Raise your hand if you’ve been struggling with plantar fasciitis? We see you. Plantar fasciitis pain for those who know is excruciating. For treatment, experts often recommend among, other options, a plantar fasciitis ankle splint or a night ankle splint. As a result, today we’ll be telling you everything you need to know about plantar fasciitis night splint options.
This condition is caused when the ligament that supports the arch of the foot is strained. This is where the best night splint for plantar fasciitis is widely popular among those who suffer from this condition and is because the brace or splint is worn overnight to allow gentle stretching of the plantar fascia and to prevent it from tightening up.
This is achieved because the splint will help hold the foot with the toes pointed up and with the foot and ankle at a ninety-degree angle. And because a common symptom of plantar fasciitis is the tightening up of the plantar fascia at night, the relief is then instant, almost magic-like users claim. Basically, it keeps the foot flexed in a gentle stretch while you rest or sleep. This stretch helps the ligaments in the foot stay long, limber, and less susceptible to morning pain.
s you can tell by now, the plantar fasciitis night splint offers major benefits, but how do you choose with a wide variety of shapes, styles, and sizes. If you are interested and are tired of options that don’t really work and/or suit your lifestyle, continue reading and learn what you need to know about the best night splint for plantar fasciitis.
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Reviewed In This Guide
- Best Overall Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint:Alpha Medical Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Heel & Foot Pain
- Best Seller On Amazon Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint: AZMED 2020 Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
- Best Affordable Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint: Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Drop Foot Orthotic Brace
- Best Dorsal Support Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint: Copper Compression Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Sock
- Best for Achilles Tendonitis Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint: Adjustable Plantar Fasciitis Relief Night Splint
How To Choose The Perfect Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint For You?
Needless to say, a night splint cannot be effective unless a patient wears it. And one of the most important features of the plantar fasciitis night splint is the comfort that should provide to the wearer. Therefore you need to choose a plantar fasciitis night splint with a number of essential features.
For a plantar fasciitis night splint to provide the comfort and relief you are seeking. When choosing a night splint, look for one that places the foot in a comfortable position. It should be a lightweight and cool plantar fasciitis night splint that is easy to put on; thus, you’ll be willing to wear it for longer periods, therefore resulting in a faster healing time.
The best plantar fasciitis night splint is specially designed to effectively deal with plantar fasciitis. The best night splint for plantar fasciitis features durable materials such as a polyethylene shell with a soft padded cover and straps to provide maximum patient comfort.
You also want to pay attention to how the night splint is constructed. A quality plantar fasciitis night splint is of high density, has a rigid shell, and replaceable soft padded cover and contact closure.
In addition to plantar fasciitis, the right night splint is also indicated for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis, plantar flexion contractures, heel spurs, and other lower leg overuse injuries.
Types Of Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Traditional, Posterior, Or Boot-Style Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
A traditional night splint is typically larger and less flexible than a sock night splint. In years past, nearly every night splint on the market was a bulky, uncomfortable contraption, making them difficult to wear. However, modern innovations have produced newer, comfortable, and lighter-weight models. The spine of the brace is on the back of the leg and calf and runs under the foot. It is generally a larger brace than the dorsal style.
Dorsal -Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Dorsal Night Splints are designed to go on the front, dorsal side, of the foot and are generally considered the most comfortable night splint. This splint style generally features hard plastic support that goes along the shin and top of the foot, and it is considered more comfortable to sleep in because of the soft material. Straps stretch toes upward to provide dorsiflexion
Easy night-time movement, best for stomach and side sleepers. It is used for less severe injuries because the design tends to cause some slippage.
Sock -Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
A sock night splint combines the comfort of a cozy sock with the stretch of a night splint, using a flexible insert that runs from the toes to the heel inside the sock. Many people with mild to moderate plantar fasciitis prefer this option, because of how lightweight and comfortable it is. They are more comfortable and less bulky than wearing an actual splint.
Best Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint List
1. Alpha Medical Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Pros
- Foot & Heel Pain
- Lightweight
- Three Padded Straps
Cons
- Pricey
Alpha Medical’s Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint is designed for treating Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis, and other conditions recommended by your doctor.
The Alpha Medical plantar fasciitis night brace provides you with fast relief by gently cradling your ankle in a neutral position overnight, the PF night split passively stretches the calf and plantar fascia while you sleep.
This gentle stretch helps reduce muscle contracture, inflammation, and associated pain. The lightweight, low-profile shell is sturdy and breathable and has three padded straps with buckles to ensure immobilization.
In addition, the padding features a washable Lycra covering that is cool against the skin for maximum comfort.
Use shoe size to determine the correct size. Highly recommended that you use this night splint gradually. Slowly increase use over time as you stretch out the tendon and ligaments in your foot.
What Our Testers Say
It actually WORKED. I finally went to my doctor about my plantar fasciitis, which I should have done first. I’ve tried new (very expensive) shoes – complete with metal plates and arch supports, creams, gels, therapies, you name it. Other than that wooden foot roller thing I kept under my desk, this was the ONLY thing that brought relief.
My doctor apparently had the same issue and told me about this boot. It only took 2 nights of sleeping uncomfortably (because let’s just face it – it’s a bulky, plastic boot) to “retrain” my foot. My doctor says every now and then he has to use it again (like every 6 mos. or so), but that’s it! I’m elated! I’m finally pain free after 2 years and hundreds of dollars of dealing with plantar fasciitis.
How To Use Alpha Medical Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
- Begin by un-attaching the 3 straps across the front of the night splint using the quick snaps provided. Do not loosen the dorsiflexion straps at this time.
- Place your foot into the night splint, making sure the heel fits snug against the heel of the splint.
- Attach the bottom strap and adjust until snug. The straps should be fed under the dorsiflexion straps.
- Continue by attaching the remaining 2 straps as described above. Adjust straps for tightness as needed.
2. AZMED Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Pros
- Lightweight
- Breathable
- Adjustable
- Fits Most Feet Types
Cons
- Pricey
- Unclear Instructions
Keep your foot in a firm and neutral position to alleviate painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis and provide gradual orthopedic support for drop foot as you sleep. Designed to be worn on either left or right foot and will fit comfortably on ankle circumference 8.0 – 15.0 inches.
Made from a combination of cotton and neoprene with an open heel design to allow continuous airflow while the soft padded interior helps prevent chafing and reduce the risk of skin irritation.
What Our Testers Say
It WORKS. My job requires me to stand on concrete for 5/6 hours at a time, and the pain after an especially long shift kills me. I honestly was worried I had a stress fracture because all of my foot was bothering me. This HELPS. Seriously. I was a little worried at first because I’m not the smartest when it comes with instructions and putting things on, but pictures helped. This has alleviated my pain immensely. For the price, honestly, you can’t go wrong if you have plantar faciitis pain.
Conforms to your foot for the most natural fit with a fully adjustable dorsiflexion strap to help keep your foot stretched throughout the night. It also includes a bendable aluminum strip to keep the foot angled within an 85-90 degrees angle, allowing you to customize the fit for maximum support and comfort.
Sleep comfortably through the night as this dorsal night splint does not only provide that much-needed support but also reduces heel pain and swelling to promote quick healing relieving you of painful symptoms of drop foot, bone spurs, injury, and stress fracture, and Achilles tendonitis.
Tips
Slip it on in seconds and experience immediate relief. Don’t let plantar fasciitis keep you from doing the activities that you enjoy every day.
3. Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Drop Foot Orthotic Brace
Pros
- Dorsal Night Splint
- Effective Relief
- One Size
- Aluminum
Cons
- Readjusting Necessary
Pain studies show that sleeping in night splints can significantly reduce morning foot pain, and helps to heal the plantar fascia ligament, because they keep your feet stretched while sleeping, also perfect for the treatment of Achilles tendonitis, flat arches, drop foot, and heel spurs.
The bendable aluminum bar of our night splint at the instep can keep your feet at an angle from 90 to 85 degrees. This stretches out the plantar fascia, which helps to alleviate pain and promotes the healing of plantar fasciitis.
What Our Testers Say
I’d been suffering with plantar fasciitis and then Achilles tendinitis for almost a year when I broke down and ordered this “night splint.” I had tried a PF boot earlier in my ordeal but only wore it one night as my foot hurt even worse after that one night.
However, this Soulern Night Splint actually had instructions that said to take it slow, only use 1 hour at a time, etc. So I eventually worked up to wearing it all night, and my foot/ankle started to feel better almost immediately! All in all, I’m so thankful to have found this product!
The skin-friendly design can prevent blisters or abrasions. Comfortable breathable materials with soft foam padding at the dorsal position can help keep you cool throughout the night.
This night splint fits most ankle circumference sizes by the adjustable strap. And it can be worn on the right or left foot.
Tips
Use it along with the massage ball to increase blood circulation. Don’t make it too tight. You don’t have to keep your foot stretched or very flexed. It just has to be not-pointed-at-all.
4. Copper Compression Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Sock
Pros
- Adjustable
- Right or Left Foot
- Soft
- Stretching Boot
Cons
- Pricey
- Feet May Sweat
Copper Compression’s Night Sock is a soft boot that gently draws your foot forward, providing a continuous stretch along your plantar fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscles.
This orthopedic support securely immobilizes your foot while you’re asleep, ensuring that your foot does not rest at a poor angle.
What Our Testers Say
IT WORKS. After only a few nights of wearing it, my pain disappeared. Now, I can go on 20 mile hikes, do intense workouts… whatever I want. I don’t have to worry about any pain the next day. I can put this on and wake up in the morning feeling like I’ve got a brand new foot. This is the relief you’re been looking for.
This novel brace design comes with an adjustable strap, letting you choose the position and angle of your foot while you sleep. Enjoy uninterrupted sleep and never wake up to sores, cramps, and aches when your muscles stay stretched and engaged all night long.
It’s no secret that as you age you feel more stiff and sore and it takes longer for your muscles to recover. Simple things like walking and going upstairs can even be challenging to some people as they age. Copper Compression can help you feel good enough to stay active
Tips
The Velcro is very loud so when you want to take it off my suggestion would be to rip it off quickly like a Band-Aid and go back to bed.
5. Adjustable Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Pros
- Foam Padding Lining
- Open Heel Design
- Adjustable Dorsiflexion Strap
Cons
- Not Too Comfortable to Sleep with it.
What We Like:
What We Don’t Like:
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint keeps your foot stretched and alleviates painful symptoms of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis as you sleep, including flat arches, drop foot, heel spurs, and much more. Perfect for plantar fasciitis relief.
The bendable lightweight aluminum bar of our plantar fasciitis night splint at the instep can keep your feet at a 90-degree angle and hold your foot in a flexed position. You can adjust the angle from 90 to 85 degrees for your maximum comfort.
What Our Testers Say
In the last month I started having foot pain and when I googled it Plantar Fasciitis seems like the most likely diagnosis. I started to wear this immediately after receiving for a few hours every night and I have already had some relief. It is sturdy and comfortable to wear. I like that it came with massage ball as well as the Velcro pads you can wear for arch support anytime.
This will help you get the rest and full night’s sleep that you deserve by immobilizing and gently stretching your foot in a secure position.
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint open heel design configuration ensures that the Night Splint is fit on either the right foot or the left. It is soft and adjustable fasteners that can fit most adults’ size.
Tips
Be sure your outer support wrap is tightly around your ankle. Place your heel firmly against the back of the boot. Tighten the middle strap first. Tighten the others as much as you can stand. Don’t worry about your toes focus on the ankle. It’s your anchor.
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Buying Guide
What Is A Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint?
A night splint holds the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon in a stretch position during sleep. If the fascia is slightly stretched during sleep, then the fascia is spared the sudden stress that occurs with weight-bearing. The night splint will help reduce the pain which occurs with the first few steps in the morning.
The plantar fasciitis night splint was developed primarily to improve morning pain from plantar fasciitis.
The most significant benefit for most people who use a night splint is significantly improving morning pain or the painful stabbing sensation to the heels with the first few steps in the morning. Wearing a night splint to keep the foot and arch stretched keeps the plantar fascia ligament from contracting and becoming less flexible (and more vulnerable to pain) in the morning.
How Does A Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Work?
There’s a reason that both rest and stretching are two of the most common conservative recommendations for plantar fasciitis.
Stretching helps lengthen and strengthen the ligaments and tissues in the feet, which helps break up painful adhesions, take some of the pressure off painful heel spurs, and promote blood flow to the injured area. Rest allows the injury to heal without extra strain, new traumas, or complications.
A plantar fasciitis night splint helps combine these two effective conservative treatment methods–keeping your foot or feet gently flexed in a stretch while you sleep.
Since morning pain is largely the result of a tight, damaged plantar fascia ligament trying to adjust to the rigors of walking after a night of inactivity, a night splint helps smooth the transition from night to day, without the stabbing pain of those first few steps.
Features To Look For In Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Effective
The best night splint for plantar fasciitis is one that holds the foot in a 90-degree position for hours at a time. This stretches the fascia to help reduce the pain you feel when you put pressure on it after a long rest. Holding your foot in this position can also help stretch the leg muscles, a treatment that is thought to improve plantar fasciitis.
Nigh Splint Shell
Most plantar-based night splints have a plastic shell. These shells can be either fixed or adjustable. Fixed shells maintain a particular foot position, commonly neutral or 5 degrees dorsiflexion. Adjustable shells allow for gradual increases in dorsiflexion. Finally, some shells are ventilated to allow for greater airflow to limit heat buildup.
Night Splint Liner
Which adds comfort and padding to protect the heel, malleoli, and skin. Liners, when made of materials like terrycloth, absorb moisture to keep the skin dry and cool.
Travel Friendly
If you need to travel, you’ll need a night splint for travel or less severe plantar fasciitis; which are soft-shelled or compact night splints are great for traveling plantar fasciitis nighttime pain relief and can also be used to treat less severe cases.
Night Splint Style
There are two primary styles of night splints used in the treatment of plantar fasciitis. One is the dorsal type, which is a smaller splint that focuses the support on the top of the foot and the shin, holding the foot at 90 degrees while keeping the heel and arch free.
The other is a boot splint, which is larger and concentrates support on the back of your leg and calf, as well as the underside of the foot. Some find the dorsal brace more comfortable because it’s less restrictive, but others don’t like the sweating that comes with the larger straps of the dorsal brace.
Buckles & Straps
Putting the night splint on and taking it off can be tougher with some models than others. Look at the buckles and straps and find a splint that won’t be so difficult that you’ll start to dread wearing it over time.
The straps must be placed in a way that allows proper adjustment and fitting. They cannot be located in places that do not firmly hold the leg and foot in the correct place for the right amount of tension to be applied.
Easy To Wash
If you’re wearing your splint night after night, eventually you’ll need to clean it. Some come with removable pads or coverings that you can simply toss in the washing machine.
Size
Since everyone’s foot and leg size is different, it can be tough to find the right fit. Many splints have straps or other ways of adjusting the fit to help you customize it to what you need. Many plantar fasciitis braces and splints come in different sizes, and some are even produced as one size fits all or most. The best splints will be able to give the appropriate fit to facilitate the correct positioning of the leg and foot to achieve the intended results.
Breathability
Some splints can trap moisture and heat. Look for one with ventilation or a build that encourages airflow to keep your feet as cool and dry as possible. Boot-type night splints can be fairly restrictive in terms of airflow but the dorsiflexion type does a better job of letting the airflow.
Like almost anything else that goes on your feet, proper airflow is an important factor. Again, you have to be able to get a good night’s rest while wearing this contraption, so it really won’t provide a great situation if your feet sweat profusely while you have it on.
Common Questions About Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
What causes plantar fasciitis?
The plantar fascia is a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toe bones. When the tissue is inflamed, it creates a condition called plantar fasciitis.
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis causes heel pain that is often described as “stabbing”. It tends to be worse during your first steps in the morning. As the day goes on and you continue to move, the pain normally decreases. But prolonged periods of standing or when standing after sitting for a long period of time can cause the pain to return.
Does a night splint work for plantar fasciitis?
Several key studies show that wearing a night splint “significantly improves” symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Night splints are especially effective when used as part of a day/night treatment method, tag-teaming the nighttime stretch with the use of orthotic inserts, stretching, and icing during the day.
How long do you wear a night splint for plantar fasciitis?
Experts find patients benefit most from splints if they have had severe pain in the morning. Most people who use splints have had plantar fasciitis of several months duration. Long-term patients wear the splints for three to four weeks.
What are the benefits of wearing a plantar fasciitis night splint?
- Improving circulation and blood flow while you sleep, can help break up adhesions and scar tissue.
- Speed up the healing process by allowing you to treat your heel pain while you sleep.
- Maintains the foot in a 90-degree dorsiflexed position. This stretches the fascia and in many cases relieves that menacing “first step” in the AM.
- Sustains a stretch to the Achilles tendon and calf muscles, which have been thought to play a role in plantar fasciitis.
- No need to worry about replacing it every 6 months like you would have to do with shoes, insoles, etc.
How to get the most out of your night splint for plantar fasciitis?
- Get the right size: Make sure you get an adequate size for your foot. If the boot/dorsal night splint is too large, it will improperly support your foot. It also will help reduce the amount of rubbing if you get the right size.
- Be educated on how to properly use the splint: Utilize the directions that come along with your specific splint, and make sure you are adjusting it correctly.
- Wear it consistently: Even if it isn’t the most comfortable to sleep in, it’s important to wear it regularly in order for your foot to heal.
- Wear it before you sleep: When you first purchase your night splint, it’s always a good idea to try wearing it for a while before you sleep in it. Try wearing it while you’re watching TV or reading a book to help your foot get used to it.
- It doesn’t work overnight: It can take a few nights for you to start seeing a difference from your night splint. If you have a severe case, it could take a longer amount of time.
What aggravates plantar fasciitis?
Activities that can increase the force through your feet and aggravate plantar fasciitis include: Running, walking, or standing a lot in unsupportive shoes. Running, walking, or standing on hard surfaces like concrete. Carrying a heavy object or gaining weight.
Enjoy Your New Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Remember, a plantar fasciitis night splint is especially effective when used as part of a day/night treatment method, tag-teaming the nighttime stretch with the use of orthotic inserts, stretching, and icing during the day.
We hope you found this information useful and that it may help you in your search for a plantar fasciitis night splint. If you think a plantar fasciitis night splint is the right option for you, feel free to select any of the models reviewed above.
Feel free to reach out about any doubts or comments you may have. We are always happy to hear from you.
