Red Light Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis - A Safe and Effective Pain Relief Solution

Table of Contents

• Introduction: Red Light Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis
• How Red Light Therapy Helps Relieve Heel Pain
• Does Red Light Therapy Work for Plantar Fasciitis? What Research Says
• Clinical Studies on Red Light Therapy for Heel Pain Relief
• Selecting the Best Red Light Therapy Device for Foot Pain
• Total Spectrum Devices: Tailored Red Light Therapy for Foot Health
• Step-by-Step Guide to Using Red Light Therapy on the Feet
• Conclusion: Red Light Therapy as a Natural Relief for Plantar Fasciitis
• FAQs: Addressing Common Questions

Plantar fasciitis is a painful and common foot problem brought on by inflammation of the thick band of tissue (the plantar fascia) that lies across the bottom of your foot. It most often occurs when the band is overstretched or under excessive stress. The pain typically worsens in the morning, and it is hard to move your foot when you get up.

As our heels and feet support the bulk of our body weight, exercises such as running, jumping, or being obese can also increase the likelihood of developing plantar fasciitis. Perhaps you have gone through conventional therapy and only discovered short-term relief—the pain fades, but will sometimes come back again because those methods do not always get at the underlying problem.

That’s why many people are now turning to red light therapy—a non-invasive, drug-free approach that helps reduce pain, ease inflammation, and support tissue healing. In this article, you’ll learn how red light therapy works for plantar fasciitis, what benefits it offers, and what science has to say about it.

Understanding Plantar Fasciitis: Causes and Symptoms

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the thick band (plantar fascia) that runs from your heel to your toes. This tissue arches your foot and absorbs shock when you walk. This hurts so much because it causes pain while you're standing on your feet. This hurts your life because it causes pain and stress in your feet.

When it is overused or overstretched, tiny tears can occur, resulting in irritation and pain. Plantar fasciitis is caused by overstretching or prolonged stress on the plantar fascia, which leads to small tears and inflammation around its site of attachment on the heel bone. It can be caused by repetitive stress from such movements as running, walking, or standing for extended periods, particularly on hard surfaces.

Poorly supportive shoes that fail to support the foot arch also contribute to plantar fasciitis. Tight calf muscles or the Achilles tendon, which impact foot flexibility, put strain on the plantar fascia. Sudden increases in physical activity can also lead to this condition.

The symptoms you experience in plantar fasciitis are: stabbing pain in the heel or sole of the foot, particularly in the morning; pain that gets better with movement but comes back after rest; tenderness or stiffness in the foot; and pain after prolonged standing or walking.

Conventional Treatments and Their Limitations

One of my friends has been dealing with plantar fasciitis and has tried all the usual treatments, but honestly, it's been one disappointment after another. It has reached the point where they feel completely frustrated and believe there is no hope for relief. These are the conventional therapies that involve rest, ice application, stretching, pain medication, and supportive shoes. While these treatments may provide temporary relief, particularly in the early stages, most individuals find that the pain returns over time. The reason for this is that conventional therapies primarily address the symptoms rather than the underlying cause of the disorder. In some cases, people like my friend end up becoming dependent on medications, which can also cause side effects such as gastrointestinal issues, dizziness, and weakness. This often prompts people to seek alternatives that can effectively heal them without causing any side effects.

The Science Behind Red Light Therapy and Tissue Repair

Plantar fasciitis happens when the plantar fascia's tissues get damaged or inflamed. Red light therapy is the perfect solution for this. Having suffered from the limitations of conventional treatments, most individuals seek the help of red light therapy and are amazed at its benefits. Let us discuss the science behind red light therapy. Red light therapy is based on the administration of the very specific wavelengths of red and near-infrared light that pass through the skin in order to treat the tissues. These wavelengths of light stimulate the mitochondria, the energy-generating organelles of your cells. Through the facilitation of mitochondrial function, red light therapy boosts the generation of energy (ATP) in your cells. This energy fuels various cellular processes, especially regeneration. When cells of the plantar fascia are provided with more energy, they heal and regenerate quickly. Red light therapy also enhances blood flow to the affected tissue, providing necessary nutrients and oxygen essential for cellular respiration and ATP generation. Red light therapy also minimizes inflammation by suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, which in turn reduces pain associated with plantar fasciitis. Red light therapy also lessens pain by prompting the production of endorphins. Using red light therapy for plantar fasciitis, you can treat not only the symptoms but also the associated tissue damage.

Evidence from red light therapy for plantar fasciitis is promising. Experiments indicate that the therapy's anti-inflammatory properties decrease swelling, while its energy-boosting capability accelerates healing of the plantar fascia. Numerous clinical trials support the use of red light therapy, with subjects reporting reduced pain and improved mobility. Additionally, evidence suggests that RLT reduces both swelling and pain typically associated with plantar fasciitis.

Study 1: Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) Using 810 nm and 980 nm Wavelengths for Treating Plantar Fasciitis

Objective

The study was to evaluate the impact of Photobiomodulation Therapy (PBMT) on pain and function in people with plantar fasciitis (PF). The therapy used in this study employed 810 nm and 980 nm wavelengths to treat subjects, aiming to reduce pain and improve foot function.

Results

The PBMT groups showed a significant reduction in pain during the first three weeks, from 4.5 to 2.8, while the usual care (UC) group had less reduction in pain (from 4 to 3.8). Both treatment groups with PBMT also demonstrated more improvement in foot function than the UC group, with most improvements observed in the first three weeks. The pain reduction and improved function were sustained for six months in the PBMT groups.

Conclusion

PBMT, when combined with regular care, showed considerable improvements in function and pain within the first three weeks, and these improvements were consistent over the following weeks. The improvements were sustained for six months, showing the effectiveness of PBMT in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. Wavelengths 810 nm and 980 nm played a key role in achieving these positive outcomes.

Study 2: Comparative Effectiveness of 630 nm Low-Level Laser Therapy and Shock Wave Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis in Spondyloarthritis Patients

Objective

In this research, an attempt was made to compare two popular non-invasive therapies—Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) via a 630 nm infrared Ga-Al-As laser, and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT)—used to treat plantar fasciitis in individuals with spondyloarthritis. Both were compared using clinical scores as well as MRI scans to determine which one had a greater impact on pain reduction and enhanced foot function.

Results

Both treatment groups improved significantly. Patients experienced reduced heel pain, improved foot function, and thinner plantar fascia tissue as evidenced by MRI scans after a month of treatment. Both therapies were effective, but LLLT was slightly more effective in decreasing pain on exercise.

Conclusion

LLLT with 630 nm and ESWT are both effective treatments for plantar fasciitis, particularly when function and pain are significant issues. With the dosage and regimen applied here, both treatments significantly enhanced patient symptoms and quality of life.

Study 3: Comparing the Effects of 904 nm Low-Level Laser Therapy and 1064 nm High-Intensity Laser Therapy in Plantar Fasciitis Treatment

Objective

The purpose of this research was to compare the efficacy of two laser therapy treatments—low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with a 904 nm wavelength and high-intensity laser therapy (HILT) with a 1064 nm wavelength—to reduce pain and enhance function in individuals with plantar fasciitis. Each treatment was paired with silicone insoles and stretching exercises.

Results

Both the LLLLT and HILT groups, after three weeks of treatment, exhibited significant improvement in pain relief, decreased heel tenderness, and improved foot function. Yet, the HILT group had larger improvements in all the outcomes measured than the LLLT group.

Conclusion

Both LLLT and HILT are useful for the treatment of plantar fasciitis, but HILT with a 1064 nm wavelength has a better outcome for pain relief and quality of life improvement.

Study 4: Comparing 850 nm Low-Level Laser Therapy and Shock Wave Therapy with Usual Care for Plantar Fasciitis Pain Relief

Objective

The aim of this research was to determine the effectiveness of two interventions—850 nm wavelength low-level laser therapy (LLLT) and extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT)—in reducing pain from plantar fasciitis when provided in addition to standard care comprising foot exercises and orthotic wear, versus standard care alone.

Results

All three groups (LLLT, ESWT, and control) improved in pain over three months. Nonetheless, individuals in the LLLT group experienced superior pain relief compared to those in the ESWT and control groups, particularly at the third week and third month. The ESWT group had superior pain scores to LLLT and control at certain times.

Conclusion

Both LLLT and ESWT assisted in alleviating pain when combined with exercise and orthotic support, but LLLT with an 850 nm wavelength was superior to ESWT in inducing short-term pain relief in plantar fasciitis.

Key Features to Look for in a Device for Plantar Fasciitis

You may be misled by red light therapy device vendors, since there are many such products available that are mere simple light sources. These devices lack the inherent features necessary to provide optimal red light therapy. While buying a red light therapy device, ensure that it has the following primary features:

Specific Wavelengths

The equipment must project red light near 630 nm and near-infrared light near 810, 830, 850, 904, 980, or 1064 nm. These are scientifically established wavelengths that can assist in treating numerous issues, such as injuries and pain, including plantar fasciitis.

Adequate Power Output

Ensure the equipment is powerful enough to penetrate deep into your tissues for optimal results.

FDA Approval

Always look for FDA approval. FDA-approved devices have undergone rigorous testing to demonstrate their safety and effectiveness.

Light Source

The device must employ LEDs as the light source. Shun devices with incandescent or halogen bulbs, since only LEDs can produce focused red and near-infrared light required for therapy.

User-Friendly Features

Opt for devices with user-friendly features like adjustable intensity, portability, and hands-free use. These make red light therapy easier and more effective to use at home.

Total Spectrum is among the leading brands for red light therapy devices.  What you'll find is that Total Spectrum devices are among the safest and most effective available.  These devices are hand-built by professionals and are designed to provide superior performance.

By choosing a Total Spectrum model, you can safely use red light therapy at home. Every model emits accurate, therapeutically proven wavelengths of red and near-infrared light. They have sufficient power to penetrate deeply into tissues and are FDA-approved, ensuring safety and effectiveness.

The units also come with convenient features such as hands-free operation, adjustable intensity, and portability, making red light therapy convenient and easy.

Finding the Right Dosage: Frequency, Duration, and Distance

After purchasing the proper red light therapy device, such as a Total Spectrum unit, you should use it correctly. You can do red light therapy 3–5 times a week for 10–20 minutes at a time. Keep at least 6–12 inches of space between the device and the area you're treating to prevent overheating.

Why are More People Turning to Red Light Therapy for Plantar Fasciitis?

Increasing numbers of people are resorting to red light therapy for treating plantar fasciitis because it is a safe technique that can help heal the plantar fascia effectively. It is a commonly used treatment method because it not only addresses the symptoms of the condition but also encourages healing of the tissues. As overuse and pulling of the plantar fascia cause plantar fasciitis, red light therapy reduces swelling and aids recovery.

Can I Treat Bone Spurs with Red Light Therapy?

Exactly, red light therapy can be an effective means to cope with bone spurs. It will not necessarily eliminate the bone spurs, but it can certainly alleviate the pain and swelling caused by them. What it does is enhance blood flow, promote healing in the tissues surrounding the spur, and optimize their function. That can make a person move about more easily and feel more comfortable. Even though it's a mild and harmless one, it's always best to consult a doctor, particularly if the condition is severe, to determine the best course of action.

What does a red light do to your feet?

Red light therapy reduces pain and inflammation in the feet by stimulating blood flow and promoting tissue healing. It stimulates cell growth, which leads to quicker healing of injured tissues, such as the plantar fascia. Red light therapy can help enhance mobility and alleviate pain associated with conditions like plantar fasciitis.

How did I finally cure my plantar fasciitis? 

I healed my plantar fasciitis by using red light therapy on a regular basis in combination with stretching and supportive shoes. The light therapy decreased the pain and healed the inflamed tissue gradually. Being consistent with the routine was the key.

Does red light therapy help fascia?

Yes, red light therapy could assist fascia by enhancing circulation and decreasing inflammation. It might help heal connective tissues and relieve tension. Routine use might improve flexibility and alleviate pain from the fascia.

Can red light therapy heal tendons?

Yes, red light therapy can heal tendons by stimulating cellular repair.

References

1. Combination Therapy Versus Exercise and Orthotic Support in the Management of Pain in Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
2. The effect of high-intensity versus low-level laser therapy in the management of plantar fasciitis: a randomized clinical trial
3. Evaluation Effects of Laser Therapy and Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy with Clinical Parameters and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis in Patients with Spondyloarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
4. Photobiomodulation Therapy Plus Usual Care Is Better than Usual Care Alone for Plantar Fasciitis: A Randomized Controlled Trial