A foot ulcer is one of the most serious complications of diabetes and can lead to infection, hospitalization, and, unfortunately, even amputation if not properly managed. Good diabetic foot care involves daily attention, professional wound monitoring, and advanced treatments when needed.
At Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists, many people with diabetes often ask about innovative ways to improve ulcer healing. One option is Multiwave Locked System (MLS) laser therapy, a non‑invasive treatment that works alongside standard diabetic foot care practices. While laser treatment isn’t a standalone cure, it can improve aspects of the ulcer healing process when used appropriately.
What Are Diabetic Foot Ulcers and Why Do They Matter?
A foot wound is a break in the skin that occurs when nerves and circulation are compromised due to long‑term high blood glucose levels. These ulcers heal slowly because diabetes often reduces blood flow and impairs the body’s normal ability to repair tissue.
If ulcers don’t heal, patients are at greater risk of infection, deeper tissue damage, hospital stays, and amputation. Research networks supported by the National Institutes of Health, such as the Diabetic Foot Consortium, exist because improving ulcer healing and preventing amputations are public health priorities. Good diabetic foot care includes:
- Daily foot inspection
- Proper glucose management
- Protective footwear
- Off‑loading pressure from wounds
- Cleaning and dressing ulcers
- Treating any foot wounds or infections promptly
These core elements remain the foundation of successful outcomes.
How Can MLS Laser Therapy Help With Ulcer Healing?
This procedure belongs to a class of treatments sometimes called photobiomodulation or low‑level laser therapy (LLLT). Laser treatment involves delivering specific wavelengths of infrared light to the ulcer and surrounding tissue. The light penetrates without heating or cutting tissue, and the energy is absorbed by cellular components. Although research is ongoing, evidence suggests that light‑based therapies may stimulate biochemical changes in healing tissues, including:
- Increased cellular energy production
- Improved blood flow
- A more balanced inflammatory response
Some clinical studies and reviews suggest that LLLT can increase complete healing rates, reduce ulcer area, and shorten time to healing compared to conventional care alone—although larger, higher‑quality trials are still needed to confirm the full strength of these effects.
What Are the Benefits of MLS Laser Treatment in Diabetic Foot Care?
This therapy offers several potential benefits when integrated appropriately into a diabetic ulcer care plan created by our board-certified podiatrists at Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists:
- Non‑invasive and painless. The light treatment doesn’t break skin or require incisions, so there’s no need for anesthesia or downtime between sessions.
- May support ulcer healing processes. Light energy helps stimulate cellular pathways involved in tissue repair and regeneration.
- May reduce inflammation. This is essential to allow for more effective tissue repair.
Many of our patients experience better results when laser therapy is combined with traditional best-practice diabetic foot care.
Sessions are short—often less than 20 minutes—and most of our patients experience no discomfort during the procedure, except perhaps a slight warmth as the controlled light is applied to the treatment area.
Because diabetic ulcers can take months to heal—often with fluctuating progress—MLS laser therapy is considered a supportive tool rather than a one‑time fix. Multiple treatments are usually scheduled over several weeks, often in conjunction with standard ulcer care protocols. Continuous monitoring and regular visits with one of our diabetic foot care specialists are essential for tracking healing and preventing complications.
Is MLS Laser Therapy Appropriate for Every Person With a Foot Ulcer?
While this treatment is safe for many people, there are important contraindications that matter:
- Pregnancy. Light therapy is generally avoided directly over the abdomen or pelvic areas, and may be postponed until after the baby is born.
- Severe peripheral arterial disease. PAD significantly reduces blood flow to your feet and ankles and is itself a major risk factor for poor wound healing. Our podiatry team would advise that immediate management of vascular issues take priority before adjunctive therapies.
- Active cancer at or near the treatment site. Laser energy shouldn’t be applied where tumor cells are present, as cellular stimulation could potentially be harmful.
- Photosensitive medications or disorders. Some medications or rare health conditions increase sensitivity to light and may lead to adverse skin reactions.
Rest assured, our doctors at Canyon Foot + Ankle Specialists will carefully review your health history and current wound status before recommending MLS therapy, and we may order tests such as vascular studies if circulation issues, such as peripheral neuropathy, are suspected.
Diabetic foot ulcers are a complex challenge, but promising treatments like MLS laser therapy offer hope when used responsibly within a comprehensive care plan. Trust our team to combine evidence‑based practices with personalized attention so you can experience the best possible outcomes and reduce the risk of serious complications.
