Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Marietta, GA: Can Laser Therapy Help Nerve Pain?

Are you experiencing burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in your feet? These symptoms may be signs of peripheral neuropathy, a condition that affects the nerves responsible for sensation and can interfere with walking, sleeping, and everyday activities.

At Dr. Goldfine’s podiatry office in Marietta, Georgia, we offer the Remy IV pain laser as a non-invasive treatment option for certain patients experiencing foot discomfort associated with peripheral neuropathy. Laser therapy may provide another approach for patients seeking relief, particularly when conventional treatments have not adequately controlled their symptoms.

What Is Peripheral Neuropathy?

Peripheral neuropathy occurs when nerves outside the brain and spinal cord become damaged or stop functioning normally. The condition frequently affects the feet and lower legs because the nerves extending to these areas are particularly vulnerable to injury.

Common symptoms include:

• Burning or shooting pain in the feet

• Tingling or a pins-and-needles sensation

• Numbness or reduced ability to feel temperature and touch

• Increased sensitivity to socks, shoes, or bed sheets

• Sharp, electric-like pains

• Discomfort that becomes more noticeable at night

• Balance difficulties related to reduced sensation

Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy. Other potential causes include vitamin deficiencies, certain medications, alcohol-related nerve damage, nerve compression, and other medical conditions. Sometimes, the underlying cause remains unknown.

If you experience persistent symptoms, a podiatric evaluation can help determine whether neuropathy may be responsible and whether additional medical testing is appropriate.

How Can Laser Therapy Help Peripheral Neuropathy?

The Remy IV pain laser offered at Dr. Goldfine’s office provides an additional option to consider when developing a treatment plan for foot pain.

Low-level laser therapy, also called photobiomodulation, uses specific wavelengths of light to interact with biological tissues. Researchers are studying how these light-based treatments may influence cellular activity, inflammation, circulation-related signaling, and the pathways involved in pain perception.

For patients with peripheral neuropathy, the goal of laser therapy is to help reduce uncomfortable symptoms such as burning, tingling, and nerve-related pain.

Laser treatment is non-invasive and does not require surgery or injections. It may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan based on the patient's symptoms, medical history, and examination findings.

An important distinction: Research on photobiomodulation is promising, but results depend on the particular device, wavelength, treatment protocol, and type of neuropathy. Studies of other laser devices do not automatically establish the effectiveness of the Remy IV specifically. Laser therapy should not be presented as a cure for nerve damage or a guaranteed way to restore sensation.

What Does Research Say About Laser Therapy for Neuropathy?

Researchers have investigated photobiomodulation as a possible complementary treatment for neuropathic pain. Several published studies provide encouraging findings, although more research is needed to determine which patients benefit most and how long any improvement lasts.

1. Randomized clinical trial of laser therapy for diabetic neuropathy

A 2026 randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled clinical trial published in Pain Research and Management evaluated a dual-wavelength, low-level laser device in 64 adults with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

After three weeks, 72.7% of participants receiving active treatment achieved a reduction in foot pain. Improvements were observed in several neuropathic pain symptoms, including burning pain and abnormal sensations.

The researchers reported no serious device-related adverse events. However, follow-up extended only four weeks beyond the treatment period, so the study does not establish long-term effectiveness. The tested device and its treatment protocol were specific to this study and should not be assumed to be identical to the Remy IV.

Research citation: Franco S, et al. Dual-Wavelength Laser Therapy for Painful Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy: A Randomized, Double-Blind, and Sham-Controlled Trial. Pain Research and Management. 2026.

Read the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/42860829/

2. Systematic review of low-level laser therapy

A 2019 systematic review published in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome: Clinical Research & Reviews examined research on low-level laser therapy for painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

The authors identified six eligible studies from their literature search. Their review discussed the potential of low-level laser therapy as an approach to neuropathic pain, while also highlighting the need for better clinical evidence.

Because the review included a limited number of studies, its findings should be interpreted cautiously. Differences in treatment parameters and study design also make it difficult to draw conclusions about every laser device.

Research citation: Anju M, et al. Low level laser therapy for the patients with painful diabetic peripheral neuropathy – A systematic review. Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome. 2019;13(4):2667–2670.

Read the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31405692/

3. Systematic review of photobiomodulation and diabetic neuropathy

A 2023 systematic review evaluated photobiomodulation therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathy, including its potential effects on neuropathic pain, nerve conduction, and plantar pressure distribution.

The review included eight studies and reported improvements in pain and certain nerve-related outcomes across the included research. However, studies of this type can be limited by small participant groups, variations in treatment methods, and differences in the quality of the available evidence.

These findings support continued investigation of photobiomodulation as a possible complementary treatment. They do not establish that every laser system will produce the same outcomes.

Research citation: Effectiveness of Photobiomodulation Therapy on Neuropathic Pain, Nerve Conduction and Plantar Pressure Distribution in Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy – A Systematic Review. 2023.

Read the review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37622461/

Is Laser Therapy Right for Your Foot Neuropathy?

Not every patient with peripheral neuropathy has the same symptoms or underlying cause. Some patients primarily experience pain, while others have significant numbness or loss of protective sensation.

During an evaluation at Dr. Goldfine’s office in Marietta, we can assess your symptoms, review your medical history, and discuss appropriate treatment options.

Depending on your individual needs, a comprehensive treatment plan may include:

• Laser therapy: Consideration of the Remy IV pain laser as a complementary approach to symptom management.

• Management of underlying causes: Coordinating appropriate care for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, medication-related concerns, or other contributing conditions.

• Medication review: Discussing available options for neuropathic pain when symptoms interfere with daily life.

• Foot protection: Recommending appropriate footwear, regular foot inspections, and other measures to reduce the risk of injury.

• Additional evaluation: Investigating persistent or unexplained symptoms when further testing or referral is appropriate.

Laser therapy should complement, rather than replace, appropriate medical management. In particular, patients with diabetes or reduced sensation need continued attention to skin integrity, circulation, and ulcer prevention.

Why Early Evaluation Matters

One of the biggest concerns with peripheral neuropathy is that numbness can make it difficult to recognize an injury. A blister, pressure spot, or small cut may go unnoticed and potentially develop into a more serious wound.

If you have diabetes or reduced sensation in your feet, routine foot examinations and daily inspections are important even when your feet do not hurt.

Seek prompt medical attention for a new wound, spreading redness, drainage, significant swelling, or a sudden change in foot temperature or color. Sudden weakness or rapidly worsening symptoms also warrant urgent evaluation.

Explore Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Marietta, Georgia

Living with burning, tingling, or shooting foot pain can be frustrating, especially when symptoms interfere with sleep and everyday activities. Although peripheral neuropathy does not have a single treatment that works for everyone, several approaches may help manage symptoms and protect foot health.

At Dr. Goldfine’s office in Marietta, Georgia, we offer the Remy IV pain laser as an option to discuss for patients seeking a non-invasive approach to neuropathic foot discomfort.

If you are experiencing symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, schedule an evaluation to learn more about your treatment options and whether laser therapy may be appropriate for you.

Contact Dr. Goldfine’s office in Marietta, GA, to discuss treatment options for peripheral neuropathy and nerve pain.

Frequently Asked Questions About Peripheral Neuropathy and Laser Treatment

1. Is laser therapy safe for peripheral neuropathy?

Low-level and Class IV laser therapies are generally considered non-invasive treatment approaches when administered appropriately by trained healthcare professionals. The Remy IV pain laser uses light energy to interact with targeted tissues. Treatment suitability depends on your medical history, medications, skin condition, and individual circumstances. Your podiatrist can determine whether laser therapy is an appropriate option for you.

2. How many laser treatments will I need for peripheral neuropathy?

The number of treatments varies depending on the severity of your symptoms, the underlying cause of neuropathy, and your response to therapy. A series of treatments may be recommended rather than a single session. Dr. Goldfine can discuss an individualized treatment plan based on your examination and symptoms.

3. Does Remy IV laser treatment hurt?

Laser treatment is non-invasive and does not involve needles, incisions, or injections. Many patients find laser therapy comfortable. Depending on the treatment settings and individual sensitivity, you may experience a gentle warming sensation in the treated area. Your comfort will be monitored throughout the session.

4. Can laser therapy cure peripheral neuropathy?

There is currently no established laser treatment that cures peripheral neuropathy or guarantees reversal of permanent nerve damage. However, research involving photobiomodulation suggests that certain laser treatments may help reduce neuropathic pain and other uncomfortable symptoms in some patients. Laser therapy may be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to managing peripheral neuropathy.

5. Is the Remy IV laser FDA-cleared for peripheral neuropathy?

The Remy IV is an FDA-cleared Class IV therapeutic laser. However, its FDA-cleared indications do not specifically include the treatment of peripheral neuropathy. Research into photobiomodulation and neuropathic pain is ongoing. Dr. Goldfine can discuss the potential role of laser therapy as a complementary treatment option based on your individual needs.

Interested in Peripheral Neuropathy Treatment in Marietta, GA?

If you are experiencing burning, tingling, numbness, or shooting pain in your feet, you don't have to ignore your symptoms. Contact Dr. Goldfine's office in Marietta, Georgia, to schedule an evaluation and learn whether Remy IV laser therapy may be an appropriate addition to your treatment plan.