Can laser therapy help neuropathy symptoms in diabetic feet?

The tingling started as a minor annoyance during your evening walks around Massapequa Park. Now, months later, the burning pain in your feet keeps you awake at night, and simple tasks like walking to the mailbox feel unbearable. You've tried various medications for your diabetic neuropathy, but the side effects leave you feeling drowsy and disconnected.

At Massapequa Podiatry Associates, patients regularly seek relief from the persistent pain and numbness that diabetic neuropathy forces into their daily lives. Advanced technology such as MLS laser therapy offers a promising treatment option that addresses nerve pain without the side effects of traditional medications. Let’s take a closer look at how laser neuropathy therapy for diabetic feet could be the right solution for you. 

What’s the Impact of Diabetic Neuropathy?

Diabetic neuropathy affects nearly half of all people with diabetes, causing damage to the peripheral nerves in your feet and legs. High blood sugar levels over time injure the small blood vessels that supply nutrients to your nerves. Without proper nutrition, these nerves begin to malfunction, sending pain signals or losing their ability to transmit sensations altogether.

The condition typically progresses gradually. Early symptoms include:

• Tingling or burning sensations in your toes
• Sharp, shooting pains that worsen at night
• Numbness that makes it difficult to feel injuries
• Sensitivity to touch that makes wearing shoes uncomfortable
• Loss of balance due to reduced sensation

Left untreated, diabetic neuropathy can cause serious complications. The loss of sensation increases your risk of developing unnoticed cuts or sores that can become infected. Poor circulation compounds these problems, making it harder for wounds to heal properly. 

How Does MLS Laser Therapy Address Nerve Pain?

Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy represents a notable advancement in treating diabetic neuropathy symptoms. In this video, Dr. Justin LoBello explains how this FDA-cleared technology combines two specific wavelengths of light energy to target damaged nerve tissues at the cellular level.

The treatment works through several mechanisms:

• Improved circulation. Laser energy stimulates the formation of new capillaries in treated areas, enhancing blood flow to damaged nerves. Better circulation delivers essential nutrients and oxygen while removing waste products that contribute to inflammation.
• Reduced inflammation. The laser's anti-inflammatory effects help decrease swelling around compressed nerves, reducing pain and improving function. This process occurs without the gastrointestinal side effects associated with oral anti-inflammatory medications.
• Enhanced cellular repair. Laser energy accelerates the production of adenosine triphosphate, or cellular energy, providing damaged cells with the necessary resources for repair. This process helps restore some nerve function over time.
• Pain signal interruption. MLS laser treatment affects how pain signals travel to your brain, providing immediate relief during and after sessions.

What Can You Expect During Laser Neuropathy Therapy?

Sessions are comfortable and typically last 10–15 minutes. During treatment, you'll feel a gentle warming sensation as the laser penetrates your skin. Most patients find the experience relaxing, with no discomfort during or after the procedure.

A typical MLS laser treatment protocol involves:

• An initial evaluation with our Massapequa foot doctors to determine candidacy for laser neuropathy treatment.
• Series of 10–15 sessions over several weeks.
• Gradual reduction in treatment frequency as symptoms improve.
• Maintenance sessions as needed to sustain benefits.

Many of our patients at Massapequa Podiatry Associates who trust us with their diabetic foot care notice improvements within the first few laser treatments. However, optimal results typically develop over several weeks as tissues heal and regenerate.

Benefits of Laser Therapy for Diabetic Foot Care

We want to ensure you have all the possible solutions available to minimize the effects of neuropathy. Physical therapy often helps with balance and strength, but it doesn't address the underlying nerve damage. Topical creams provide temporary pain relief at best. Essential home care also helps manage neuropathy symptoms to a certain extent, especially by being more mindful of diet, exercise, and smoking cessation. 

However, laser therapy bridges this gap by targeting the root cause of neuropathy symptoms. It’s also a preferred treatment protocol because it’s: 

• Non-invasive. No incisions, injections, or surgical procedures are required. The treatment penetrates the skin naturally without causing tissue damage.
• Drug-free pain relief. This allows you to reduce reliance on pain medications that often cause drowsiness, digestive issues, or other side effects.
• No downtime. MLS laser therapy fits easily into your daily schedule, and you can return to normal activities immediately after each session.
• Cumulative benefits. As a form of regenerative medicine, you’ll notice that results typically improve over time as damaged tissues heal. Many of our patients experience sustained relief even after completing their treatment series.

How Do Our Massapequa Foot Doctors Determine if Laser Therapy Is Right for You?

Our board-certified podiatrists, Dr. Corey Fox and Dr. LoBello, believe treating the root cause of a foot condition is the key to success. That said, not every patient with diabetic neuropathy is a candidate for MLS laser therapy. We take great care to evaluate numerous factors, including, but not limited to: 

• Overall health status. Certain medical conditions or medications may affect treatment candidacy. Our podiatrists will review your complete medical history before recommending laser therapy.
• Stage of neuropathy. Earlier intervention typically produces better outcomes. Patients with severe nerve damage may still benefit but might need more extensive treatment protocols.
• Current blood sugar control. Well-managed diabetes responds better to laser neuropathy treatment. Consistently high blood glucose levels might interfere with the healing process.
• Treatment goals. Realistic expectations about outcomes help ensure satisfaction with results. While many of our patients experience significant improvement, complete restoration of sensation isn't always possible.

Our foremost recommendation is that MLS laser therapy is most effective when used as part of a comprehensive approach to diabetic foot care. This includes:

• Regular blood sugar monitoring and diabetes management
• Daily foot inspections for cuts, sores, or changes
• Proper footwear to prevent pressure points and injuries
• Regular podiatric examinations to detect problems early
• Prompt treatment of any foot injuries or infections

Your treatment plan may also include recommendations for orthotics, therapeutic exercises, or other interventions to support long-term foot health. 

Living with diabetic neuropathy doesn't mean accepting a future of constant pain and limited mobility. MLS laser therapy offers hope for reducing symptoms and improving your quality of life without the risks associated with invasive procedures or long-term medication use. If necessary, our favorably reviewed podiatry team will partner with your primary health care provider and endocrinologist to ensure you’re receiving top-notch medical attention to encourage whole-person wellness.