You've stretched. You've rubbed. You've rolled your foot over a frozen water bottle every morning for months. But the stabbing heel pain from plantar fasciitis is still there—sometimes worse after rest, sometimes immediately sharp with your first steps of the day. Traditional treatments promised relief, but now you wonder if there's something better.
Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists in Burley and Twin Falls offers both the advanced Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy and time-tested traditional treatments for plantar fasciitis. Understanding how these approaches compare helps you make an informed choice about your care—and finally find relief.
Table of Contents
What Are Traditional Plantar Fasciitis Treatments?
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, first-line therapies include:
- Stretching exercises
- Night splints
- Orthotic devices
- Physical therapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
Many people also receive corticosteroid injections when initial treatments don't provide adequate relief.
These methods work by reducing chronic inflammation, providing arch support, and gradually strengthening the plantar fascia. Recovery timelines vary widely—some people improve within weeks, while others struggle for six months to a year.
Limitations on a Patient’s Experience
Traditional approaches require considerable patience and compliance. You have to stretch and ice multiple times a day. Night splints are uncomfortable. Custom orthotics provide eventual, but not immediate, relief. Physical therapy demands regular appointments and home exercises. When pain persists despite faithful adherence, frustration mounts—and some patients face the prospect of surgery as a last resort.
How Does MLS Laser Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis Work Differently? ![Podiatrist-using-MLS-laser-therapy-on-patients-plantar-fasciitis]()
Rather than managing symptoms externally, this innovative therapy penetrates tissue at the cellular level to accelerate healing. A systematic review published in BMJ Open found that low-level laser therapy reduces both pain and disability in patients with lower extremity tendinopathy and plantar fasciitis.
MLS technology uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular repair, increase blood circulation, and reduce inflammation from within the damaged tissue. Treatment sessions typically last 10–15 minutes, require no downtime, and patients often notice improvement within just a few sessions. Most people need approximately 6–12 laser sessions over several weeks.
Key advantages of MLS laser treatment include:
- Non-invasive approach. There are no injections, no incisions, and no medication side effects to manage.
- Faster symptom relief. Many of our patients at Canyon Foot & Ankle Specialists report noticeable pain reduction within the first few treatments.
- Cumulative healing effect. Each session builds on the previous one, promoting actual tissue repair rather than temporary symptom management.
- Minimal time commitment. Brief office visits fit easily into work schedules, with no recovery period needed afterward.
Laser vs. Traditional Plantar Fasciitis Treatment: Which Delivers Better Results?
The answer depends on severity, timeline expectations, and individual response. Traditional therapies excel for mild cases caught early—especially when people commit fully to the required exercises and lifestyle modifications.
Traditional Therapy Timeline
- Initial improvement: 6–12 weeks with consistent effort.
- Full resolution: 6–12 months for most cases.
- Daily commitment: Multiple stretching sessions, wearing night splints, using orthotics.
- Comfort level: Variable—some interventions cause temporary discomfort.
However, MLS laser treatment shows particular promise for stubborn cases that haven't responded to months of conservative care. The treatment works exceptionally well for patients who are on their feet for long periods at work or who’ve suffered significant tearing in the plantar fascia tissue.
MLS Laser Treatment Timeline
- Initial improvement: Often within 2–4 sessions.
- Treatment course: 6–12 sessions over 4–6 weeks.
- Daily commitment: Brief office visits only—no home care required.
- Comfort level: Painless treatment with no side effects.
Can These Treatments Be Combined?
The extensively trained podiatrists at Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists often integrate both approaches for optimal outcomes. MLS laser therapy accelerates tissue healing while patients continue beneficial stretching exercises and wear supportive orthotics. This combination addresses plantar fasciitis from multiple angles—reducing chronic inflammation through cellular repair while supporting proper biomechanics and preventing re-injury.
The integration strategy particularly helps patients with persistent plantar fasciitis symptoms or those at risk for recurrence. Laser treatment jump-starts the healing process, and then traditional supportive measures maintain progress over the long term.
The right choice isn't always either/or. Discussing your specific case, pain level, activity demands, and timeline needs with Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists helps determine whether traditional therapies, laser treatment, or a strategic combination will get you back on your feet fastest—and keep you there.