Can Red Light Therapy Treat Foot Pain?

Red Light Therapy (RLT) is a non-invasive treatment that offers a range of beauty and wellness benefits, including wound healing, pain relief, and inflammation.

But how can LED light therapy support foot and heel pain? From blisters, aching feet, to mobility and plantar fasciitis, Mr. Hasaneen Al Janabi, founder of Dr Hass Clinic, explains the lesser-known benefits of RLT.

What is red light therapy, and the benefits of RLT?

Red light therapy (RLT), also known as photobiomodulation, uses different light wavelengths, including red, infrared, near-infrared, and deep light. These wavelengths are absorbed by the skin’s cells, which stimulates cellular energy production (ATP) and supports the body’s natural healing processes. By enhancing mitochondrial function, RLT can “reduce oxidative stress, improve circulation, modulate inflammation and influence pain signalling pathways”, shares Dr. Janabi.

These benefits can be enjoyed by using Project E Beauty’s LumaLux Face Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, Alora Age Renewal LED Panel and LumaLux Dome.

What are the benefits of RLT for your feet?

As RLT can support pain management and reduce inflammation, Dr. Janabi believes LED light therapy can “potentially” support foot and heel pain. He shares: “Research has shown promising use of photobiomodulation therapy on those with plantar fasciitis, helping with pain management.”

However, the doctor acknowledges that research around red light therapy and foot support is limited. “The randomised tests focus primarily on plantar fasciitis, so we should not generalise findings to every type of foot pain”, he adds.

If you are looking to use RLT on your feet, pay attention to “the wavelength, energy dose, treatment time and how they are delivered to the targeted tissue”, says Dr. Janabi. We recommend the Alora Age Renewal LED Panel and LumaLux Dome, as you don’t want to use dedicated face devices, such as LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, on your feet and face - for obvious reasons!

Can red light therapy improve blood circulation in the feet?

Dr. Janabi notes that some research claims RLT “can influence microcirculation and vascular function”, particularly in those with plantar fasciitis. However, he asserts there is insufficient evidence to prove that RLT can improve blood circulation in the feet.

Can red light therapy alleviate aching feet?

Dr. Janabi suggests RLT “may help with musculoskeletal foot pain, particularly where inflammation or tissue irritation is contributing to symptoms”, however, aching feet “is a symptom rather than a diagnosis.” So, the expert encourages those suffering from persistently aching feet to seek medical advice to uncover the underlying cause of the issue.

Can red light therapy treat heel pain?

While studies suggest RLT can address heel pain, particularly if it is a symptom of plantar fasciitis, Dr. Janabi believes this connection between red light therapy and pain relief may only be a “short-term solution”. He advises anyone suffering from “persistent or severe” foot pain to seek medical treatment.

Can red light therapy improve flexibility and mobility in the feet?

Dr. Janabi suggests there is “potential” for RLT to “indirectly” improve mobility in the feet, as the non-invasive treatment can reduce pain and inflammation. However, more research is needed on the correlation between red light therapy and mobility.

Can red light therapy offer pain relief?

While studies claim RLT can help with nerve pain in those with plantar fasciitis, Dr. Janabi believes the benefits of RLT for long-term pain are “not conclusive.”

Foot pain can be caused by various factors, including nerve issues, but the connection between red light therapy and neuropathy is more nuanced. Dr. Janabi weighs in: “Evidence is not yet strong enough to describe red light therapy as an established treatment for neuropathy. Neuropathy can have several underlying causes, including diabetes, nutritional deficiencies, medication effects, and nerve compression.”

The doctor urges anyone experiencing any “numbness, burning, tingling, or altered sensations in the feet” to seek medical attention, and not replace professional support with RLT.

Can red light therapy treat plantar fasciitis?

According to Dr. Janabi, there is “reasonably encouraging evidence” around red light therapy and plantar fasciitis. The founder shares: “Research has shown evidence of reduced pain and improved foot function, although there was substantial variation in the treatment parameters used across studies.”

The expert also stresses that RLT should not be considered a “cure” for the condition. He continues: “Plantar fasciitis is a multifactorial condition, and treatment needs to address the underlying mechanical and load-related factors, so I would see RLT as a possible adjunct rather than a cure.”

Can red light therapy heal blisters?

While RLT has been said to support wound healing, it is not recommended for use on open wounds, because people may risk “further adverse effects”, such as infection, warns Dr. Janabi. He advises: “If the blister is open, infected, has significant redness, swelling or discharge, I wouldn’t recommend using red light therapy on it at all.”

How long should I use red light therapy for foot pain?

Dr. Janabi believes more research is needed to determine the benefits of RLT for foot pain, RLT for neuropathy, and the duration of use. He stresses that those battling persistent foot pain must seek medical advice.

Is RLT safe to use on feet?

RLT is a non-invasive treatment, and FDA-certified devices are considered safe for home use, particularly Project E Beauty’s array of devices, such as LumaLux Pro LED Red Light Therapy Mask, LumaLux Neck and Dec Mask, LumaLux Face+, Alora Age Renewal LED Panel and LumaLux Dome. though the latter two are better suited for use on the feet and legs. It is also important not to overdo RLT.

That said, Dr. Janabi urges anyone suffering from persistent foot pain, or a medical condition, to seek medical advice before using at-home RLT devices. He advises: “For most people, low-level photobiomodulation appears to be relatively safe for use on the feet, when used appropriately. I'd be particularly careful if someone has diabetes, reduced sensation, or poor circulation in their feet, as they can be more vulnerable to unnoticed injury, so I would recommend medical advice before using a home device.”

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