MIRE Does Not Alleviate Nerve Damage

Devices that deliver monochromatic infraredenergy (MIRE) did not fare any better in reducingfoot numbness in individuals with nerve damagedue to diabetes, compared with placebo treatments.During the 8-week study, 39 adults withdiabetic peripheral neuropathy were randomlytreated with MIRE or placebo therapy applied 3days per week for 4 weeks.

Reporting in Diabetes Care (December 2005),the research team found that 30 minutes of MIREtherapy was not more effective in improving sensationon the sole of the foot, compared with theplacebo treatment. MIRE devices were approvedby the FDA in the mid-1990s to enhance circulationand reduce pain. The devices have been usedin patients with wounds and soft-tissue trauma.