Plantar fasciitis is a common problem that many runners and even other people suffer from. It causes inflammation and pain on intrinsic musculature and source of calcaneal tubules.
Common examination indicates tenderness near the anterior edge or the foot fascia attachment to the central medial calcaneal tubercle.
The pain is mostly experienced in the morning though it disappears during the day and resumes during moments of non-weight bearing.
Though methods recommended to address the issue are many such as exercises and physical therapy to help stretch ligaments of plantar fascia, the best remedy is using plantar fasciitis night splint.
Plantar fasciitis can be really painful and needs quick treatment. One of the immediate treatments is to perform stretching exercises.
These exercises help in keeping your plantar fasciitis in line.One way of stretching your plantar fasciitis is to wear a night splint throughout the night.
It must be kept in mind that these night splints might not be the ultimate solution to your plantar fasciitis problem, but they surely are effective as quoted by many of their users.
Initially it might be difficult to get used to the fact that you are sleeping with your foot boot, but with time you are sure to experience less pain especially when you will take your first step in the morning.
How Does PF Night Splint Work
Plantar fasciitis night splint are devices worn on the foot for pain relief. They not only attach to the foot, but also cover the lower part of the leg, and ankle to help in stretching plantar fascia ligaments and keep the pain away.
They help to keep the plantar fascia length constant when you sleep so that the muscles in the triceps surae make the joint to take a plantarflexed position.
At plantarflexed position, intrinsic muscles and plantar fascia shorten and get to night non-functional state. Strain is retained within intrinsic musculature and plantar fascia so that the functional length is maintained to help lower sudden stress that accumulates on the plantar after resting.
The splints can be positioned at about 5-15 degrees to your leg. Besides, one can add some padding on the anterior to maximize stretching of plantar fascia. Though they may be a little uncomfortable at the beginning, many people get used to them over time.
Editor’s Recommendation: Top 5 Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
10 Best Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint in 2020
1. Bird and Cronin Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
No products found.
Being one of the best night splint brands in the market, Bird and Cronin plantar fasciitis night splint alleviates the pain that you face with your first step in the morning.It is designed with a slip-resistant sole that makes this night splint light in weight. Its overall shape yields a great dorsiflexed position. They come in a variety of sizes and colors.
Pros – relieves plantar fasciitis pain especially the excruciating one in the morning, perfect fit, comfortable and no feeling of irritation whatsoever while wearing this night splint.
Cons – sizing inconsistencies, might cause foot numbing if the splint is wrapped tightly, cannot move around in these splints properly.
2. Alpha Medical Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
No products found.
Alpha medical plantar fasciitis night splint is giving a hard time to its competitors by its simple yet effective design.This night splint is light weight with hard exterior shell for greater arch support and soft foam interior for better breath ability of the feet. With its 3 padded straps mobility becomes easier.
Pros – helps in escaping morning pain, comfortable, fits perfectly and comes with an additional wedge for toe support.
Cons – Might be uncomfortable initially, middle strap buckling issues, foot gets numb if you don’t buckle properly
3. Futuro Plantar Fasciitis Sleep Support or Futuro Adjustable
No products found.
This dorsal night splint from Futuro has a simple and a compact design that produces great results. It helps in maintaining 85-90 degree recommended position of foot.It is made up of a soft foam material that is comfortable as well as great in breathability. Futuro has also released one with adjustable foot straps.
Pros – lessens first step morning pain, easy to wear, comfortable and easy to travel with
Cons – easy slippage, takes time to adapt to and adjust in.
4. Cramer E4 Dorsal Night Splint
No products found.
Cramer E4 is another great Dorsal Night Splint in our guide. It is constructed in a convenient small size which makes it light in weight and better in comfort ability.It is built with a purpose of holding your feet in a neutral posture. It comes in 2 sizes; small and large.
Pros – comfortable and provides relief to plantar fasciitis pain
Cons – does not provide perfect fit, might cause slippage and numbing of the foot.
5. Swede-O Deluxe Padded Night Splint
No products found.
The Swede-O deluxe night splint as the name suggests is a fully padded boot brace that helps in keeping your feet comfortable throughout the night.With its unique design, greater mobility is achieved at night. It is truly one of the most loved night splints available in the market.
Pros – alleviates morning heel as well as overall plantar fasciitis pain, comfortable, contains a foot-flex wedge
Cons – not a compact one, expensive, not long-lasting and difficult to adjust in right away
6. Thermoskin Night Time Relief FXT
No products found.
With its soft sock like design Thermoskin Night Time Relief FXT is one of the more comfortable night splints that helps in relieving plantar fasciitis pain.Its FXT pulls the toes back keeping your feet fully stretched throughout the night.
Pros – less disturbing due to its compact design, does its job of stretching plantar fascia
Cons – foot gets sweaty while wearing thermoskin, continuous pull of the toes causes irritation and discomfort
7. Vive Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Plus Trigger Point Spike Ball
No products found.
Vive night splint comes equipped with excellent features enabling it to support the foot. It has padded stretch wedges to lessen inflammation and pain. It works as a gentle stretch when worn during the night and lessens painful steps while awake the morning. The included studded ball acts as a massage tool thus eases pains and aches.Versatility is clearly the key feature of this product. Designed with a combination of secured adjustable straps, ultra-soft lining and a fit on both feet, it assures exceptional comfort and customization. The material used is latex-free, so it is suitable for women and men. Its straps have a firm fastener to ensure this brace remains in place the whole night without sliding.
Intended for use at night, this night splint is padded generously padded.
The shell outside has a breathable lining for outstanding comfort. It is washable, removes skin irritations and prevents wounds and abrasions. What is more, the manufacturer accompanies the pack with a 60-day absolute guarantee. That adds to your confidence in purchase and use.
Pros
• Latex-free
• Comfortable
• Adjustable stretch
Cons
• The material used outside clings to the sheets
• Sizing is sometimes tricky
• May cause numbness
• Velcro not very durable
8. Heel That Pain Heel Seat Wraps for Plantar Fasciitis and Heel Spurs
No products found.
Without a shoe, this product, Heel Seat Wraps will offer all the aid and healing needed for the feet. Designed ergonomically, it features the original technology of using acupressure on pain spots. However, its wrap is made from neoprene fabric which is a softer and flexible material. This makes it perfectly suitable for everyone suffering from painful heels resulting from conditions including heel spurs, tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. It thus naturally relieves existing pain, treats the condition, and prevents future occurrences.This wrap keeps the foot closer to the heel cup. It is suitably worn together with any footwear including sandals or even used barefoot. The Velcro fasteners included ensures it stays in place throughout the night. Its bottom is non-slip to maintain your stability even while walking on slippery indoor floors or stairs. Both men and women can go barefooted with the guarantee that the plantar fasciitis is healing.
Because the design utilizes the unique technology of Fascia-Bar, it is clinically proven to be effective. The relief will be experienced within the first days to one week after regular use. So, it is the best way to bid pain goodbye as you welcome an active you. The ligaments are gently lifted and realigned while the heel pad is cushioned. The impacts of walking or standing will never cause pain with this.
Pros
• Relives leg or calf cramps
• Comfortable
• Clips secure it nicely
Cons
• Velcro loses adhesiveness
• Padding gets worn fast
• Too bulky
9. Thirty48 Plantar Fasciitis Compression Socks
No products found.
If you need instant comfortable relief from heel pains, then this ultra-light Thirty48 plantar fasciitis compression socks will be handy. Featuring an elastic design, it will never affect your daily activities or even have restricted movement. So, you can wear these socks to work, exercise, and leisure and experience no problems.The manufacturer made this product to put a compression of 20 to 30 mmHg in every place. In the end, it reduces soreness, swelling, and improves circulation. If you have heel spurs and edema you can consider using them too for relief. As a support to the feet and ankle also your chances of experiencing muscle injuries are reduced.
These socks are designed from a mixture of 75percent nylon and 25percent spandex. Both conform to the shape of the foot so they can individually support everyone’s foot. Further to that, you can wear them comfortably with sandals, slippers, sneakers, heels, sneakers, and any official work shoes.
The size is thin enough to be worn inside the regular socks without feeling too bulky. The fabric is breathable to keep the foot dry and support the foot, ankle, and arch. That means moisture is wicked away leaving you comfortable even throughout extreme workouts.
Pros
• Not bulky
• Comfortable for all-day or night use
• High-quality product
Cons
• Makes foot numb sometimes
• Velcro snaps
• The stretch could be not deep enough
10. Plantar Fasciitis Socks with Arch Support for Men & Women
No products found.
When looking for relief from plantar fasciitis symptoms and pain then start with Physix Gear Sport socks. These socks offer targeted compression that improves circulation and encourages quick muscle recovery. The kind of ankle support it provides expedites the healing process and pain reduction.
The socks are made from a fabric having a combination of 80percent nylon and 20percent Spandex. That means the foot is secured at the right angle and level for healing. Enjoy wearing the sleeves with shoes, sandals, slippers, boots, insoles, and inside any socks. The material is breathable, moisture-wicking, lightweight and durable. Even with the toughest activities you stay dry like when hiking, running, jogging, or walking indoors. The quality makes them anti-static, odor-free, and comfortable for use after long hours.
With these socks, your feet are stabilized with a comfy fit without restricting movement. The good thing is that when worn the pair stays in place as it does not slide. Even after washing them frequently, the socks retain the original shape. The strength stabilizes all the areas thus no ankle related conditions like twists or sprains even after engaging in strenuous activities.
Pros
• Very stable
• Lightweight
• Comfortable
Cons
• Not fitting correctly thin legs and smaller feet
• Sometimes leaves bruises and irritation
• Causes numbness
Benefits Of Using Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
-
They help position the leg in the right stretched angle to clear plantar fasciitis
The main cause of plantar fasciitis is released ligaments and muscles that get strained after period of rest. However, plantar fasciitis night splint help to keep the muscles stretched all the night to reduce associated strain when one wakes up. The plant keeps the foot and even ankle well supported and stretched at the right degree for complete pain relief.
-
Plantar fasciitis night splint are adjustable
Unlike other methods of treating plantar fasciitis, the splints are adjustable depending on the level of strain and pain you experience in the morning. You can adjust the angle of the splints or fit some padding on the anterior for extra stretching. At the beginning, you might want to start with just little stretch and then tighten it with time as you get used to the splints.
-
It is a natural remedy for addressing Plantar fasciitis
While some physicians recommend use of drugs, plantar fasciitis night splint is a natural remedy. The splints help to keep the feet in their natural stretched position and clear pain away. As a natural remedy, you are sure of keeping away from excess chemicals that often accumulate in the body and at times results to extra harm. With time, the brain takes to the stretched position and you will not need to wear them any more.
-
Plantar fasciitis night splint are easy to use and get the anticipated results
Using the Plantar fasciitis night splint is easy and enjoyable. While other methods such as medical procedures involve following strict prescriptions, in this case, you only need to wear the splints. Before sleeping, simply wear the splints and you will realize the pain is no longer there.
-
They are available in different sizes
Whether you have small or large feet, be sure of getting an ideal fitting plantar fasciitis night splint to help clear the strain. The splints are also available from different materials, designs, and brands for enhanced effectiveness. Simply understand your foot and nature of the pain to pick the best splint.
-
They release tension and strain without denying you sleep
Contrary to many people’s thoughts that plantar fasciitis night splint can compromise your ability to sleep, you will enjoy every minute of slumber. The splints do not cause strain to extent of bringing pain and keeping the mind awake. However, they keep the foot stretched well to avoid muscles relaxation. Though you might find the splints a little uncomfortable at the beginning, you will get used to it within a few days. You can also start using the splint when worn loosely and tighten it as the feet get used.
-
They are light and highly effective
Many designers of plantar fasciitis night splint focus on quality and weight. They want people to feel as natural as possible when sleeping and clearing all the pain disturbing them. Though the intrinsic musculature and calcaneal tubules among other feet muscles will remain stretched, the sensation will be minimal because the splints are light and keep the feet as natural as possible. Designers have adopted new design technologies that ensure the materials selected are lighter but firm and highly effective in keeping the foot stretched. In some designs, the splints have straps to hold the foot in position and maintain the stretch all night.
-
Plantar fasciitis night splint are affordable
Think of many joint problems that require complicated procedures. It is no different with plantar fasciitis. One of the remedies that people can go for is surgery which is very costly. However, plantar fasciitis night splint is a cheap and reliable solution that every person can afford. The splints are available in different stores and buyers can pick the pieces that are more effective, reliable, and cheaper. Some stores even offer the splints at discounted prices so that more buyers can afford them and treat the disturbing plantar fasciitis.
For your convenience, we have put together a list of the top 6 best plantar fasciitis night splint. We have enlisted their highlighting features, pros and cons.
How to Use night splints?
When buying night splints, it is important to get instructions on the right use. These socks tend to be uncomfortable when you start using them but after some hours in the night, a big difference is noticeable. Of course, many people having ankle conditions wake up feeling less pain. The reduction often is a motivation for patients to continue using the splints moving forward.
It is advisable that while wearing the splints sit or sleep with the ankle and foot in a relaxed position. This enables the plantar and soft tissue ligaments in the posterior end to tighten. Usually, this tightness gets diminished and relieves by supporting the foot in a neutral position. The good thing is that night splints will not stretch the ligaments but rather secures them in a restored position.
The splint should be worn before going to sleep and should remain worn the whole night. If there is a need to come out of bed in the night, because you should not put on weight on it, then remove it. It is also relieving to wear it while sitting for extended periods.
In case you find it hard to put up with wearing the splint through the night, then at least have it on while reading, sitting, or watching TV. Equally, during the first weeks, avoid using it at night but it is recommended to be worn during the relaxation time. When the first week elapses, you can begin wearing the splint at night. This allows someone to get used to it and so develop better night-time adherence.
If you usually lose sleep while having the splint on, then it is worth avoiding it. The reason is that if the painful condition gets aggravated during the night, there are chances that you will not want to wear it again next time. The patients who have suffered from plantar fasciitis for some months need to wear support throughout the day under walking boots.
How do night splints work?
The therapeutic use of night splints is often centered on retaining the plantar fascia length when the patient is asleep. Normally, the triceps muscles tend to cause the ankle joints to adopt the position of the plantar while resting. When the foot assumes the point, the intrinsic plantar and plantar fascia muscles contract, relax and adjust instantly to the nonfunctional condition. The shortened ligaments become tight thus resulting in extremely painful steps after resting for long periods.
Wearing a night splint help in retaining the stiffness within the plantar muscles. This also helps it to maintain the original functional sizes and lessen the abrupt stress that movement puts on the foot after hours of rest. It can be positioned with the foot relaxed at some angle to the leg. Additionally, a pad can be added to its front parts to maximize the extent at which the plantar stretches.
With a night splint patient get continuous, the steady strain on the plantar. Not only does this provision retain its functional length but also it completely reduces stress in the muscles.
Patients adhere to night splints after experiencing challenges. Most of the people become tolerant after two weeks. During this time, some users feel uncomfortable and can opt to remove them during the night hours. Wearing splints can severely impact sleeping habits and as a result, affect work and life productivity. In such cases, it is good to abandon them.
Night splints are designed to support the foot in a better position. This allows the ligament to stretch optimally. As the plantar stretches, it reduces strain and irritation in the feet. It takes some time to become used to them so always purpose to have a gradual increase to the total time you put it on. Start off from one hour until you become comfortable to wear it all night.
How To Select The Right Night Splint
To be sure of getting the right splint, here are some useful tips to follow.
- Understand the nature of your pain. This will help you pick the splint that covers the foot only, rises to the foot, or even reaches the knees.
- Pick splints that are light and strong. Your foot is a strong organ and requires firmly built splint. They should be able to hold the foot in a stretched position without getting damaged the entire night.
- Pick the splint designed by top brands. Though many brands have entered the market, the best splints are those made by top rated companies.
- Only use splints with top rating on consumer review sites. When splints are released, past users and experts review the design and other parts to give their take on its effectiveness.
- Look for the splint that is more affordable. Though the focus should not be picking the cheapest because it might be of poorer quality, look for what falls within your budgetary capability.
Why Use Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint?
- Night splints help in stretching the plantar fascia by positioning the foot in a 90 degree dorsiflexion. This way the extra-ordinary pain faced in the first step is considerably reduced.
- Keeps your calf muscles and Achilles tendon stretched out in a proper manner and prevents them from aggravating the plantar fasciitis pain.
Disadvantage of Wearing Night Splint: While wearing night splints, one might feel like wearing something as heavy as a snow boot and hence has to go through an inconvenient situation.
Varieties of Night Splints
When you go out to shop for night splints, you will come across two main types of these splints that will help you with your plantar fasciitis; the boot and the dorsal. Both types are equally liked by their users.
The Boot Splint
As the name suggests, this night splint has a design similar to that of a boot. It is made for the back of your leg, calf till the area under your feet. The size of the brace is a bit larger as compared to the dorsal one.
The common problem with these splints is that they are big in size and uncomfortable in their feel making your toes go numb. If by chance you have to walk in these, you simply cannot do so.
The Dorsal Splint
In the dorsal night splint there is a hard plastic support at the upper part of your foot which keeps it firm and in a 90 degree position.
As the back of your foot that is the heel and arch isn’t covered you are prone to slippage. Due to the unique design, toes feel tangled and larger straps increase sweating.
Studies Regarding Night Splints
Many studies have been undertaken with the purpose of finding the effectiveness of night splints. Most of these proved that night splints cured or reduced the amount of pain users experienced because of plantar fasciitis.
One study used a random sample of 15 patients where each one was required to wear night splints. After 12.5 weeks, it was found that indeed night splints are useful in curing plantar fasciitis if they are paired with Ibuprofen and stretching cushions.
In another study in which 30 persons were involved, various experiments were conducted and the result was healed plantar fasciitis with the help of a night splint and arch supports.
FAQ
Q: How do night splints help plantar fasciitis?
Ans: Many people usually sleep with their feet pointed downwards. This means the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia are shortened. Night splints, that are worn while asleep, keep the feet straight and at an angle of 90-degrees. Therefore, the plantar fascia is staying relaxed giving the body a perfect, continuous stretch on the bed.
Q: How healthy are night splints help plantar fasciitis?
Ans: The main purpose of wearing plantar fasciitis night splints is to keep the ankle and feet in a neutral position throughout the night. Currently, it passively stretches the calf and plantar while asleep. This gentle stretch helps minimize muscle contraction, swelling, and the associated pains.
Q: How long are night splints help plantar fasciitis good for?
Ans: For anyone suffering from plantar fasciitis, hope is never lost at all. Depending on the extent of the pain, you can be completely treated and get back to usual activities within 3 to 7 days in case the injury is not very severe. After two weeks of use, then you will be likely to get back to regular training and work. Although splints appear bulky, they usually work effectively. Immediately the pain ends, you are also at liberty to stop wearing the supports.
Q: Can you wear a splint to bed?
Ans: Most people having mild to moderate plantar related conditions wear splints at night for some weeks. The reason is to help in supporting the joints and muscles in the right position.
The pains often become worse when asleep because your body is likely to stay still or maybe the feet will bend. A support unit would be necessary to avoid painful steps. Besides wearing a splint is completely an excellent treatment for the feet.
However, it is good to spend some hours every day without the splint. The best time is overnight not unless a doctor recommends that.
Q: Do night splints for plantar fasciitis work?
Ans: Absolutely. Night splints work very effectively because when used they stretch the plantar fascia out. This helps in overcoming the natural contraction that occurs while asleep. In turn, the extent of pain experienced during the first step in the morning.
Conclusion
Plantar fasciitis has become a major problem to many people and common remedies do not appear to bear results. While drugs and medical prescriptions take longer and might bring negative reactions, plantar fasciitis night splint are easy to use and guarantee results after a short period.
To be sure of enjoying even better results, consider reviewing the different plantar fasciitis night splint in the market, evaluate their effectiveness, and read through customer feedbacks.
Finally, Plantar fasciitis is a major pain for different people. Unfortunately, popular remedies seem not to bring results. Of course, medical prescriptions work after a long time and even worse has negative effects.
The best plantar fasciitis night splints are user-friendly with the guaranteed outcome within short periods. Consider reviews of the different models in the market to become sure and enjoy better results. Evaluate the brands’ effectiveness by reading through feedbacks from customers.