Achilles tendonitis, which affects the heel and the lower calf, occurs when the Achilles tendon is inflamed. It is the most common type of tendinitis, especially among athletes, and it can be painful and even debilitating at times. Because Achilles tendonitis does not respond to anti-inflammatory medication, it is a particularly good candidate for MLS laser therapy. If you have pain in your foot or ankle, Louise E. Tortora, DPM, a foot doctor in Fairfield, CT, will help. 

Here are three frequently asked questions about treating tendinitis with Multiwave Locked System laser therapy, a procedure that Dr. Tortora performs:

• How Does It Work? The Achilles tendon becomes swollen after continuous or repetitive straining, which creates small tears that cause inflammation. Because tendons have a relatively poor blood supply, they are slower to heal than bone or muscle, and tendinitis can last for years. During MLS laser therapy, photons stimulate cells in the damaged tissue, improving their circulation and promoting regeneration and eventual healing. Patients typically need ten short laser treatments to treat Achilles tendonitis.
• Does It Hurt? Unlike surgery, MLS laser therapy is a noninvasive treatment. During this treatment, a foot doctor uses infrared light beams to rejuvenate tissue at the cellular level. Patients often feel a warm or tingling sensation as their nerves react to the stimulation; however, MLS laser therapy does not hurt.
• Is It Effective? The effectiveness of the procedure depends on several factors, including the strength of the laser beam and how deep the light penetrates the tendon. The FDA has acknowledged that MLS laser therapy is useful for treating pain caused by inflammation of the tendons, and multiple studies have demonstrated that it reduces pain and inflammation associated with Achilles tendonitis.

You don’t have to suffer from swollen tendons, nail fungus, or bunions any longer. Louise E. Tortora, DPM is a foot and ankle specialist in Fairfield, CT, who always puts clients first. Visit her to learn more about the procedures she offers; call (203) 254-0093 to schedule an appointment with the experienced foot doctor today.