Red light therapy is emerging as a potent treatment that supports the body’s healing properties including foot and ankle problems and painful neuropathy and it may be a valuable complement to doctor-prescribed treatments for neuropathy, pain and numbness in the feet.

Light has long been used for healing, but in recent years scientists have isolated the benefits of specific wavelengths of light. Red and near infrared light appear to have the greatest range of benefits, with little to no side effects.

Red and near infrared (NIR) light works on the body in much the same way as sunlight does in plants by increasing cellular energy production and metabolism. This causes a beneficial ripple effect on the treatment area that promotes healing from the inside out.

Nerve cells respond well to the biostimulating effects of red and near infrared (NIR) light, making this natural treatment an effective therapy for neuropathic pain. 

Nerve cells that are completely severed may or may not regrow on their own, but red light has been shown to stimulate cellular metabolism and support the growth of new peripheral nerves. This can bridge the gap and restore sensation to feet that suffer from numbness.

Nerve cells that are crushed may or may not recover but again. However, red light therapy supports the growth of new peripheral nerves.

Nerve cells that are damaged by inflammation or other conditions can be supported by red light therapy. They may regain normal functioning in just a few months of consistent treatment.

Two elements directly involved in nerve healing and regeneration are Schwann cells and fibroblasts.

Schwann cells are specialized peripheral nervous system cells that mobilize in response to nerve damage. They form the myelin sheath, which is the protective layer that surrounds nerves and allows for fast communication.

Fibroblasts are cells found in connective tissue. They help form the fibers necessary to reconnect severed or damaged tissue. They signal Schwann cells to regrow peripheral nerves. 

Red Light Therapy helps support this process. Red light therapy is an umbrella term that includes the most beneficial red wavelengths (630-660nm) and NIR wavelengths (810-850nm) for easing neuropathy pain, reducing inflammation, and increasing blood flow. It uses FDA-cleared medical-grade light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver concentrated wavelengths of red and/or near-infrared light where it absorbs deep into the tissues to stimulate cells to perform at their best.

Lets get you started on your journey with a non-surgical option to improve your foot pain or assist you in faster healing.  Call us for a consultation or set up your appointment online by clicking here.