What's the best way to treat plantar fasciitis? Stretches are helpful as are a heel lift. What's the place of a night splint in the treatment of plantar fasciitis? This article explores the use of a night splint in the treatment of plantar fasciitis.
Plantar fasciitis is one of the most common causes of heel pain, but finding the right treatment can be a challenge. Stretches, heel lifts, and supportive footwear are well-known remedies, but what about night splints? Do they play a role in treating plantar fasciitis effectively? Let’s explore.
What Is a Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis?
A night splint is a device worn while you sleep to keep your foot in a dorsiflexed position, gently stretching the plantar fascia 
and Achilles tendon.This stretch can prevent the tissue from tightening overnight, which is often the cause of that sharp, stabbing pain in the morning.
How Effective Are Night Splints?
For many individuals with plantar fasciitis, traditional treatments like stretching exercises, avoiding barefoot walking, and using heel lifts are highly effective. In fact, studies suggest that about 70% of people who follow these treatments experience significant relief.
However, for the remaining 30% who still suffer from persistent heel pain, a night splint can be a game-changer. Night splints are particularly helpful for:
• People who struggle to remember to stretch during the day: If you find it hard to fit stretches into your routine, a night splint can provide a passive solution.
• Those with severe morning pain: If the first few steps out of bed are excruciating, a night splint may help reduce this discomfort by keeping the plantar fascia elongated overnight.
How to Incorporate a Night Splint Into Your Treatment Plan
If you’ve been consistently doing your stretches (six times per day is recommended), avoiding barefoot walking, and using a heel lift, but still experience pain, a night splint might be worth considering. Here’s how it fits into a comprehensive treatment plan:
1. Continue Daily Stretches: Stretches are free, simple, and effective. Aim to perform stretches targeting the plantar fascia and calf muscles regularly throughout the day.
2. Use a Heel Lift: A small heel lift can reduce strain on the plantar fascia. Opt for supportive shoes with a built-in heel lift or purchase an affordable cork heel lift for added comfort.
3. Add a Night Splint:For persistent pain, especially morning stiffness, a night splint can help maintain proper foot alignment and provide relief.
Final Thoughts
Treating plantar fasciitis requires a combination of education, commitment, and the right tools. Start with stretches and a heel lift—these simple steps work for most people. If pain persists, a night splint could be the missing piece of your treatment puzzle.
For more information about plantar fasciitis and helpful products, explore our extensive knowledge base on plantar fasciitis.
Jeff
Jeffrey A. Oster, DPM
Medical Advisor
Myfootshop.com
Updated 12/30/24
Heel Lifts For Plantar Fasciitis - Cork
