Last Updated on October 2, 2023 by Kyle
Do Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints Work?
There is no real way to guarantee that a night splint will be the best treatment for your morning heel pain, but plenty of other people with plantar fasciitis have testified to its benefits in minimizing or completely fixing that first painful step of the day. The idea behind using a night splint for plantar fasciitis is keeping your fascia ligament stretched while you sleep.
There are a number of people just like you who have found that by wearing a foot boot all night, they can get up in the mornings and notice less pain over the following weeks. Of course for this treatment to work, you have to stick with the protocol, which means wearing the night splint every night while you sleep.
After reviewing several different night splints for plantar fasciitis, we felt the Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Night Splint was the best splint for most people. It provides outstanding fit and comfort for a reasonable price.
Benefits Of Wearing A Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
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Positions the foot in a 90-degree dorsiflexion, which stretches the fascia and, in many cases, relieves that first painful step in the morning.
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Sustains stretch to the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which have been thought to play a role in causing plantar fasciitis pain.
The major drawback to wearing a night splint is the effect it may have on some peoples sleep. Most people say that it has been compared to wearing a snow boot to bed.
Those willing to stick with the nightly protocol, open the up the potential to see improvements from their heel pain.
Different Types Of Night Splints
There are two primary types of splints for dealing with plantar fasciitis – the dorsal and the boot. The difference is that they are constructed on opposite sides of the foot.
The Dorsal splint has a hard plastic support that sits along the shin and top of the foot, to keep the foot firmly in a 90-degree angle, while leaving the heel and arch free to breathe.
The Boot splint is exactly as it sounds. The back of the brace is on the back side of the leg and calf and runs under the foot. It is generally a larger brace than the dorsal style, and of course, looks like a boot.
Common Complaints With The DORSAL Brace
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Design flaw causes foot slippage, thus not holding the stretch
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Added pressure on the toes causes toes to tingle and/or fall asleep
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Larger straps cause sweating
Common Complaints With The BOOT Brace
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Large and uncomfortable
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Toes go numb
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Can’t walk in them if you have to get up
There does not seem to be agreement on which type of brace is better, so you’ll have to determine which is more likely to be of benefit to you.
Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews
Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Night Splint
Treatment for night time plantar fasciitis pain. It has three padded straps with buckles to ensure immobilization. The night splint has dual tension straps allow for increased flexion and foot angle for the optimum pain relieving stretch. The night splint is lightweight and is an open boot design that keeps your foot cool and dry.
Pros
- Most felt the splint had outstanding fit and comfort
- Splint comes in several sizes from small to large
- Users felt that the splint was lightweight
Cons
- Some feel that the splint was pretty bulky
- Users felt the buckles didn’t allow the heel to stay in position
- The quick release buckles were not well received
foot drop, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendinitis while you sleep. Less bulky and more comfortable than a traditional posterior night splint. Provides passive stretch to both the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia. Holds your foot upright while you rest for a gentle, consistent stretch to your plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscle.
Pros
- Most felt the splint fit well and was comfortable
- Can be worn on left or right foot
- Users felt that the splint was comfortable to sleep in
Cons
- Some feel that the splint was hot
- Users felt the heel did not stay in position
- The fit could be tight for those with larger calfs
Alpha Medical Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Provides gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Helps alleviate night time foot and heel pain. Lightweight, low-profile shell is sturdy and breathable. Three padded straps with buckles to ensure immobilization. Soft foam interior is breathable to eliminate heat buildup
Pros
- Most felt the splint had outstanding fit and comfort
- Splint comes in several sizes from small to large
- Users felt it was well made and easy to adjust
Cons
- Several reported that it was uncomfortable to sleep in
- Users felt it was awkward to use
- Numbness in the feet and toes was reported by several users
StrictlyStability Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Plantar fasciitis night splint is ideal for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinitis, & foot and heel pain. It comes with two removable stretch wedges of different sizes, included alleviating aches and pain with gentle dorsiflexion. The splint comes in four sizes to fit both men and women. It also includes a massage ball. You can wear the brace on either foot.
Pros
- Wear on either foot and is very adjustable
- Splint comes in four sizes and is lightweight
- Users felt it was well made and easy to adjust
Cons
- Some feel that the splint was pretty bulky and the straps were hard to adjust
- Can not walk with the brace on
- Several users reported numbness in the feet and toes
Vive Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Supporting a neutral foot position, the night splint helps reduce pain and inflammation due to plantar fasciitis, drop foot and Achilles tendonitis. The splint also includes a studded foot massage ball for easing aches and pains. Customize-able amount of stretch for pain relief with two comfortably padded stretch wedges.
Secured with three wide adjustable straps, the latex-free night splint fits both men and women. The straps are made with a strong fastener material that will ensure the brace stays in place all night long without twisting or sliding. The splint can be worn on the left or right foot.
Pros
- The splint can be worn on either foot and is very comfortable and adjustable
- Splint comes in four sizes and is lightweight
- Users felt it was easy to sleep with due to its softness
Cons
- Some feel that the splint was very bulky
- Users felt the splint didn’t keep the foot in the flexed position after long periods of time
- The fit of the brace was a major issue for many people as they felt they moved around too much in this brace.
So what are the Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis Reviews?
After reviewing several different night splints for plantar fasciitis, we felt the Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Night Splint was the best splint for most people. It provides outstanding fit and comfort for a reasonable price.
That being said, the key is making sure you wear the night splint for plantar fasciitis consistently. Without consistent use, these splints will not be beneficial to your pain relief. If you are having plantar fasciitis pain, it is important to see a doctor for a checkup.
You deserve to feel better and get back to your day-to-day activities. With the right care and treatment plan, you will be back on health feet in no time.
Other Resources
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- Do you need more information on why you should use a night splint? Read Why use a Night Splint
- Have you tried massaging away your Plantar Fasciitis pain? Read Best Foot Massager for Plantar Fasciitis
- Have you ever used KT Tape? Read KT Tape for Plantar Fasciitis Review. I have personally used KT Tape to help with my own plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis.
- As always, remember RICE it helps.
