Night Splint Review
A number of studies have shown that night splints can be beneficial in helping to treat plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Although they have not been shown to be effective if used as the only treatment for heel pain, they seem to be a good adjunct to other therapies.
A 1998 study showed that 80% of patients using night splints saw significant improvement in one month. A 2007 study also showed significant improvement with the use of night splints. Night splints help plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis by keeping a gentle stretch on the foot while you sleep. This stretch prevents night time contraction of the tendon and helps to decrease the inflammation that causes heel pain in the morning. In fact, night splints were one of the best ways to treat morning heel pain.
The night splint should be put on at night when you go to sleep. It can also be worn during the day if you are going to be sitting for 30 minutes or more. Plan on using the night splint for the first 3 – 4 weeks of treatment.
If both feet hurt, we suggest you initially purchase only one night splint. Although most people do not have trouble sleeping in one night splint, wearing two seems to cause problems. Also, people who sleep on their backs and /or their sides do well wearing night splints while those that sleep on their stomachs tend to find them less comfortable.
Night Splint Suggestions
We have reviewed a number of night splints and the following are the ones that we find are most effective, most comfortable and are a good value (all run around $40). One goes on the bottom of the foot, one on top and the other is a sock. Which one is best for a particular patient is just personal preference. If you are not sure, go with the Dorsal Night Splint. Most people find this the most comfortable. Many people find that the sock pulls their toes back into an uncomfortable position.
Dorsal
Night Splint
Plantar Night Splint
Night Splint Sock
(top of foot)
(bottom of foot)
Don’t live with morning heel pain. We can diagnose your exact problem, provide treatments that provide rapid relief of pain and then teach you how to prevent the problem from returning. Contact us today for an appointment at the Seattle Heel Pain Center.
Night Splint References
1. Powell M. Effective treatment of chronic plantar fasciitis with dorsiflexion night splints: a crossover prospective randomized outcome study. Foot Ankle Int. 1998 Jan;19(1):10-8.
2. Beyzadeoğlu T. The effectiveness of dorsiflexion night splint added to conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis. Acta Orthop Traumatol Turc. 2007;41(3):220-4.
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Douglas Hale, DPM & Lawrence Huppin, DPM
Foot and Ankle Center of Washington, Seattle
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