Light therapy devices to relieve pain and promote healing remain a frontier with more to explore, but studies report demonstrable benefits of light therapy. In 2016 we wrote about the LumiWave, an FDA-cleared Class II medical device that uses infrared light to combat localized muscle pain. Bright Health Therapy‘s Red Light Therapy Foot Pain Relief Device is a newer pain relief solution designed primary to help people suffering from heel and foot pain. The Bright Health foot relief device is an over-the-counter (OTC) Class II Medical Device with FDA clearance for pain relief, using infrared and red light LEDs, according to the manufacturer.

Bright Health’s Red Light device looks like an over-sized body weight scale. There are 124 medical-grade 880nm invisible infrared and 660nm visible Red Light LEDs divided into separate foot patterns on the top surface of the device. There’s also a small LCD display where you’d normally see your body weight. The display has a power on/off icon and a digital timer. You’re not supposed to have skin contact with LEDs for extended times; typical recommended light therapy exposures are 20 to 30 minutes. The Bright Health Foot Relief Device is pre-set for a 25-minute countdown. It also sounds an audible beep with each passing minute. Bright Health’s user guide advises limiting oneself to no more than three treatments per day.

According to Bright Health, the Foot Relief Device can help relieve pain associated with arthritis, neuropathy, plantar fasciitis, and tendonitis. The manufacturer also asserts the device can accelerate healing, repair tissue, and relax muscles, but specifically excluding neuropathy from the conditions it can help with healing.

To back its claims, Bright Health’s states that red light therapy increases adenosine triphosphate (ATP) to boost cellular energy. Bright Health also asserts faster cell regeneration and repair, increased nitric oxide release, collagen production, and stem cell activation. The manufacturer also cites studies that support benefits of red light therapy that including healing and tissue repair, improved blood flow, improved joint health, relief from pain and inflammation, exercise and injury recovery, improved bone repair, and more.

The Bright Health Red Light Therapy Foot Pain Relief Device is available on the company’s website. The list price is $249 although at the time of publication it was on sale for $199. If even half of the potential benefits listed by the company are readily attainable, the price could certainly be worth it for active athletes and for those among us who suffer from chronic or even occasional foot pain or stillness.