Some comments about night splints for people with plantar fasciitis:
What's the purpose of a night splint? One of the hallmark symptoms of plantar fasciitis is that you have excruciating pain when you take your first steps in the morning. Why does this happen? Because the plantar fascia TIGHTENS over night as you sleep. So, when you get out of bed and put your bodyweight on your foot, well, this suddenly stretches it and..... ouch!
What does a night splint do and how does it work? Night splints keep the plantar fascia STRETCHED OUT all night. So, because the plantar fasciia STAYS stretched, you can get up in the morning and start walking without pain. Even more importantly, because you haven't stepped on a tight plantar fascia in the morning, which irritates it and damages it even more, you've eliminated further stress- which gives it a chance to heal.
Do they work? Yes. As summarized in the book
The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution, there are numerous clinical trials that have shown that night splints are indeed quite effective at getting rid of plantar fasciitis.
If you're up for trying this treatment for your plantar fasciitis, be aware that you have to wear a night splint ALL night long for it to really work, so, pick one that looks like something you could actually sleep in. The
ProCare Dorsiwedge Night Splint is a little bulkier than some, such as the Futuro brand- BUT THEY ALL DO THE SAME THING. It's simply a matter of finding the most comfortable one for you. Some of the things I do like about this particular model is:
-soft padding surrounds your calf
-fits either the right OR the left foot
-has a removable liner for washing
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