The Best Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis

What is Plantar Fasciitis?

Plantar fasciitis (PF) is one of the most common soft-tissue disorders of the foot, causing chronic pain beneath the heel.(1) This pain is most likely a secondary result of degeneration and/or microtears in the plantar fascia, which is the tissue running along the bottom of your foot.(2,3) Although you may not have heard the exact term “plantar fasciitis” before, this condition is often also referred to as “runner’s heel” or “painful heel syndrome,” and it is more common than you may think.(4) Some accounts estimate that PF affects up to 10% of the population, including the old and the young, the active and the sedentary.(5) Although this condition can affect anyone, PF is much more prevalent in those who are obese, who spend most of the day on their feet, and/or those with limited ankle flexion.(1) Why is this? Experts believe that the pain caused by PF is due to short- or long-term injury to the heel from too much an overload of stress combined with the above risk factors.(5 )

Symptoms and Diagnosis of Plantar Fasciitis

Unfortunately, there are no specific tests or imaging that can clearly differentiate PF from other types of heel pain. In most cases, physicians must diagnose PF based on a patient’s physical exam and medical history.(5)  Most patients will experience some sort of throbbing, searing, or piercing pain in their heel – this may occur upon standing, or especially with the first few steps after a period of inactivity. This discomfort lessens as the day wears on but tends to worsen towards the end of the day, usually limiting daily activities. On occasion, the pain may radiate to the rest of the foot and the toes.(2)

Prognosis: How Long Will Plantar Fasciitis Last

Do the symptoms above resonate with you or someone you know? PF can be a painful and chronic condition, but fortunately most patients will improve, especially if the condition is diagnosed early and treatment is initiated. (2,6) Nevertheless, every patient is different. Though the majority of patients report resolution of symptoms within one year, others have continued to experience pain for four or more years.(7) Does this mean conservative therapies are worthless? Absolutely not! In fact, one such therapy – night splints – are a commonly utilized tool to treat PF. Night splints can provide significant relief for patients in the short term when combined with other conservative strategies.(5,8)

What is a Night Splint and How Does It Help With Plantar Fasciitis?

A night splint is a foot brace used specifically to treat pain arising from conditions like PF, Achilles tendonitis, foot drop, flat arches, and much more. This tool works by maintaining a neutral, 90 degree angle between your foot and ankle to create a constant stretching of the plantar fascia. (5) Though such splints come in a variety of styles, shapes, and sizes, the idea behind the device is always the same – keep the foot in a flexed position to gently stretch the tissue while you sleep. (2) After sleeping for several hours in a  or having long periods of inactivity, the damaged plantar fascia can become tight, causing pain with those first steps. (5) Thus, stretching the tissue with a night splint helps to lengthen and heal the plantar fascia, allowing for a less painful transition from inactivity to activity.

What to Look for in a Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis?

Not all night splints are created equal – there are important factors to consider before choosing a night splint that will best fit your needs. Some factors you may want to examine are listed below:

• Comfortability
• Restriction of movement
• Ease of use
• Breathability of material
• Support level

The Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis

CHARMINER Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint

Rewoot Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint

Hiroumer Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint

 Diggtek Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint

 Soulern Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint

Conclusion:

What we know for certain is this – PF is painful and there is no quick fix for treating its symptoms. While critically severe pain may be best managed with more invasive treatments, experts agree that beginning to manage your PF pain with something as simple as a night splint may be the most effective and practical healing option for many patients out there.

Works Referenced:

1. Riddle, D.L., Pulisic, M., Pidcoe, P., and Johnson, R.E. (2003). Risk factors for plantar fasciitis: A matched case-control study. Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery – Series A 85, 872–877.
2. Tahririan, M.A., Motififard, M., Tahmasebi, M.N., and Siavashi, B. (2012). Plantar fasciitis. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences : The Official Journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences 17, 799–804.
3. Lim, A.T., How, C.H., and Tan, B. (2016). Management of plantar fasciitis in the outpatient setting. Singapore Medical Journal 57, 168–171.
4. Hossain, M., and Makwana, N. (2011). “Not Plantar Fasciitis”: The differential diagnosis and management of heel pain syndrome. Orthopaedics and Trauma 25, 198–206.
5. Cole, C., Seto, C., and Gazewood, J. (2005). Management of plantar fasciitis in the outpatient setting. American Family Physician 72, 2237–2242.
6. Buchbinder, R. (2004). Plantar fasciitis. New England Journal of Medicine 350, 2159-2166+2225.
7. Stuber, K., and Kristmanson, K. (2006). Conservative therapy for plantar fasciitis: a narrative review of randomized controlled trials. The Journal of the Canadian Chiropractic Association 50, 118–133.
8. Beyzadeoǧlu, T., Gökçe, A., and Bekler, H. (2007). The effectiveness of dorsiflexion night splint added to conservative treatment for plantar fasciitis. Acta Orthopaedica et Traumatologica Turcica 41, 220–224.