Dealing with persistent foot or ankle pain? The MedX Treatment Manual provides highly effective protocols for the delivery of Superluminous Diode (SLD) therapy. This system offers comprehensive treatment guidelines designed specifically for the leg and foot anatomical zones . The treatment relies on physical phototherapy, utilizing specific regions of the electromagnetic spectrum to stimulate clinical benefits.

What conditions are treated?

• Ankle & Foot Injuries: The guidelines cover targeted protocols for soft tissue injuries, ankle sprains, osteoarthritis, bunions, fractures, and reflex sympathetic dystrophy .

• Plantar Fasciitis: This common and painful condition is treated by specifically targeting the insertion of the fascia at the metatarsals and the origin of the plantar fascia at the calcaneus.

Potential Benefits & Mechanisms of Action:

Phototherapy acts as a physical treatment modality that emits photons in specific regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Light energy is absorbed by elements in the mitochondria and cell membranes, where it is converted into biological energy. This process works to restore homeostasis. It effectively increases local microcirculation, accelerates tissue repair, reduces pain, and decreases inflammation and edema.

How does the treatment work?

The system uses a light delivery method to encourage the body to heal itself:

• SLD Therapy: Emits a non-coherent, broad beam that produces evenly distributed energy over a much larger surface area.

Key Takeaways about Foot & Ankle Phototherapy:

• Ankle Sprains & Soft Tissue Injuries:

  • Treatment Schedule: Ankle sprains are generally treated 3 to 5 times per week for 3 to 6 weeks, while general soft tissue injuries require 2 to 3 weekly treatments for 3 to 4 weeks.

  • Application: Energy is applied over the 2 to 4 most painful points in the affected area.

• Plantar Fasciitis:

  • Treatment Schedule: Sessions are typically administered 2 to 3 times a week for a duration of 3 to 6 weeks.

  • Application: Treatments are targeted at the 3 to 5 most painful areas on the foot.

• Managing Extensive Swelling:

  • Special Protocol: If the ankle or foot presents with extensive swelling, the provider will first treat lymphatic drainage points in the groin and posterior knee before addressing the specific injury site.

Getting Treatment and Relief:

Here at Donwood Foot and Orthotic Clinic, we frequently manage a wide variety of foot and ankle conditions using MedX Phototherapy. We invite you to book an appointment. Our chiropodists can safely and effectively administer SLD and LLLT treatments , help pinpoint the underlying pathology or diagnosis causing your pain , and advise you on the best treatment options and schedules for immediate relief and long-term healing.