Foot and ankle arthritis can creep into every part of your routine. You feel it during the first steps out of bed, while standing at work, or even relaxing at home. That steady, deep ache—or the sharp flare of pain—becomes a daily companion. Swollen joints, stiff movement, and constant fatigue slowly chip away at your independence.
This is the reality many people face when arthritis affects the feet. And while medications and shoe inserts may help, they don’t always go far enough. For some, surgery feels too extreme—or comes with risks they’re not ready to face.
That’s where MLS laser therapy may offer hope. At Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists, Dr. Craig H. Thomajan and his team use this innovative, noninvasive technology to help patients manage chronic arthritis pain without drugs, downtime, or invasive procedures.
What Makes MLS Laser Therapy for Arthritis Different?
MLS stands for Multiwave Locked System, a therapeutic laser treatment that uses two synchronized wavelengths of light to relieve pain, reduce inflammation, and promote healing at the cellular level. What sets it apart from older laser devices is its dual-action approach: one beam treats swelling, while the other interrupts pain signals.
This combination allows for deeper penetration, broader coverage, and faster results than single-wave laser therapies.
MLS therapy doesn’t mask symptoms. It works by stimulating the body’s natural healing response—supporting tissue repair and increasing circulation in the affected area.
How Arthritis Affects the Foot and Ankle
Arthritis is a general term that describes joint inflammation, but its causes and symptoms vary. In the feet and ankles, arthritis can lead to joint damage, bone spurs, cartilage erosion, and soft tissue breakdown. Over time, these changes affect how you walk, stand, and move.
The most common forms of foot and ankle arthritis include:
- Osteoarthritis. Caused by wear and tear, this type gradually breaks down cartilage over time.
- Rheumatoid arthritis. An autoimmune disorder that triggers widespread joint inflammation.
- Post-traumatic arthritis. Develops after an injury such as a fracture or severe sprain.
- Gout. Involves uric acid crystal buildup, often affecting the big toe joint.
Each form presents differently, but most cause pain, stiffness, swelling, and reduced range of motion.
Why MLS Laser May Help People with Foot and Ankle Arthritis
The dual wavelengths of MLS laser therapy work together to address both the cause and effects of arthritis. Unlike pain medications that dull your awareness of pain, MLS laser directly targets the inflammation that causes it.
Patients often begin to notice improvements after just a few treatments, with continued progress throughout their care plan.
Key benefits for arthritis sufferers include:
- Reduced inflammation. Laser therapy promotes lymphatic drainage and increases circulation, which decreases swelling and fluid buildup in joints.
- Pain relief without medication. MLS works on nerve endings to reduce pain signals without side effects or dependency.
- Improved mobility. As pain and inflammation decrease, range of motion often improves, allowing for easier walking, standing, and weight-bearing.
- Cumulative effects. Unlike single-use treatments, MLS therapy builds upon itself over time for lasting results.
- No downtime. There’s no recovery period—patients can return to regular activities immediately.
How MLS Laser Therapy Compares to Other Treatments
Doctors typically recommend managing arthritis with a variety of methods, depending on the severity of symptoms. These might include custom orthotics, bracing, anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, or joint surgery. While all have their place, each comes with limitations.
MLS laser therapy can complement these approaches or serve as a standalone option for early-to-mid-stage arthritis.
Patients often choose MLS therapy because:
- It doesn’t interfere with other treatments. You can safely use laser therapy alongside physical therapy or orthotic support.
- It avoids common medication side effects. There is no impact on the stomach, liver, or kidneys, unlike with common medications.
- It provides consistent symptom control. It’s especially effective when used as part of a long-term maintenance plan.
- It empowers patients. Many patients feel more in control of their care with a repeatable, accessible treatment option.
MLS is not a replacement for surgical intervention in advanced cases, but it can delay the need for more invasive procedures and help preserve function for as long as possible.
Is MLS Laser Therapy Right for You?
Laser therapy isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but it may be a valuable addition to your treatment plan—especially if other methods haven’t delivered lasting relief.
You may be a good candidate for MLS laser therapy if:
- You’ve been diagnosed with osteoarthritis or another type of foot or ankle arthritis.
- You’ve experienced limited relief from medications, injections, or physical therapy.
- You’re seeking a noninvasive, drug-free approach to managing chronic joint pain.
- You want to avoid or delay surgical intervention.
- You need a treatment that fits into a busy schedule and allows for immediate return to activity.
Before starting treatment, your podiatrist will review your medical history, assess the severity of your arthritis, and determine whether laser therapy fits your goals.
What to Expect from MLS Laser Therapy Sessions
MLS therapy is quick, painless, and performed in-office without the need for anesthesia. Each treatment takes about 10–15 minutes, depending on the size and number of affected areas.
You’ll sit comfortably as a robotic arm or handheld device delivers light energy directly to the targeted joints. Some patients describe a mild warming sensation, but there is no discomfort during or after the session.
Most people begin with two to three sessions per week for several weeks, then taper down based on results and symptom control.
What Results Can You Expect from MLS Laser Therapy for Arthritis?
Results vary depending on the severity of your arthritis, the number of joints involved, and the consistency with treatment. Some patients experience noticeable pain relief after the first few sessions, while others improve gradually over time.
For for optimal outcomes, doctors typically combine MLS laser therapy with supportive care, such as footwear adjustments, stretching exercises, or custom orthotics from their podiatrist. Your podiatrist may recommend periodic maintenance sessions to keep symptoms under control.
Patients often report:
- Less morning stiffness
- Improved walking comfort
- Decreased joint tenderness
- Fewer flare-ups
- More energy for daily activities
While MLS therapy won’t reverse joint damage, it can slow symptom progression and restore a greater sense of control and quality of life.
Living with Arthritis Doesn’t Mean Settling for Constant Pain
Foot and ankle arthritis can feel like an invisible burden, affecting your mobility, mood, and freedom. If traditional approaches haven’t provided the relief you need, you don’t have to give up or resign yourself to living with daily pain.
MLS laser therapy offers a safe, effective, and noninvasive way to ease arthritis symptoms and get you back to the life you want to live. By reducing inflammation, relieving pain, and supporting healing, it gives many patients a chance to move with less restriction and more confidence.
If arthritis disrupts your daily routine, it’s worth learning more about what modern laser technology can do.
