treatments, like MLS laser therapy. But the truth is there’s a reason why podiatrists across the globe continue to use these devices as a primary treatment option – simply put, they work!
How?
By realigning poor foot structure or biomechanics, which is likely the root cause for all your foot and ankle woes. Indeed, the way you stand, walk and run may be placing unnecessary stress and pressure on your feet and ankles and, therefore, causing you pain and discomfort.
With custom orthotics, however, you will not only get the extra support and cushioning your feet need, but it will also gradually guide your feet back into its proper position and improve your overall walking mechanics. And since these devices address the root cause of your problems, they can altogether eradicate pain and restore full health to your feet and ankle – even your knees, hips and back!
Custom orthotics are often used to treat conditions, such as:
- Achilles tendinitis
- Bunions
- Arthritis
- Flat foot
- Plantar fasciitis
- Stress fractures, and more.
The Benefits of MLS Laser Therapy
On the other hand, you may not be convinced that lasers can actually find the relief you need. Well think again – MLS laser therapy is one of the most advanced and highly effective treatment options available for patients struggling with all kinds of musculoskeletal soft tissue pain – whether it be chronic or acute.
This technology uses very specific light energy to target injured or inflamed deep tissue areas. This light energy is then used by your body’s cells to jumpstart and accelerate their natural healing processes. Your blood circulation will increase, your body’s cellular metabolism will accelerate, any present swelling will decrease, etc.
What does this mean for you?
Only that your pain will go away faster and that your recovery time will drastically decrease.
And it gets better – MLS laser therapy is completely painless and extremely safe (there are no known side effects whatsoever)! Not to mention that it requires no medications or anesthesia, a therapy session lasts no more than 30 minutes, and there is no recovery period needed.
MLS laser therapy can effectively treat foot and ankle conditions, including:
- Sore muscles
- Achilles tendinitis
- Plantar fasciitis
- Neuropathy
- Ankle sprains
- Arthritis, and more.
So Which Treatment Is Best for You?
The real question here should be: Why not have the best of both worlds?
Together, custom orthotics and MLS laser therapy will cover most – if not all – areas of concern when it comes to treating your condition. While orthotics realign your foot structure and address the very source of the problem, MLS laser therapy boosts natural healing for the torn or injured soft tissue fibers themselves.
The bottom line is there’s really no reason you couldn’t benefit from using both treatments in combination to relieve your symptoms. In fact, we do it all the time for patients who want the absolute best and fastest results possible.
Still not sure?
Are You Looking for a Foot Care Specialist in Austin, TX?
If you are looking for foot care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.
