Professor David A. Arnall, chair of physical therapy at East Tennessee University, has lived with Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy for 20 years.
Arnall is a self-proclaimed professional skeptic. He believes in evidence-based medicine.
And yet:
Arnall, the skeptic, will tell anyone who will listen that infrared light therapy for Neuropathy can restore sensation and reduce neuropathic pain like nothing else.
“My neuropathies are gone”
Says Arnall.
After trying every available therapeutic option (including surgery) with no luck, he discovered infrared light therapy (LLLT), which has succeeded where all other treatments failed.
Can the noninvasive low-level laser therapy relieve your Neuropathy symptoms?
Can it stop the numbing, the burning, tingling and excruciating pain – without any side effects?
The answer is YES.
Table of Contents
How Can Infrared Light Therapy Help Neuropathy?
This post contains affiliate links. Click here to read my affiliate policy.
If you suffer from Peripheral Neuropathy, I’m sure you already know the reason for your awful symptoms:
Nerves that carry messages to and from your brain and spinal cord from and to the rest of your body are damaged or diseased.
Damage to these nerves interrupts communication between the brain and other parts of your body and can impair muscle movement, prevent normal sensation in the arms and legs.
Not to mention – a lot of pain.
Sometimes numbness can be so bad you can stick a needle and it won’t hurt.
Other times it feels like someone’s hitting you with a crowbar, while at the same time passing a blowtorch across the same area.
The best part is:
No matter the cause of your nerve pain (an injury, infection, diabetes, autoimmune disease, etc.) – infrared light therapy is proven to help.
Here’s How it Works:
Nitric Oxide.
The key to the dramatic relief LLLT brings is nitric oxide.
Nitric oxide is a short-lived gas that is crucial to the health of your arteries.
This powerful signaling molecule relaxes them, regulates blood pressure, fights free radicals, and prevents platelets from clumping together.
How to Use Light Therapy for Neuropathy – at Home
Here’s the deal:
You don’t have to spend thousands of dollars on FIR sessions.
You can use infrared light therapy to heal nerve damage and regenerate nerves at home – Whenever you need it.
We recommend using medical-grade FIR equipment, such as the Anodyne Infrared Light Therapy Device, or you can try lower-cost alternatives, such as the Revive Light Therapy System.
The price difference comes from the size of the FIR home device (the larger the device, the larger the treatment coverage), the number of LEDs (Light Emitting Diodes), and the device’s quality and durability.
Here are the requirements for your home device:
- Infrared wavelength – 880 – 890nm
- FDA Cleared
- Covers large areas (to cover your legs/arms/hands etc.)
- Has a large amount of LED bulbs, hence more powerful
Here are the 2 easy ways to use infrared light therapy for Neuropathy, at home:
✅ The 6 Best Infrared Devices for Neuropathy
Through our research, these are the 6 best infrared home devices for Neuropathy:
1. Anodyne Infrared Therapy System
The Anodyne therapy machine (made in the USA) is a true medical grade 890nm infrared home system that was cleared by the FDA in 1994 and is supported by peer-reviewed studies.
(The company is CE marked under the Medical Devices Directive 93/42/EEC for European sales and registered by the FDA for distribution in the US)
These studies were published in journals such as Diabetes care (proving efficiency for Diabetic Neuropathy) and Practical Pain Management.
- Anodyne neuropathy pads was found to penetrate 200 mm into the body, which makes it excellent for nerve pain and other Neuropathy symptoms.
- It can cover large areas in your body (legs, feet, back, etc.) and has a hands-free operation so you can either relax during treatments or do anything else you want to do.
- The square patches (see image) size: 2 3/4 inches wide by 4 1/4 inches long.
- After purchasing, you’ll probably receive a phone call directly from Florida (where Anodyne is manufactured), making sure you’ve received it and full usage instructions if you need them.
Price – the Anodyne Infrared Neuropathy home system is expensive, but it’s the only medical-grade infrared treatment for home use in the market.
If it can reduce your pain and numbing by 50% (not to mention save your limbs) – isn’t it well worth the cost?
2. UTK Infrared Heating Pad
The UTK heating pad will cost you much less than the Anodyne, yet it can be just as effective as a Low-Level Laser Therapy for Peripheral Neuropathy.
It’s a flexible jade-stones infrared heating pad that you can wrap around any part of your body, and start enjoying the simple things in life again.
The medium size pad is 31 by 21 inches, with 126 pcs premium natural jade stones.
The jade stones emit infrared rays when heated. Plus, the pad releases negative ions that’ll elevate your mood and enhance your treatment.
My research showed that the UTK pad has no EMF radiation.
Infrared Therapy for Neuropathy Foot Pain (Best Devices)
If your pain is localized only in your feet – you have 3 amazing options:
1. Infrared Foot Massager
Our #1 recommendation for Neuropathy foot pain is an infrared (heated) foot massager.
Combining infrared heat and Shiatsu or Vibrating massage is proven to reduce pain and numbing in your feet by more than 60%!
👉 See the proof and the top 7 shiatsu foot massagers (with heat) – for Neuropathy
2. Electric Heated Socks
3. Self Heated Socks with IR Mineral Balls
4. Infrared Boots for Neuropathy
Neuropathy Hand Pain – Infrared Gloves
For Hand pain we recommend infrared heated gloves, such as these:
Is Infrared Therapy PROVEN to Work for Neuropathy?
In a word, YES.
For example, here’s one (large-scale) astounding clinical trial:
In 2006, 2239 people suffering from foot numbness caused by Diabetes were treated with infrared photodynamic energy.
About half of them were also suffering from Neuropathy pain (with a pain level of 7.2 out of 10).
The results of the IR treatment:
Can you imagine their relief?
The study concluded:
“MIRE (Monochromatic Infrared Photo Energy) appears to be associated with significant clinical improvement in foot sensation and, simultaneously, a reduction in neuropathic pain in a large cohort of primarily Medicare aged, community-dwelling patients, initially diagnosed with PN. The quality of life associated with these two outcomes cannot be underappreciated”
And again:
This is just one of the many studies proving Infrared technology amazing ability in restoring sensation and relieving nerve pain.
You can see many more studies here.
Who Can Benefit from Laser Therapy for Neuropathy?
Infrared light therapy (also known as the cold laser) has been proven effective for nerve pain and sensation-loss, no matter the root cause.
This means that IR energy can help all types and root causes for Neuropathy, including:
- Peripheral Neuropathy
- Local Nerve pain
- Facial Nerve Problems
- Nerve pain from chemotherapy
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Shingles
- Lyme disease
- Nerve pain from hypothyroidism
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Diabetic Neuropathy
- Non-Diabetic Neuropathy
- Fibromyalgia
- Idiopathic Neuropathy
When Can You Expect Results?
With IR therapy, many people we know feel almost immediate pain relief, which lasts for about 6 hours.
For others, the pain starts to fade away only after a week or two of daily use.
Remember:
IR therapy does not only mask the pain but speeds up the healing process. You may be surprised to find that your pain or numbness is completely gone – in the long term.
If you have any questions or concerns, let me know in the comments below. I answer every question.
To your health and happiness,
Meital
References
Improved foot sensitivity and pain reduction in patients with peripheral neuropathy after treatment with monochromatic infrared photo energy–MIRE.
The restorative effects of pulsed infrared light therapy on the significant loss of peripheral protective sensation in patients with long-term type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Improved sensitivity in patients with peripheral neuropathy: effects of monochromatic infrared photo energy.
Joseph Mayercheck says
Can these medical devices be used with a pacemaker. Everytime I read a solution (such as magnets in socks) it states not recommended with a pacemaker. Please give your thoughts. Thanks.
Meital James says
I am no a doctor and I suggest your consult with yours. However, infrared light is not like magnets. Infrared wavelength is the same is the heat from the sun, without the UV rays. There should be no contradiction with pacemakers.
Pat says
Hi. I bought a near infrared bulb. How long should I target the heat on an area and how far away should the bulb be?
Meital James says
Pat,
Near infrared bulb should be placed about 12 inches away from the treated area, and you can use it up to 20-30 minutes. You can play around with it until you find the best position for it to feel comfortable. Good luck!
Lana says
I’m 3 weeks out on a neck and lower face lift. I am experiencing a good amount of numbness and have access to red light facial therapy at the spa I belong to. Would this help to “wake” the nerves up quicker?
Thank you
Meital James says
I think it’s a good idea, but I would check with my surgeon first. Good luck!
mark says
can i use UTK Infrared Heating Pad on my head to improve the nerve flow in my head and to my brain?
Meital James says
To improve blood flow (I don’t know of a nerve flow), it’s better to use the pad on your neck rather than your head. It’s generally recommended not to heat the head directly for more than 10 minutes.
Ric says
I’ve been using this exact system since June and have not experienced much relief at all. Occasionally, right after treatment, the bottom of my feet about 15% less pain. The next morning they are painful enough that I hate to walk. I also use Rebuilder 30 minutes a day after the light treatment. My doctor says it does not matter when you apply either product; the effect is the same. Any help with this would be appreciated. My impression is that my neuropathy is not due to a lack of Nitric Oxide or only partially related.
Meital James says
I would try repeating the treatment once more every day. Sometimes the dosage is just not enough. Good luck!
Pam says
Ric,
How is your neuropathy? I have SFPN (idiopathic/autoimmune) in my feet and now progressing to my hands. I’ve just purchased the ReBuilder and purchased the REDjuvenator infrared therapy panel in November (without much benefit). I was told to put my feet directly on the REDjuvenator which seems contrary to what I’ve read in some of these posts My feet felt like that had bee scalded after using it. I first tried 5 minutes with both feet on the panel (while stretch out on sofa) and then was told to increase to 20 minutes and that pain was good it meant healing was beginning. Not sure on that one. Anyhow, just curious if you’ve found anything that helps. You stuck with this longer than I did. I did it for 8 weeks and then stopped wondering what was going on.
Pamela says
Try *Turmeric with *Black Pepper every morning for at least 2weeksand you’ll start to notice a difference.
Add pure lemon juice for an extra boost.
I make a tea, 2tsp. Turmeric with 1/4 tsp Black Pepper (helps absorb and transport it throughout the body)
*Cold Pressed Coconut Oil is an added great ingredient for bioavailable too.
Stop the extra sugar!
Autoimmune ailments from *Leaky Gut take *Bone Broth, *Kefir.
Seal the Gut! Don’t eat the chemicals
Susan says
My husband has hardware in his back from two back surgeries for herniated disc and cyst formation. He has tremendous muscle spasms at times plus numbness and tingling. Does the hardware preclude this type of therapy.
Meital James says
To my knowledge, this should not be a problem.
Raakesh Madan says
Raakesh Madan
I have purchased Anodyne infrared therapy pads for my neuropathic diabetes feet.
Could you please explain me the correct process of usage & duration of usage per day and how many days of usage will give me relief if you recommend that this therapy is really helpful.
Your reply Will be helpful.
Meital James says
Here’s a post with full instructions:
http://www.anodynetherapy.com/professional/treatment.html
Pam says
Do you have a list of clinics or facilities that use the medical grade Red and Infrared Light Therapy on small fiber peripheral neuropathy pain in feet that patients could try and discuss with therapist/acupuncturist prior to purchasing in home devices? I’m not even sure what type of medical professional might utilized this equipment as part of their treatment? Would it be chiropractic, acupuncture or physical therapy clinics?
Thank you, in advance, for your assistance.
Meital James says
I don’t have a list but you can search in Google for clinics with infrared treatments for neuropathy. I know that acupuncture professionals and physiciansuse it, not heard of many physical therapists.
Joyce Weaver says
I had total knee replacement 3 months ago which left me with a numb foot and pain in my knee. Can I put this on my knee with the hardware in there?
Meital James says
I haven’t found research about this so I am not sure. Can you consult with your doctor?
Jean McGrain says
My sister has draining areas on both legs. Her legs are huge and has something to do with
lymphedema. She’s a diabetic with unrelenting pain in her feet and ankles. She has to change leg dressings twice daily..How could she benefit from this LLT with these dressings? Could it be placed over a dressing or is an open area out of the question. No one knows what to do for her.
It’s inhumane what shes going through. Please advise.
Meital James says
I’m not a doctor and this is only my opinion: she can try and use it when she changes her dressings – for a few minutes. Also, infrared rays are experienced as heat, and the heat is able to penetrate the dressings. However, I would only do this after consulting with a doctor.
Amie says
I have several areas that I need to take care of and don’t know which product to purchase.
1. Ankle and 5 toes surgery both feet still painful and swollen 9 months later.
2. These surgeries have resulted in creating a different walking pattern thus very, very tight hips/hip flexors, a little inner knee pain and some lower back pain.
I am doing PT.
3. Very tight neck and shoulder muscles which cause tightness in right jaw thus my jaw
joint bone has deteriorated over time by 50%. Seen in 3D X-ray by Orthodontist.
I was thinking two different light therapy treatments may be an option as time wise that would be faster and for targeting
purposes as well.
Your thoughts and suggestions?
Thank you.
Meital James says
Amie,
I think that for the toes and ankle, plus the inner knee and low back pain you can use the Beurer infrared heat lamp: http://amzn.to/2DqE89s
If you want a second device to help with the neck, back and shoulders – I would suggest a small/medium Jade infrared heating pad. You can choose from the 4 best ones here: https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/infrared-heating-pads-comparison-reviews/
Good luck and I hope you feel better soon:)
Amie says
Thank you!
Chris says
I have neuropathy in my hips. Horrible. Which do you suggest for this?
Meital James says
If the pain is located in the hip area – I would try an infrared heat lamp and point it to the lower back and hip area.
Chris says
Does Medicare cover any of these?
Meital James says
According to this – http://go.cms.gov/2GVDVxk – unfortunately no.
Susie says
My mom had shingles and her pain was so bad she would get nauseated . She has had two visits to get LLLT and already feels a lot better. Today will be her third treatment! God bless who ever invented this laser for treating pain! She is 82 years old and I thought this was going to be the thing that ends her life! Now I am hopeful, Thankful!
Meital James says
I’m thrilled to hear this Susie…this is why I write this blog, I want as many people as possible to know about this amazing natural technology. I’m sire with the next treatments your mom will get even better.
John Dorey says
I had an acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwanomma) removed in 2006. The surgery affected the occipital nerve that left me with facial pain (on 800 mg x 2 of gabapentin). Will I benefit from Infrared (LLLT) therapy? If so, where do I go (live in Woodbridge, VA)?
Meital James says
The heat can relieve your pain, yes. I don’t know about clinics, but you can try home devices as mentioned in the post. I would also try, at first, to expose your face to sunlight, when UV Radiation is low (in the afternoon or morning) and see if it relieves your pain. Infrared light is basically sunlight – without the UV radiation that can harm the skin.
Sarah says
I have peripheral neuropathy in both hips, ankles and feet caused by extensive cancer treatment. I am not in any pain but have a loss of sensation in some toes. Despite receiving some neurophysio sessions, my condition seems to be gradually getting worse rather than better. Do you think it would be beneficial to try light therapy?
Meital James says
Yes, I think it can be very beneficial.
fred cleaves says
Thanks for article Meital. I am trying to decide for foot, leg and hand neuropathy between dpl flex which has 40 and 20 of 660 and 880 i think it is and the revive which has more but can you tell me how deep each penetrapes? I think you say the revive has more leds. thanks.
Meital James says
Both devices penetrate to the same depth because the wavelength is similar. The more LEDs you have the more powerful the treatment will be, and of course – more treatment area will be covered. For neuropathy I would choose the Revive or the Anodyne.
christian says
I’m fighting a tooth infection in one of my molars, trying to avoid a root canal..
which would be the best product to get to this area of the body? if it’s a lamp, how close do I hold it and for how long?
thank you!
Meital James says
Christian, I would recommend the DPL oral care device. You can see it here: https://amzn.to/2IBmfaM
Frances Swift says
Hello
I have found an establishment where I can use an infra red sauna. How long should the treatment be for neuropathy at one go and how many times a week. I have very numb feet making it difficult to walk.
Many thanks
Frances
Meital James says
I would try at least 30 minutes 2-3 times a week. But you have to see how you feel and listen to your body. Good luck!
Frances Swift says
Thank you for your reply. I omitted to ask if the treatment applies to chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy? It seems that certain treatments work on diabetic neuropathy but there are no indictations anywhere of any successful treatment for CIPN.
Meital James says
To my understanding, it doesn’t much matter the cause of the nerve damage, it works the same way. It’s proven to be able to regenerate damaged nerves. I think it’s worth a try, since it’s a gentle treatment with no long-term side effects found in the last 30 years. I hope this helps and good luck!
Roger Bissell says
My unit seems to not be very warm, but does gradually warm up, though never getting very warm, just mildly/moderately warm. Is that sufficient to do the job? How can I know whether it’s providing the infrared radiation my tissues need?
Meital James says
It would help if you let me know which exact unit you have… I’ll check it out for you.
Lora Clarke says
I have numbness and pain in fingers, which is the best device to use?
Meital James says
Lora, I would suggest using infrared heated gloves. Here’s a good example, for a low price: https://amzn.to/2DI8g3S
Frances says
You mention infrared heated gloves. Are there infrared heated socks available ?
Meital James says
Here’s one example, which is electric: https://amzn.to/2FlGxrm
And here’s one that is self-heated via thermal fabric and minerals that emit far infrared rays: https://amzn.to/2qMsiBT
Dawn B says
Are you the seller of these products on Amazon? It appears so according to the statements at the bottom of the page. I’ve read a book about red light therapy and am wondering if you are familiar with the Red Rush 360? If so, is it inferior to the products you offer? Why/why not? Thanks!
Meital James says
I am definitely not the seller of these products. I only review them. I am not familiar with the Red Rush 360, but I’ll look into it in the near future.
mike says
I have Facial Neuralgia pain in Nose area
– what light device is recommended for this?
( nb sunlight really soothes it)
I’d be really interested in something portable if available.
Meital James says
I would go for a small infrared heat bulb and shine it from a safe distance with safety goggles for the eyes. However, it’s not portable. Portable devices mostly emit red light therapy, not in the infrared range.
Ron says
Due to Peripheral Neuropathy, my right foot is numb to the ankle and severe shin pain. I need a Walker as I have a loss of balance.
What treatment and devices do you recommend?
Meital James says
I would suggest either a near-infrared heat lamp or infrared socks. However, since your foot is numb you have to be very careful with the heat because you may not feel if it’s too hot and could get a burn. I would consult with a doctor.
Bobby says
Hi,
I have neuropathy all over my feet , legs, hands and arms.
I also have a lot of joint pains in my hands , wrists , knees and toes.
This is all from Lyme ..
What do you recommend buying for my house to help ? Where can I purchase these items ?
Thank you
Meital James says
To treat the entire body effectively I would recommend a home infrared sauna. You can get wooden one, or a portable one which is lower cost. See these posts: Portable sauna – https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/portable-infrared-sauna/ home infrared sauna – https://www.infrared-light-therapy.com/2-person-infrared-saunas/
Forest Queen says
I have MS related pain/cold/numbness in my left forearm and hand. This is caused by sclerosis (lesions) in my cervical spine. Should I focus the light on my hand and forearm or my cervical spine area? I own an Allisable red light.
Meital James says
You should point the light to all areas…
Jennifer Montgomery says
So it literally doesn’t matter where I point the light? Anywhere on my body should have results irrespective of where my pain is?
Meital James says
Not exactly, it should be somewhere around the area where you feel the pain, or where the pain originates from.
Keith Ullrich says
I just started light therapy for leg and foot neuropathy.
I seem to be improving after 4 visits to my neuropathy doctor. Since these sessions are expensive. I’m wondering what is the best home therapy machine I can buy to use at home after my 24 sessions have ended?
Thank you
Meital James says
What type of light therapy are you currently doing? red light? infrared?
Priscilla says
Hi.A small bone in the 5 th metatarsal snapped with the result it’s broken not far from the ankle.
I also have a lot of pain on the big toe n under foot area
Is it wise to use the infrared heat lamp
Meital James says
Yes, it’s supposed to help with injuries.
Kathleen Dingwall says
I have bad peripheral neuropathy in both legs and feet. I have a very good light therapy kit with both blue lights and infrared lights but each time I use the kit it makes my legs so much worse, very stiff and painful. I wait a couple of days and try again and the same thing happens. I have only been doing this about two weeks and would very much like to know if I should persist and hopefully work through this, or does it mean it is a treatment that is definitely not working for me? I would be so grateful to know as I am definitely a lot worse at the moment and nobody can help me. Thank you very much.
Meital James says
Hi Kathleen, is there a way I can see the kit you have? do you have a link to the product ot its name so I’ll take a look?
Levi Armstrong says
It’s interesting to know that studies have shown photobiomodulation or infrared light therapy to help with nerve pain through promoting the release of nitric oxide to your tissues and nerves. My teenage son was born with an autoimmune disease, so perhaps he would benefit from this type of treatment. Although I appreciate you educating me on how we can do this at home, I will be more comfortable to take him to a professional for a consultation first. Thanks for this!