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Achilles Tendon
Achilles Tendon Treatment
The Achilles tendon is not only the strongest, but also the largest tendon in the human body. The main function of the Achilles tendon is to transmit power from the calf muscles to the heel and the foot.
It’s because of the Achilles tendon that we are able to stand on our toes when walking, running, or jumping. Even with all of its strength, the Achilles tendon can be exposed to injury. Due to its limited blood supply and the high tensions placed on it, the Achilles heel can be left vulnerable if harmed.
Achilles Tendon Injury Complications
Possible conditions that may arise due to injury of the Achilles tendon include tears, ruptures, tendinitis, peritendinitis, tendinosis, tendinopathy, and bursitis. When trying to diagnose if one has issues with their Achilles tendon, a podiatrist will commonly check for any pain, swelling, or discoloration around the heel or lower leg area. Different treatments for issues concerning the Achilles tendon vary, but may include over-the-counter or prescribed pain relievers for intense discomfort, alternating ice and heat therapy, custom-made orthotics, physical therapy, and in severe cases, surgery. To help prevent injury to the Achilles tendon, it’s recommended to regularly perform stretches involving the muscles of the lower leg.
Many problems arise among athletes and people who overexert themselves while exercising. Problems can also happen among those who do not properly warm up before beginning an activity. Proper, comfortable shoes that fit correctly can also decrease tendon injuries. Some professionals also suggest that when exercising, you should make sure that the floor you are on is cushioned or has a mat. This will relieve pressure on the heels. A healthy diet will also increase tendon health.
If you or someone you know is experiencing pain or discomfort involving the Achilles region, seek out the help of a podiatrist for a proper diagnosis and treatment regime.
MLS Laser Therapy
On The Forefront of Non-Surgical Pain Relief & Tissue Repair
The Foot & Ankle Center, PC is the first medical facility in southeast Georgia and the low country to offer their patients the latest advancement in safe, comfortable and highly effective pain relief and tissue repair. Our new deep tissue laser treatments can dramatically reduce your pain with no hassle, no drugs, and no side effects. With our lasers treatments, you can avoid invasive surgery, costly medications, and recovery time away from work.
The Cutting Edge MIX5 Laser is one of the most technologically advanced therapeutic Class IV lasers approved by the FDA . The MLS Laser is capable of delivering over 100 times more healing energy than the most powerful devices of the previous generation ( Class III – ‘Cold Lasers’ – LLLT – Low Level Laser Therapy ).
More power means shorter treatment times, less therapy needed and immediate pain relief . The Cutting Edge MLS Laser floods the tissues with photons, energizing the damaged cells and increasing circulation to the painful area. This increases the body’s production of ATP (Adenosine-triphosphate), expediting the healing process to reduce inflammation and repair damaged tissue.
MLS Stands for “ Multi-wave Lock System .” MLS is the name of the technology used that utilizes the patented combination of wavelengths . The 2 wavelengths are synchronized to work together, much like a symphony to deliver superior results. Like two musical instruments playing together in harmony, the patented MLS emission system organizes continuous and pulsed emission providing simultaneous anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects in considerably reduced times. In addition, this unique patented synchronization of multiple wavelengths creates less ‘scatter’ and allows for safe deep tissue treatment . (Scatter can produce heat in the tissues and is the reason why with other Class IV therapeutic laser devices the therapist must keep the laser beam in motion). Treatments take just a few minutes and are painless, however, the therapeutic effects continue to soothe and heal long after the treatment ends.
Watch this short video which demonstrates the advanced technology of the MLS Laser from Cutting Edge.
MLS Laser Therapy - FAQ's
What are the most common indications for therapy? The most common indications for MLS Therapy are pain relief, degenerative joint disease, arthritic conditions, muscular and skeletal system trauma, and inflammatory conditions such as plantar fascitiis and tendonitis.
What wavelengths are used in the MLS therapy? MLS therapy uses both the 808nm and 905nm wavelengths simultaneously . The 808nm wavelength is delivered using continuous emission while the 905nm wavelength is delivered using pulsed emission.
Why are two wavelengths used? MLS Therapy uses two wavelengths to overcome the limits of traditional Laser Therapy. Traditional Laser therapy does not deliver both wave lengths in a reinforcing and synchronized fashion. Continuous laser emissions act fast on inflammation, stimulating blood and lymphatic circulation and inducing fast re-absorption of fluid build ups; however they only have a secondary effect on pain, which is diminished after reducing the inflammatory process. Pulsed laser emissions , on the other hand, have a practically immediate effect on pain, since they are able to induce analgesia, interfering with the very transmission of the pain impulse to the higher brain centers, but they are less effective at treating inflammation and edema.
Is MLS Therapy approved by the FDA? Yes, the FDA has approved the use of MLS therapy and it is also patented via the US Patent Office.
What is the advantage of MLS therapy over traditional low level lasers (LLLT “Class III”)? MLS Therapy is able to induce strong anti-inflammatory, anti-edema, and analgesic effects simultaneously and within a short period of time. LLLT cannot achieve these results because of the limitations of using one or two wavelengths that are not synchronized. The patented control system that generates the MLS pulse synchronizes the emissions to achieve results previously unattainable. Thanks to this characteristic synchronization, the various therapeutic effects not only take place at the same time but reciprocally reinforce each other.
What is MLS? MLS or “ Multi-wave Lock System. ” is the name of the technology that utilizes the patented combination of wavelengths, thus allowing the 2 wavelengths to work together to deliver superior results.
Are Cutting Edge MLS Therapy Lasers class IV lasers? Yes, the MIX5 is a class IV laser with a peak power of 25 watts.
What is the depth of penetration of the MLS laser? The depth of penetration varies but in most cases it will penetrate 4-5 cm (~1.5inches).
How many treatments are usually needed to get results? Results can often been felt after the first treatment. To get the most definitive and long lasting benefit, 6-10 treatments are usually required. The treatments are cumulative and are delivered 2 – 3 times per week.
Is the treatment covered by insurance? At this time insurance does not cover the cost.
How was MLS Therapy developed and tested? MLS Therapy has been developed and tested following a strict course of biomedical and clinical research. The effectiveness of the combination of the emissions making up the MLS pulse was initially tested in vitro on cellular cultures, then in vivo on animals, and finally by means of controlled clinical trials run by major state-of-the-art health organizations for treating traumatic and degenerative painful diseases.
To find out if MLS Laser Therapy is right for you, call or book an appointment with a podiatrist.
For additional information:
Watch the MLS Laser Therapy Video to see the laser in action.