Softlaser for Heel Pain – Heel Spur, Plantar Fasciitis
You get out of bed in the morning, and the moment your foot touches the floor a sharp, stabbing pain shoots into your heel. It feels like stepping on a pin cushion. After a few steps it eases a little, but it returns repeatedly during the day. If this sounds familiar, you are likely dealing with plantar fasciitis or a heel spur — and low-level laser therapy (LLLT) can help.
Why does your heel hurt?
The most common causes of heel pain:
Plantar fascia inflammation (plantar fasciitis)
Your sole is supported by a thick connective tissue band – the plantar fascia – that runs from your toes to the heel bone. If you overload it, tiny tears develop and inflammation occurs. This causes the characteristic sharp pain of the first steps in the morning.
Heel spur
If the inflammation persists for a long time, minerals are deposited into the inflammatory exudate. It’s similar to the formation of stalactites – each day the inflammation adds another "drop" to the deposit. That’s how the bony growth visible on X-ray, the heel spur, forms.
Achilles tendon problems
The Achilles tendon connects the calf muscles to the heel bone. Overuse, inappropriate footwear, or a sudden increase in training load can cause inflammation and pain.
How can low-level laser therapy (LLLT) help with heel pain?
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) addresses the root of the pain: the inflammation. The laser light penetrates the tissues and acts at the cellular level:
- It can positively influence inflammatory processes
- It can support ATP (cellular energy) production
- It can contribute to tissue regeneration
- It can help relieve pain
Scientific research supports the beneficial effects of LLLT for heel pain. A 2019 systematic review and meta-analysis analyzing 6 randomized controlled trials concluded that laser treatment favorably affected heel pain in patients with plantar fasciitis, and the improvement persisted for 3 months after treatment.1
In another 2014 prospective study of 30 patients with chronic plantar fasciitis, pain measured on the VAS scale decreased on average from 67.8 to 6.9 over a 12-month follow-up.2
Treatment points for heel pain
Heel spur, plantar fascia inflammation
Treat the following points:
- The plantar surface of the heel (the painful point)
- The medial edge of the foot
- Both sides of the heel bone (right and left)
- The posterior part of the heel
Achilles tendon inflammation, injury, post-surgery
- The posterior part of the heel and the point above it
- The right and left sides of the heel bone
- Along the full length of the tendon, if necessary
Softlaser treatment procedure
Using the B-Cure softlaser devices
The three members of the B-Cure device family (Classic, Sport, Pro) emit the same 808 nm wavelength laser beam but differ in energy output:
| Device | Treatment time per point |
|---|---|
| B-Cure Laser Classic | 6 minutes |
| B-Cure Laser Sport Pro | 5 minutes |
| B-Cure Laser Pro | 5 minutes |
Steps of the treatment
- Turn on the device and use the plus button to set the recommended treatment time
- Place the device on the painful area, directly on the skin
- Keep it still until the set time has elapsed
- Move to the next treatment point and repeat
Important! Laser light does not penetrate clothing or dressings, so treatment will be ineffective through them. Always apply directly on the skin!
Treatment frequency
- Acute pain: 2–3 times a day
- Chronic complaints: 1–2 treatments daily
Critical rule: Doubling the treatment time DOES NOT increase effectiveness! Excessive energy can halt regenerative processes. Treat each point only for the recommended duration.
What to expect?
In early stages (pain present for 1–2 months)
LLLT can favorably affect inflammation and may prevent the formation of a heel spur. The heel spur is a consequence of prolonged inflammation — if you eliminate the inflammation, the bony deposit will not form.
If a heel spur has already formed
LLLT will not remove the bony heel spur visible on X-ray — that is already a "done deal." However, the laser can help reduce the surrounding inflammation and pain. The problem is that the excess bone can irritate the tendon with every step, so inflammation tends to flare up again.
If the heel spur causes significant symptoms, surgical removal may be considered as a last resort.
Duration
A minimum of 10–12 days of regular treatment is necessary for the inflammation to decrease. If you notice improvement, do not stop — continue until full recovery!
During the first treatments, pain may temporarily increase. Don’t be alarmed — this is a natural reaction and may indicate that healing processes have started. This usually subsides after 1–2 treatments.
Before you start treatment
When NOT to use it?
Do NOT use the softlaser device if:
- You have an implanted pacemaker
- There is active thrombosis in the treated area
- You have an active malignant tumor
- You are pregnant (application over the abdominal area is forbidden)
- You are taking photosensitizing medication
If in doubt, consult your physician!
Other effective treatments for heel pain
Besides LLLT, other home physiotherapy methods can help. Combining these is often more effective than using a single method:
- Therapeutic ultrasound: Heats tissues and improves blood circulation
- Magnetic therapy: Can positively influence inflammatory processes
- TENS treatment: Can help reduce pain perception
- Microcurrent (MENS): Can support tissue regeneration
- Contrast cold–hot therapy: Can reduce swelling and pain
Read more about the method and its application in the comprehensive guide to laser therapy.
Recommended devices
| Device | Advantage |
|---|---|
| B-Cure Laser Pro | Fast treatment, compact size |
| B-Cure Laser Sport Pro | For athletes, active lifestyles |
| Personal Laser L400 | Good value for money |
You can find the full range of softlaser devices here.
Summary – Quick overview
What is this article? A practical guide to using low-level laser therapy for heel pain, heel spur, and plantar fascia inflammation.
Who is it for? People suffering from heel pain, heel spurs, plantar fasciitis, or Achilles tendon problems.
Main message: Research indicates that LLLT can positively influence heel pain. In early stages it may help prevent the formation of a heel spur, but it will not remove an already formed bony deposit.
Important facts:
- An 808 nm wavelength device is required
- Treat the heel from multiple points (sole, sides, posterior part)
- Apply directly to the skin
- A minimum of 10–12 days of regular treatment is necessary
- The earlier you start, the better the outcome
Frequently asked questions:
Does the softlaser remove the heel spur?
No, the laser does not remove an already formed bony heel spur. However, it can help reduce the surrounding inflammation and pain.
When should I see a doctor?
If the pain is very severe, you can barely walk, or your symptoms do not improve after several weeks of treatment, consult an orthopedic specialist.
Can I combine it with other treatments?
Yes, LLLT combines well with other physiotherapy methods (ultrasound, magnetic therapy, TENS). Combined treatment is often more effective.
Related articles
- Causes of heel pain
- Causes and home treatment of heel spur
- Plantar fascia inflammation (plantar fasciitis)
- Achilles pain
References
- Wang W, et al. (2019). Clinical efficacy of low-level laser therapy in plantar fasciitis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Medicine (Baltimore). PubMed: 30653125
- Jastifer JR, et al. (2014). Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Prospective Study. Foot & Ankle International. PubMed: 24510123
- Macias DM, et al. (2015). Low-Level Laser Therapy at 635 nm for Treatment of Chronic Plantar Fasciitis: A Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Study. Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery. PubMed: 25769363
The information in this article is for guidance only. Home therapy devices are intended to complement medical treatment and do not replace professional medical care. Consult your physician if you have complaints.
