Our DFW Podiatrists Explain How MLS Laser Therapy Relieves Ankle Arthritis Pain
Every step feels like walking on broken glass. The chronic stiffness and swelling in your ankles make even simple activities like grocery shopping or playing with grandchildren feel impossible. You've tried over-the-counter medications and compression socks, but nothing seems to relieve your ankle arthritis pain.
At Alliance Foot and Ankle Specialists in Tarrant County, Texas, podiatrists Dr. Richard A. Nichols and Dr. Joseph Harvey know all too well how ankle arthritis can limit daily activities and negatively impact quality of life. That’s why they often recommend MLS laser therapy to treat ankle arthritis and other podiatric conditions that cause chronic pain. Their innovative approach has helped many Tarrant County residents find relief from chronic ankle pain without surgery.
How MLS Laser Therapy Targets Ankle Arthritis Pain
MLS laser therapy is FDA-approved to provide relief for muscle and joint pain, including arthritis. It is an innovative and noninvasive treatment that uses specific light wavelengths to relieve pain. With this type of therapy, light waves painlessly penetrate the ankle joint to stimulate cellular repair and reduce inflammation. It works in several ways:
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Increases blood flow: The laser energy from MLS laser therapy increases blood flow to the affected area, helping to reduce swelling and stiffness. This improved circulation delivers vital nutrients to damaged tissues.
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Boosts endorphin production: This treatment also triggers the production of endorphins, which are your body's natural pain relievers. Many patients report feeling significant pain relief after just a few sessions.
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Stimulates cell production: This therapy's cellular stimulation helps reduce inflammation while promoting the production of new, healthy cells. This process can help slow the progression of arthritis and joint damage in your ankles.
Benefits of MLS Laser Therapy for Ankle Arthritis
MLS laser therapy is one of the most convenient treatment options available for ankle pain, offering several advantages over traditional arthritis treatments. This non-invasive treatment offers many key benefits to people who suffer from ankle arthritis and other types of chronic foot or ankle pain. For example, it:
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May reduce or eliminate dependence on pain medications
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Provides both immediate and long-term benefits
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Helps maintain joint mobility and function
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Requires no post-treatment recovery time
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Can be combined with other chronic foot pain treatments to enhance results
Signs It's Time to See a Podiatrist for Ankle Arthritis
Not quite sure if you need to see a podiatrist for your ankle pain? The symptoms listed below are good indicators that it’s time to seek help from an experienced foot doctor
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Morning stiffness that lasts more than 30 minutes
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Pain that worsens with activity
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Difficulty walking on uneven surfaces
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Recurring ankle swelling
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Decreased range of motion in your ankle joint
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Pain that interferes with sleep or daily activities
While some degree of joint stiffness is normal as we age, arthritis isn’t always age-related. Whether it’s age-related or not, the pain of arthritis can be debilitating. If you have pain in your ankles or feet, our podiatrists are here to help — and MLS laser therapy may be a good option for you. The only way to know for certain is to come in for an evaluation.
Important Topics to Discuss With Your Podiatrist
Your journey to relief from chronic ankle pain begins with being evaluated by an experienced foot doctor. The caring and empathetic podiatrists at Alliance Foot & Ankle Specialists will work with you individually to review your medical history and examine your feet and ankles.
You’ll need to share information about your condition and circumstances with your foot doctor so they can determine the best course of treatment for you. When you come in for your first important, be prepared to discuss things like:
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Your specific symptoms and when they started
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Previous treatments you've tried and the results
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Any medications you're taking
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Your family history of arthritis or related conditions
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Your current activity level and lifestyle goals
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How ankle pain affects your daily activities
The more relevant information you share with your foot doctor, the better. The insights your podiatrist gains about your condition from the information you share, combined with their visual examination of your feet and ankles, will help them develop an appropriate treatment plan based on your specific needs that includes appropriate therapy options for your unique situation.
What to Expect During MLS Laser Therapy Treatment
Don't let ankle arthritis pain control your life any longer. The experienced podiatrists at Alliance Foot and Ankle Specialists are committed to helping our patients find relief. With convenient locations in Grapevine and Keller, we make it easy for those who live or work in the Tarrant County area of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex to access innovative podiatric treatments like MLS laser therapy to relieve their chronic pain.
Quick and Comfortable Treatment
MLS laser therapy treatments are quick and comfortable, typically lasting about 15-20 minutes. During an MLS treatment session for ankle arthritis, you'll feel a gentle warming sensation in your ankle as the laser works to reduce inflammation and promote healing. There is no need for anesthesia or pain medication, as the treatment is pain-free.
Cumulative Improvement With Each Session
Patients often report improvement after their first treatment, though several sessions are usually recommended for optimal results. The benefits of treatment with an MLS laser are cumulative, so you can experience additional improvement with each session. Completing your recommended treatment plan, which may include initial therapy and recommended maintenance care, can provide long-lasting relief from the pain of ankle arthritis.
No Downtime Needed
Because MLS therapy is non-invasive and pain-free, no post-treatment downtime is required, so there's no need to arrange time off from work or limit your activities after treatment. It’s easy to schedule treatments around your busy life. You’ll be able to return to your normal daily activities right away. Immediately after your session at our Grapevine location or Keller office, you can drive yourself home or back to work or even immediately participate in activities like exercising, shopping, or running errands.