Does a night splint help treat plantar fasciitis symptoms?

A night brace or night splint is reccommended for treatment of plantar fasciitis. This treatment is usually extremely helpful in addition to regular exercising and stretching. A night splint (or night brace) is intended to be used overnight, while sleeping, or in a resting position.

The most painful part of plantar fasciitis is the first few steps after waking or after a period of rest. This happens because the calf and plantar fascia has contracted. While taking those first few steps of the day, the calf muscle and plantar fascia will be lengthened and stretched from its cramped position.

A night brace is used to hold the foot at a 5 degree dorsiflexion, instead of it loosely moving throughout the night. When the foot is able to be moved freely, the plantar fascia and calf muscles contract as they are in a shortened position. The brace helps to keep the foot at a position where the calf and plantar fascia is lengthened.

As noted in the article “Plantar Fasciitis is a Common Cause of Heel Pain“, from American Family Physician, February 2001, by Craig C. Young and Mark W. Neidfeldt.  This article discusses the causes and symptoms of plantar fasciitis and the use of night splints for treatment. After wearing a night splint, approximately 80% of patients improved, according to several studies. Night splints are helpful in treating patients having plantar fasciitis symptoms present for longer than 12 months.