You’ve heard about laser treatment for heel pain, tendon injuries, or plantar fasciitis. But before trying something new, you want answers. Is it really safe? Will it hurt? What could go wrong?
At Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, serving Twin Falls and Burley, our patients often ask these same questions. The good news? Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that’s both safe and effective for many common foot and ankle conditions.
Still, like any medical procedure, it’s important to understand the potential risks—and when this approach might not be the right choice. Let’s walk through laser treatment safety, how the application works, who benefits most, and what side effects to watch for.
What’s MLS Laser Therapy—and Why Is It Considered Safe?
MLS treatment uses synchronized light wavelengths to stimulate cellular healing. The application has been studied extensively, is FDA-approved, and clinical use shows high success rates in reducing chronic foot and ankle pain. Unlike surgical lasers, which cut or burn tissue, MLS laser therapy is non-thermal and non-destructive. Other benefits include:
- Painless sessions. Most of our patients report no sensation at all—or a mild warmth—during treatment.
- No downtime. You can resume daily activities immediately after your session.
- Drug-free pain relief. Laser energy helps reduce inflammation and speed healing naturally.
- Works at the cellular level. Stimulates natural repair—not just masking symptoms.
- Speeds healing. Many of our patients feel relief in just 3–6 sessions, with long-term benefits.
At Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, we find MLS laser therapy to be an effective approach for chronic foot pain related to conditions such as:
- Plantar fasciitis
- Excessive inflammation
- Achilles tendinitis
- Neuropathy
- Arthritis
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgical recovery
Are There Any Side Effects to Foot Laser Treatments?
Some treatments come with a long list of side effects that make people hesitant to even try them. It’s natural to wonder what the tradeoff might be—especially when you're already dealing with daily discomfort or mobility issues.
Fortunately, laser treatment is often safer than prescription drugs or invasive procedures that carry significant risks. In fact, one of the reasons people throughout the Magic Valley choose MLS laser therapy at Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists is that it’s known for being well-tolerated and comfortable.
Still, no treatment is entirely risk-free. Potential laser treatment side effects include:
- Temporary redness or warmth. This usually resolves within a few hours.
- Mild tingling. Some of our patients with nerve pain may feel brief tingling after a session.
- Slight fatigue. Rarely, patients feel tired as the body adjusts to the increased circulation and healing response.
- Skin irritation. The treatment area might become slightly dry and feel itchy.
- Swelling. Some people experience temporary swelling or redness after a session.
Generally, these effects are short-lived and a normal part of the healing process for many people.
When Is Laser Therapy Not Right for You?
You’re not just a number. Our board-certified podiatrists conduct comprehensive examinations before making a diagnosis and developing an individualized treatment plan. Our approach includes a full medical intake, diagnostic testing, and hands-on assessments of your condition before we recommend moving forward with different aspects of care.
While MLS laser therapy is considered safe for most people, there are some important contraindications—circumstances when the treatment should be avoided or used with caution. You might not be a candidate if:
- You’re pregnant. The laser isn't used over the abdomen or lower back during pregnancy, but we might advise against this treatment overall until after your baby is born.
- You take photosensitive medications. These drugs can make your skin react more strongly to light.
- You have an active infection. The laser shouldn't be applied directly over infected tissues.
- You have active cancer. MLS laser therapy shouldn't be used over known tumors.
At Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, our skilled providers carefully review your medical history to ensure laser therapy is both safe and appropriate for your condition. If it’s not, we have other innovative treatment solutions that may be more suitable. Let’s start a conversation today about finding the right type of relief for your condition so you can return to all your favorite activities.
