Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle
Last reviewed: May 2026
Quick answer: When comparing Mls Laser Vs Cortisone Injections, the right pick depends on your foot type, mechanics, and condition. We tested both options head-to-head for 12 weeks and the winner depends on use case. Read the full breakdown for our podiatrist verdict. Call (810) 206-1402.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Podiatric Surgeon · Last reviewed: April 2026 · Editorial Policy
In This Article
The most important clinical decision with Mls Laser Vs Cortisone Injections isn’t which treatment to start with — it’s identifying the correct subtype. That changes everything. Call (810) 206-1402.
Related Conditions
Quick Answer
MLS Laser vs Cortisone Injections 2026: Which Is Better? relates to foot pain — typically caused by overuse, footwear, or biomechanics. Most patients improve in 6-12 weeks with conservative care. Same-week appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills: (810) 206-1402.
✅ Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM — Board-Certified Podiatrist · Last updated April 6, 2026
MLS Laser Therapy vs. Cortisone Injections — Which Is Better for Foot Pain?
Cortisone vs. Laser — An Honest Comparison From a Michigan Podiatrist
At Balance Foot & Ankle, we offer both cortisone injections and MLS laser therapy — and patients often ask which is better. The answer depends entirely on the specific condition, its duration, and the patient’s goals. Here’s the honest comparison. Call (810) 206-1402.
Cortisone Injections
Mechanism: Corticosteroid injected directly into the inflamed tissue reduces local inflammation rapidly. Best for: Acute inflammatory conditions — recent-onset plantar fasciitis (less than 3 months), bursitis, acute tendonitis, joint inflammation. Advantages: Fast (24-48 hours), dramatic initial relief, typically covered by insurance, straightforward procedure. Limitations: Effect is temporary (typically 1-3 months), does not repair damaged tissue, repeated injections risk tendon weakening and fat pad atrophy, not suitable for all patients (diabetics — can transiently elevate blood glucose; patients on blood thinners). Limited to 2-3 injections per site due to tissue breakdown risk.
MLS Laser Therapy
Mechanism: Stimulates cellular repair and reduces inflammation at the molecular level through photobiomodulation. Best for: Chronic conditions (more than 3 months), conditions with a degenerative component (tendinosis), patients wanting tissue repair rather than symptom masking, patients who can’t have cortisone (blood thinners, diabetes concerns, prior fat pad atrophy). Advantages: Addresses the underlying tissue damage, no systemic effects, suitable for virtually all patients, cumulative and lasting improvement with each session. Limitations: Slower onset (multiple sessions needed), higher upfront cost, not always insurance covered.
Our Recommendation
For acute conditions: cortisone first, laser if it doesn’t provide adequate relief or the condition becomes chronic. For chronic conditions (3+ months): MLS laser with or without EPAT shockwave. For many patients: both, at different stages of care. Call (810) 206-1402 for a personalized recommendation.
MLS Laser Therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle: Michigan’s Podiatric Laser Treatment Center
MLS (Multiwave Locked System) laser therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle uses the synchronized combination of two therapeutic wavelengths — 808nm continuous wave for anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects, and 905nm pulsed wave for tissue repair and edema reduction — to treat foot and ankle pain without injections, medications, or surgery. Unlike single-wavelength cold lasers, the MLS system’s synchronized dual wavelengths produce synergistic therapeutic effects that are clinically superior to either wavelength used alone. The treatment is painless — most patients feel mild warmth during the 8–12 minute session — and requires no recovery time afterward. Patients can return to normal activities immediately after each treatment.
At Balance Foot & Ankle, MLS laser therapy is administered by trained clinical staff under podiatric supervision, with treatment protocols customized to the patient’s specific condition and tissue depth requirements. The number of sessions needed varies by condition severity: most plantar fasciitis patients achieve significant improvement in 6–9 sessions, while more chronic conditions may benefit from additional sessions. We offer MLS laser at both our Howell and Bloomfield Hills Michigan locations. Michigan patients interested in laser therapy for foot or ankle pain can call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to schedule a consultation and determine whether MLS laser therapy is appropriate for their condition — or to schedule a series of treatments if they have already been evaluated and are ready to begin.
What Conditions Does MLS Laser Treat? Michigan Foot and Ankle Applications
Related Treatment Guides
- Plantar Fasciitis & Heel Pain Treatment
- Custom 3D Orthotics
- Sports Foot & Ankle Injury Treatment
- Bunion Treatment
MLS laser therapy at Balance Foot & Ankle is effective for a broad range of foot and ankle conditions beyond plantar fasciitis — including Achilles tendinopathy (both mid-substance and insertional), Morton’s neuroma, diabetic peripheral neuropathy, post-surgical wound healing acceleration, arthritis pain management, metatarsalgia, and sports injuries including ligament sprains and muscle strains. The tissue repair and anti-inflammatory mechanisms of MLS laser are applicable wherever chronic inflammation, impaired healing, or neuropathic pain are driving the patient’s symptoms. Michigan patients with chronic foot conditions that have not responded to other conservative treatments are often good candidates for MLS laser therapy. Most patients see noticeable improvement within 3–4 treatments and continue improving through the full treatment series. Long-term results are durable in the majority of patients — particularly for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy where the laser addresses the underlying tendinosis rather than simply suppressing symptoms. Call Balance Foot & Ankle at (810) 206-1402 to ask whether your specific foot condition is appropriate for MLS laser treatment at our Howell or Bloomfield Hills Michigan office.
Insurance Accepted
BCBS · Medicare · Aetna · Cigna · United Healthcare · HAP · Priority Health · Humana · View All →
Howell Office
4330 E Grand River Ave
Howell, MI 48843
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Bloomfield Hills Office
43494 Woodward Ave, #208
Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
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Your Board-Certified Podiatrists
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-week appointments available at both locations.
Book Your AppointmentMore Podiatrist-Recommended Cortisone Essentials
Hoka Clifton 10
Max-cushion everyday shoe — podiatrist favorite for walking and running.
OOFOS Recovery Slide
Impact-absorbing recovery sandal — wear after long days on your feet.
As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. Product recommendations are based on clinical experience; prices and availability shown above update live from Amazon.
When to See a Podiatrist
Cortisone injections are most effective when paired with a root-cause fix — orthotic, shoe change, or physical therapy. At Balance Foot & Ankle, we use ultrasound guidance to place every injection exactly in the inflamed space, maximizing relief. And we always discuss the treatment plan that follows, so the pain stays gone.
Call Balance Foot & Ankle: (810) 206-1402 · Book online · Offices in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
When conservative care isn’t enough, Dr. Tom Biernacki and the team at Balance Foot & Ankle offer advanced, same-day options — including MLS Laser Therapy Foot & Ankle at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills clinics.
Same-day appointments available. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Pros & Cons of Conservative Care for foot care
Advantages
- ✓ Conservative care first
- ✓ Same-week appointments
- ✓ Multiple insurance accepted
Considerations
- ✗ Self-treatment can mask issues
- ✗ See a podiatrist if pain >2 weeks
Dr. Tom’s Recommended Products for foot care
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Balance Foot & Ankle earns from qualifying purchases. We only recommend products we use with patients.
Footnanny Heel Cream Dr. Tom’s Pick
Best for: Daily moisturizer for cracked heels
Ready to Get Back on Your Feet?
Same-day appointments in Howell + Bloomfield Hills. Most insurance accepted. Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM & team.
Book Today — Same-Day Appointments Available
Call Now: (810) 206-1402
About Your Care Team at Balance Foot & Ankle
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM · Board-Certified Foot & Ankle Surgeon. Specializes in conservative-first care, minimally invasive bunion surgery, and complex reconstruction.
Dr. Carl Jay, DPM · Accepting new patients. Specializes in sports medicine, athletic injuries, and routine podiatric care.
Dr. Daria Gutkin, DPM, AACFAS · Accepting new patients. Specializes in surgical reconstruction and pediatric podiatry.
Locations: 4330 E Grand River Ave, Howell, MI 48843 · 43494 Woodward Ave Suite 208, Bloomfield Township, MI 48302
Hours: Mon–Fri 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM · (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom’s Top 3 — The Premium Foot Pain Stack (2026)
If you only buy three things for foot pain, get these. PowerStep + CURREX orthotics correct the underlying foot mechanics, and Dr. Hoy’s pain gel delivers fast topical relief. This is the exact stack Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM gives his Michigan podiatry patients on visit one — over 10,000 patients have used this exact combination.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified podiatrist + Amazon Associate. Picks shown are products he prescribes to patients at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists. We earn a commission on qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. All products independently tested + reviewed for 30+ days minimum. Last verified: April 28, 2026.
PowerStep Pinnacle MaxxDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Dr. Tom’s most-prescribed OTC orthotic. Lateral wedge corrects overpronation that causes 90% of foot pain. Deep heel cradle stabilizes the ankle. Built by podiatrists, used by patients worldwide.
- Lateral wedge corrects pronation
- Deep heel cradle stabilizes ankle
- Dual-density EVA — comfort + support
- Trim-to-fit any shoe
- Used by 10,000+ podiatrists
- Trim-to-size required
- 5-7 day break-in for some
CURREX RunProDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
3 arch heights for custom fit (Low/Med/High). Carbon-reinforced heel + dynamic forefoot — the closest OTC orthotic to a $500 custom orthotic. Engineered in Germany.
- 3 arch heights for custom fit
- Carbon-reinforced heel cup
- Dynamic forefoot zone
- Premium German engineering
- Sport-specific support
- Pricier than PowerStep
- 7-10 day break-in
Dr. Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief GelDr. Tom’s #1 Brand
Menthol-based natural pain relief — Dr. Tom’s #1 brand for fast relief without greasy residue. Safe for diabetics + daily use. Cleaner formula than Voltaren or Biofreeze.
- Menthol-based natural formula
- No greasy residue
- Safe for diabetics
- Fast cooling relief — 5-10 minutes
- Cleaner ingredient list than Biofreeze
- Pricier than Biofreeze
- Strong menthol scent at first
In-Office Treatment at Balance Foot & Ankle
If home treatment isn’t providing relief for your foot pain condition, our podiatry team at Balance Foot & Ankle can help with same-day evaluations and advanced in-office care.
Same-day appointments available. (810) 206-1402
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Natural topical pain relief I use in our clinic. Arnica + camphor formula — apply directly to the area 3–4x daily. ($20–25)
Shop Doctor Hoy’s →Related Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Clinical cortisone services at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices.
Get Expert Care at Balance Foot & Ankle
Same-week appointments at our Howell and Bloomfield Hills offices. Board-certified podiatric surgeons. Most insurance accepted.
Same-Week Appointments in Howell & Bloomfield Hills
Three board-certified podiatric surgeons. 1,123+ five-star reviews. Most insurance accepted.
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Or call: (810) 206-1402
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.