5 Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis

You could go through life without ever knowing what plantar fasciitis is; However, the term becomes very familiar once you have experienced the searing foot pain after taking your first few steps in the morning. With no apparent warning, you could have a pesky heel problem to deal with. The good news is you can combine a night splint for plantar fasciitis (PF) with other treatments to get relief or alleviation from plantar fasciitis pain. To help you find the best night splint for you, we present the five best night splints for plantar fasciitis. But first, here is some valuable information about this condition and plantar fasciitis supports.

What Are Night Splints?

Night splints are orthopedic apparel primarily used to treat plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. Also known as plantar fasciitis braces, the splints keep your foot fixed with your toes pointed up from a lying position. They also prevent the Achilles heel from contracting by gently stretching it from the back of your heel.

What Is the Best Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis?

Since you wear it while you sleep, the best night splint for plantar fasciitis must be adjustable and comfortable. In addition, the best night splint for plantar fasciitis must:

  • Maintain your foot in dorsiflexion all night
  • Passively stretch the plantar fascia that runs between your heel and toes
  • Stretch your Achilles tendon to relieve stress on the plantar fascia

In addition, the night splint's strap and buckle design must support the performance of the night splint.

What is the Best Treatment for Plantar Fasciitis?

While none of the plantar fasciitis treatments can offer a guaranteed cure, a study published by the National Library of Medicine concluded that forty patients with extreme chronic plantar fasciitis symptoms experienced significant improvement with a treatment regimen of a tension night splint (TNS), ibuprofen, stretching, and plantar fasciitis orthotic inserts.

The Five Best Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis

Here is the best selection of PF night splints on the market. Remember that night splints are available in two types: dorsal (top of the foot) and the traditional boot design.

Darco Body Armor Night Splint

Key Features

  • Windlass mechanism eases your foot and ankle to a near 90-degree angle
  • The elastic connector ring permits natural flexion of your foot and ankle
  • Dorsiflex design applies even tension even in the relaxed state
  • Adjustable tension

Pros

  • Excellent stability, flexibility, and dorsiflexion
  • It has a stylish design
  • High marks for comfort
  • The toe strap supplies a satisfying stretch

Cons

  • The toe strap can unhook while you sleep at night
  • It may take a few nights to get your adjustment right

Advantage Premiere Adjustable Night Splint

Key Features

  • Provides extra stretching with a removable 5-degree forefoot wedge
  • Full range adjustable straps unlimited by hook or loop closures
  • Medial and lateral hook and loop straps for easy dorsiflexion
  • Push center-release buckles

Pros

  • Affordably priced
  • The solid strap and buckle design provide a smooth application
  • The angled shell works well for holding your foot in a dorsiflexed position
  • Lightweight with low profile casing

Cons

  • It can get uncomfortable during extended wear
  • Buckles favor left foot

Freedom PF Night Splint II

Key Features

  • Adjustable to satisfy specific needs
  • Built to keep PF area cool and comfortable
  • Preset at 5-degree dorsiflexion, adjustable to 10 degrees plantar flexion
  • Optional toe dorsiflexion wedge
  • Hand washable liner

Pros

  • PF Night Splint II outperforms the other models in patient compliance
  • Streamline design makes it light with a low profile
  • It doesn't restrict motion in bed or walking around
  • High reviews on the effectiveness
  • Great for ongoing use

Cons

  • Users with bunions may need extra protection
  • More expensive than comparable models.

Cool Stretch – Night Splint

Key Features

  • Sealed Stretch ™ for cold therapy
  • Padded Toe lift
  • Easy on and off design
  • Moderate price

Pros

  • Excellent for relieving inflammation
  • Easy-to-use
  • Ranks high in relieving pain and getting extended results
  • A low profile helps you sleep better in it

Cons

  • Velcro can separate from toe straps under specific pressures
  • It may get uncomfortable with extended wear

N'Ice Stretch – Adjustable Night Splint

Key Features

  • Patented Nice Stretch design with passive stretch capability
  • Latex-free material with adjustable tension straps
  • Bilateral suspension straps for independent bi-plane dorsiflexion adjusting
  • Optional insertable Sealed Ice-Cold Pack or foam pack for relief at the pain site.

Pros

  • Universal soft boot design conforms to different foot sizes on the left or right foot
  • Very adjustable and accommodating for nighttime bathroom trips
  • It holds its position throughout the night better than other PF night splints
  • Suitable for ongoing use

Cons

  • Hard to close the top strap when worn on your left leg
  • Fabric on the soul could snag on something

Choosing the Best PF Night Splint for You

All five of these calf stretch night splints are excellent choices for treating plantar fasciitis. Each one has a documented record of reducing or getting rid of the nasty heal pain from this condition. Combined with wearing plantar fasciitis insoles daily and following a regular exercise regimen, you can manage your heel pain. But, of course, your ultimate choice will depend on your personal preferences.

Visit Allegromedical.com for a comprehensive selection of quality orthopedic supplies, plantar fasciitis treatments, and orthotic devices.