How Does Red Light Therapy Relieve Foot Pain?

Foot pain is never a picnic. In fact, most people who deal with chronic pain in their feet are looking for any option that can make a difference and minimize their discomfort. If you’ve tried other methods and are still searching, red light therapy might be the answer. 

At Southwest Foot & Ankle in Scottsdale, Arizona, we believe in using every tool in our arsenal to benefit individuals with chronic foot and ankle pain. Petrina C. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, and Mark T. Lewis, DPM, FACFAS, have seen many patients experience meaningful relief when red light therapy is combined with other treatments.

Red light therapy 101: What it is and how it works 

Red light therapy has gotten a lot of buzz lately. It’s often used for dermatologic concerns such as wrinkles, scars, and skin rejuvenation. A related technique, photodynamic therapy, uses light in combination with medication to treat certain skin cancers.

This low‑level light therapy uses specific wavelengths of red and near‑infrared light to influence cellular activity — a process known as photobiomodulation. These wavelengths can penetrate your skin and underlying tissues, where they interact with cells and support healing processes.

When emitted over an area of pain in your body, red light increases adenosine triphosphate production and minimizes oxidative stress. This, in turn, helps reduce inflammation and increase blood flow, leading to natural pain relief. It supports cellular repair and healing in the affected tissues.

Using red light therapy to manage pain 

Since red light therapy is most often associated with managing dermatological issues, you may be wondering why you should trust it to deal with your foot pain. 

For one, the treatment is mild and free from the most common side effects or recovery issues associated with treating pain. You won’t experience addiction or dependence, and it doesn’t hurt or require a long recovery. 

In addition, many people struggle for years with chronic pain, especially in their feet and ankles, without much relief. This treatment can supplement other options, such as physical therapy, and make them more easily accessible. If you’ve previously experienced too much pain to start physical therapy, red light might help you get there.

Red light therapy may also provide broader wellness benefits that support your daily life. It can enhance sleep and cognitive function and may even reduce signs of aging by supporting healthy cellular activity. 

While not a miracle cure, red light therapy pulls from well-understood science about photobiomodulation to provide you with focused supplemental care for your pain. 

What to expect from red light therapy for foot pain 

When you decide to try red light therapy, you’ll need to discuss your expectations and needs with your provider. They will make sure you understand what the procedure will and won’t do and how to manage your expectations. Next, you’ll book an appointment. 

The procedure usually takes less than an hour; however, the duration will depend on your specific situation. You’ll be asked to wear protective eyewear to guard your eyes from the light, and you’ll be encouraged to relax throughout the procedure. The type of red light therapy device used will also depend on your needs, and while at-home devices exist, they aren’t typically as strong as in-office options. 

Make an appointment for red light therapy

If you’re considering red light therapy, it may help you to discuss the procedure first. We’re happy to answer any questions and help you determine if red light therapy might be suitable for treating your foot pain. But the important thing to remember is this: You don’t have to live with the pain. 

Reach out today to learn more. Call our office today at 480-900-7399 or visit us online to schedule an appointment. You’ll be glad you did.