In our previous blog post, our podiatrists (“foot specialists”) explore everything you need to know about plantar fasciitis and why you should never let the condition go untreated. Today, we spotlight a specific treatment: the plantar fasciitis night splint.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
What Is a Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint?
As we mentioned in our previous post, plantar fasciitis flares from the heel to the toe, usually after a period of inactivity, especially right after waking up. This occurs because the fascia (connective tissue) that was overworked and therein inflamed begins to shorten, limiting flexibility in the foot.
Since both rest and activity can contribute to the pain of plantar fasciitis, the key to pain relief is a balancing act: cycling between regular stretching and rest. Plantar fasciitis night splints create this balance by gently stretching the wearer’s foot throughout the night.
A plantar fasciitis night splint looks like a long sock with structure, similar to a boot patients wear for foot fractures but with less rigidity. You wear it to bed, and it’s usually pretty easy to slip on.
Do Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints Hurt?
Plantar fasciitis splints should not cause patients pain, but they can be mildly uncomfortable, especially for those not used to them. If anything, patients may misinterpret the sensation of the plantar fascia stretching as soreness. After consistent wear, that odd feeling will diminish, replaced by pain relief.
Should You Try a Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint?
If you have a diagnosis of plantar fasciitis, this could be an excellent option. However, the mild discomfort of wearing a plantar fasciitis night splint may exacerbate your sleeping issues if you already struggle with them.
If you’ve tried sleeping with the night splints to no avail, let your podiatrist know. A good podiatrist will continue to help you explore treatment options until you discover what works for you.
Don’t Try Splints Without a Diagnosis
A plantar fasciitis diagnosis from a licensed podiatrist is necessary for trying a night splint. We do not advise patients to self-diagnose or self-treat this condition.
If your primary reference is the internet, it can be hard to tell one type of foot condition from another, especially if they have similar symptoms. Patients who self-diagnose often hurt themselves or worsen the ailment by trying to address the issue with self-treatment instead of getting an examination from a podiatrist.
Thus, if you self-diagnose yourself and somehow get your hands on a plantar fasciitis night splint (or create a makeshift version of one) without a diagnosis, we implore you not to use it and to call a podiatrist’s office instead.
Where to Get Plantar Fasciitis Treatment in Birmingham
If you’re in the Birmingham, AL, area and live with a painful foot condition like plantar fasciitis, our podiatrists will gladly work closely with you to explore treatment options and get you the relief you need.
Ready to start your journey to pain-free feet? Contact our staff at Foot Specialists of Birmingham today! We’ll be pleased to help you schedule an appointment with our incredible team of podiatry experts and nursing assistants.
Thanks for reading today’s blog post on plantar fasciitis night splints. Next time, we’ll discuss another option for managing this condition: plantar fasciitis socks.
