Using a night splint is an effective treatment for alleviating plantar fasciitis. Studies have shown that using a night splint over a period of a month. In one such study, eighty percent of the involved feet improved subjectively.
The Exoform Dorsal Night Splint, shown below, is a new solution that addresses the common problems associated with typical dorsal night splint models, including lack of adjustability, uncomfortable or painful pressure points, and product migration and rotation that diminish product effectiveness and compliance.
Another study says, Plantar fasciitis is a frequent cause of heel pain in athletes, as well as in persons who are not involved in sports. Stretching, strengthening, correction of training errors and orthotics are essential components in any treatment program. For patients who do not respond to these interventions, posterior night splints can prevent the need for invasive therapies such as corticosteroid injections and surgery.²
The smaller, lighter design of the Airform Night Splint, shown below, provides greater ease of use during the night in bed. The dorsal night foot splint treats the problem differently than braces or supports by applying a mild passive stretch to the achilles tendon and plantar fascia to keep it in a lengthened state. This static positioning (rehabilitation) allows the soft tissue a chance to heal thereby reducing pain and discomfort when walking. This plantar fascitis night splint maintains the ankle in a neutral position (ankle at a right angle) to impart a gentle, constant stretch to the achilles and plantar fascia on the bottom of the foot.
Finally, the last study we’ll mention states: This study reports the results of the use of molded ankle foot orthosis night splints for the treatment of recalcitrant plantar fasciitis on 14 patients with a total of 18 symptomatic feet. All patients had symptoms for greater than 1 year and had previously undergone treatment with non- steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, cortisone injections, shoe modifications, and physical therapy without resolution. All patients were provided with custom-molded polypropylene ankle foot orthoses in 5 degrees of dorsiflexion to be used as a “night splint”. With continued use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, Tuli heel cups, Spenco liners, and general stretching exercises, successful resolution occurred in 11 patients in less than 4 months. There were three failures. It is felt that the use of night splints provides a useful, cost-effective adjunct to current therapeutic regimens of plantar fasciitis.³
The Orthotic Shop provides quality night splints at affordable prices. We strive to keep you on your feet as the feet are the foundation of the body.
Sources:
¹NLM PUBMED CIT. ID: 9462907 SOURCE: Foot Ankle Int 1998 Jan;19(1):10-8 61
²NLM PUBMED CIT. ID: 7653427 SOURCE: Am Fam Physician 1995 Sep 1;52(3):891-8, 901-2 126
³NLM PUBMED CIT. ID: 1791004 SOURCE: Foot Ankle 1991 Dec;12(3):135-7 199