Laser Treatment for Pain in Laguna Woods, CA
Address Foot and Ankle Pain Without Surgery or Injections
Laser therapy uses focused light energy as part of a personalized treatment plan for eligible painful foot and ankle conditions.
Are You Dealing With Any of These?
- Heel pain that keeps returning
- Achilles pain during walking or exercise
- Tendon discomfort that limits your activity
- Burning or tingling pain in the forefoot
- Pain that has not improved sufficiently with rest
- A foot or ankle problem affecting daily movement
What Conditions Can Laser Treatment Help?
Laser therapy may be included in a broader care plan for selected painful musculoskeletal conditions.
Plantar Fasciitis
Laser therapy may be considered for persistent heel and arch pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
Achilles Tendon Pain
Treatment may be used alongside other care for eligible patients experiencing Achilles tendon pain or stiffness.
Other Tendon Conditions
Laser therapy may be considered for certain painful tendon conditions affecting the foot or ankle.
Neuromas
Selected patients with nerve-related forefoot pain may be evaluated to determine whether laser treatment is appropriate.
Laser therapy is not suitable for every source of pain. An examination is necessary to identify the condition and recommend appropriate care.
Target the Painful Area Without an Injection
Laser therapy delivers focused light energy to the selected treatment area without needles or incisions. It may be used to support temporary pain relief and improve comfort as part of a broader treatment plan. Dr. Petersen determines whether laser therapy should be used alone or alongside footwear changes, exercises, orthotics, or another treatment.
Benefits of Laser Treatment for Pain
No Surgery
Treatment does not require an incision or surgical procedure.
No Injections
Focused light energy is applied without needles or medication injections.
In-Office Treatment
Sessions can be completed conveniently at Pacific Foot & Ankle Center.
Targeted Application
Treatment is directed toward the specific painful or injured area.
Laser therapy offers a noninvasive option designed to support pain management with minimal interruption to your day.
How Does Laser Treatment Work?
The laser delivers focused light energy to the treatment area according to your diagnosis and prescribed settings. Depending on the device and condition, this energy may support temporary pain relief, local circulation, and muscle relaxation. Treatment recommendations and outcomes vary between patients.
What Is Laser Treatment Like?
1. Evaluate
Dr. Petersen identifies the source of your pain and determines whether laser therapy is appropriate.
2. Treat
Protective eyewear is provided while the laser is carefully applied to the selected area.
3. Continue Your Day
Most patients can leave the office and resume normal daily activities after the session.
Laser Treatment With David Petersen, DPM
Dr. David Petersen has provided podiatric care in Orange County and Los Angeles since 1998. He evaluates the cause of your foot or ankle pain before recommending laser therapy or another treatment.
Your care plan will be based on your diagnosis, symptoms, health, activity level, previous treatments, and individual goals.
Trusted by Local Patients
★★★★★ 4.9 / 5 · 120+ reviews
What Patients Are Saying
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Manna SinghTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I had a really good experience with Dr. Peterson. He is patient, caring, and has a great sense of humor, which makes the whole interaction feel very easy and personable. I never felt rushed, and he took the time to listen to my concerns and explain things clearly. The staff was professional but also warm and welcoming, and there was hardly any wait. Overall, I was very happy with my visit and would definitely recommend Dr. Peterson.![]()
Dave HopkinsTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Timely, professional, quality care and entire staff are very friendly.![]()
Ali DaneshTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr Peterson is a one of a kind physician. He listens, finds a solution and offers you options to get the relief you need without complicating your prognosis. He's compassionate, caring and has the best bedside manner of a great doctor. I highly recommend and trust him with my foot related issues![]()
David LevyTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
We've had a truly phenomenal experience with Dr Peterson. I brought my 9 year old to him for Severs disease. One of the nicest and most caring doctors I've ever met. Truly cares about his patients. Highly recommended. Staff is great too.![]()
Qiana TaborTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Dr. Peterson is very kind, explains everything well, gives good advice and takes his time. Everyone is kind and helpful.![]()
Alan TTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Review of Dr. David Peterson, Podiatrist Before I begin, I want to make it clear that I receive no compensation, discount, or special treatment from Dr. Peterson or his office because of this review. He did not ask or suggest that I write it. I am sharing my experience because I genuinely believe it may be helpful to others. I have been a patient of Dr. David Peterson for more than four years. I wear orthotics, and he has also treated me for a painful nail spike on my big toe. As a podiatrist, I have always found him to be knowledgeable, professional, and outstanding. However, this review is primarily about my experience with EMTT (Extracorporeal Magneto Transduction Technology). I had been curious about EMTT and wondered whether it was simply another promising treatment that would eventually fade away after a short period of time. I had originally considered trying it for my knees. Then, in August 2026, I severely injured my lower back for no obvious reason. I began experiencing intense spasms in my lower back, around belt level and just to the right of my spine. I wasn't sure whether the problem was muscular or nerve-related. What I did know was that the pain was severe—about a 9 out of 10. I had difficulty walking and was experiencing four or five severe spasms every hour. The spasms would suddenly grab me and send sharp pain down the back of my right leg, making even simple activities extremely difficult, including getting in and out of bed, walking, or standing up from a chair. Dr. Peterson suggested that I try three EMTT treatments, one week apart. After my first treatment, I felt a significant improvement. I was able to walk without triggering spasms, and the frequency of the spasms dropped dramatically—from four or five an hour to only three during the following 24 hours. Wearing a back brace also helped improve my comfort level. Interestingly, during the EMTT treatment itself, I felt very little. I didn't feel an electrical sensation, vibration, heat, or much of anything else. In fact, I remember thinking that perhaps it wasn't going to help me at all. I completed all three treatments, one week apart. EMTT is not covered by my insurance, and I was very skeptical about whether it would be worth the expense. However, after completing the three treatments, I became convinced that EMTT had been extremely helpful and had provided me with significant and lasting relief. I was eventually able to see a spine specialist and have an MRI performed to further evaluate my back. I understand that EMTT is not necessarily the answer for every condition, and I can only speak from my own experience. But based on what I personally went through, I am convinced that Dr. Peterson did everything he could to help me, and that EMTT played an important role in getting me through an extremely painful period. I am very grateful for Dr. Peterson's care, professionalism, and willingness to try something that I initially viewed with a great deal of skepticism. For me, the results were very real, and I would strongly recommend Dr. Peterson to anyone considering his care.![]()
Melissa KassoufTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
After my existing Dr. was in an accident, I had to find new care. I saw two other podiatrists before deciding to transfer my care to Dr. Petersen & his outstanding team at Pacific Foot & Ankle. I have not looked back since and know I found the right Dr. and office to manage my ongoing foot issues that have been plaguing me for years! I cannot say enough good things about every single interaction I have with this office. Dr. Petersen is exceptional; he is knowledgeable, patient, gentle, empathetic and kind. I truly believe he has the patients best interest at heart, as recently evidenced by encouraging me to hold off on a procedure I was questioning doing that would be invasive as he felt it was too soon to consider it. So many other Doctors would just want to complete something and send you on your way to move on to the next patient, but he did not. He took a "wait and see" approach and was patient and understanding; he discussed the issue which I really appreciated. Every single interaction I have had with every single member of his team is always so on point! The office is well ran and everyone is kind, professional and helpful. I am dealing with a chronic issue I have had for years and both Dr. Petersen and all of his team members go out of their way to always provide a superior experience each and every time I am seen. The office always has an upbeat and fun vibe to it which helps when you are dealing with not so fun foot issues. Kudos to both Dr. Petersen and all of his team- I appreciate you! I encourage anyone seeking excellence in podiatric care to try this office.![]()
Karen TallichetTrustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
I met with Dr. Peterson on Friday for my very first time. He was more than Pleasant. He was actually very kind, funny and very welcoming and of course well educated on the structure of the feet, mine are an unusual pair? He was able to treat my foot immediately. I have a follow up in three months. I am very happy with how everything turned out. Glad to find a new podiatrist. With such a great bedside mannerVerified by TrustindexTrustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
Frequently Asked Questions
Most patients experience little or no discomfort while the laser is applied. Sensations can vary depending on the device settings and the area being treated.
Session length depends on the condition and size of the treatment area. Dr. Petersen will explain the anticipated appointment time before beginning your treatment plan.
The recommended number of sessions depends on your diagnosis, symptom duration, and response to care. Some patients may require a series of treatments rather than one appointment.
Response times vary, and improvement cannot be guaranteed. Some patients may notice changes during a treatment series, while others may need additional time or another type of care.
Most patients can walk and return to their regular daily activities immediately afterward. Any activity restrictions will usually relate to the underlying condition rather than the laser session itself.
Laser therapy may provide a noninvasive option for selected conditions, but it cannot replace every injection or surgical procedure. Dr. Petersen will recommend care based on the cause and severity of your symptoms.
Laser therapy may be considered for certain cases of plantar fasciitis, Achilles pain, or another tendon condition. An evaluation is necessary to determine whether it is appropriate for your diagnosis.
Coverage varies by insurance plan, diagnosis, and recommended treatment. Contact Pacific Foot & Ankle Center before your appointment to discuss current coverage and payment options.
Find Out if Laser Treatment Is Right for You
If foot or ankle pain is limiting your comfort, mobility, or activity, schedule an evaluation with Dr. Petersen. He can identify the cause and explain whether laser therapy or another treatment may be appropriate.