The Best Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints

Night splints for plantar fasciitis work by keeping the foot in a neutral position throughout the night. This stretches the plantar fascia ligament, alleviating inflammation, contracture, and pain. Check out our roundup of the best plantar fasciitis night splints on the market, and select one that suits your specific needs.

Q & A About Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis

• How Long Should You Wear a Night Splint?

  Plantar fasciitis night splints can be uncomfortable. As such, when you first start using a foot brace, it is best to wear it for only around an hour. You can then slowly extend your time in the splint. With treatment, recovery from plantar fasciitis usually takes up to 6 months.

• How Can a Night Splint Help With Plantar Fasciitis?

  Most people sleep with their feet pointing down. This can shorten the Achilles tendon and the plantar fascia ligament that runs between the front of the foot and the heel. Night splints work by keeping your plantar fascia stretched at a 90-degree angle overnight.

• Can You Wear Night Splints During the Day?

  While you can wear a night splint for plantar fasciitis during the day, walking around in one is not recommended. Nevertheless, you can easily wear one while stationary at the office or an airplane. Some night splints have non-skid treads to make your night trips to the bathroom safer.

• What Can You do to Keep Plantar Fasciitis from Coming Back?

  There are a few things you can do to keep plantar fasciitis at bay. First one is choosing supportive shoes. You should also avoid high-impact activities such as jumping and running, as well as walking barefoot on hard surfaces. In addition, try not to tuck your sheets in too tightly, as this can keep your feet in a pointed position when sleeping on your back.

Other Ways to Treat Plantar Fasciitis

While a night splint is a great way of alleviating the heel pain of plantar fasciitis, there are other steps you can take to reduce the symptoms of this uncomfortable condition.

• Appropriate Shoes and Orthotics

  Wearing supportive shoes with a low heel, good arch support, and cushioning is a great way of reducing the symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Always replace your shoes before they stop supporting your feet. Wearing shoe insoles can also support your feet by redistributing the pressure of walking.

• Exercise and Physical Therapy

  There are simple exercises you can do at home to stretch your plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. Your doctor may also recommend that you visit a physical therapist who will be able to show you what exercises will work best in your particular situation.

• Icing

  Whether you are using an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas, icing is a great way of numbing pain and alleviating inflammation. Never apply ice directly to your skin, as this can cause frostbite. A towel makes a great barrier between an ice bag and the skin.

• Medication

  Plantar fasciitis pain can be debilitating. Luckily, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, can help to alleviate pain and reduce inflammation associated with the condition. However, keep in mind that pain killers are never a long-term solution.

• Steroid Injections

  If you suffer from severe plantar fasciitis pain and have already tried prescription medication, steroid injections can be an option. Injected directly into the plantar fascia, steroid injections provide pain relief and reduce inflammation in the area for around a month.

• Surgery

  Plantar fascia surgery is only ever considered as a last resort, and very few people with plantar fasciitis need it. The procedure involves detaching the plantar fascia ligament from the heel bone, and is usually done under a local anesthetic.

Weighing All the Factors

All things considered, Vive’s hard plantar fasciitis night splint wins our title of the best plantar fasciitis night splint. Featuring 3 adjustable straps and 2 stretch wedges, it is both sturdy and comfortable. Our other top choices, Mars Wellness’ posterior night splint and Cramer’s dorsal splint for plantar fasciitis, offer a set of their own unique features.