You may be wondering how to adjust your plantar night splint for plantar fascitis. There are two types: anterior and posterior. Each has its own set holes. To adjust your night splint for plantar fasciitis, you must remove the set hole labeled on the lateral side of the plastic upright. Then, angle the plastic upright forward to align the set hole you’ve marked.
Dorsal or posterior splints
A dorsal or posterior night splint may be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. When worn at night, the splint holds the foot in a neutral or slightly dorsiflexed position, which is more comfortable for the patient. The splint may also reduce the severity of post-static dyskinesia.
Among the pros and cons of wearing a night splint for plantar fasciitis, most practitioners recommend using the latter. They can be uncomfortable to wear while sleeping, but they can improve circulation and accelerate the healing process while you sleep. There are many different types of night splints available. You should consult with your podiatrist before deciding on which one to wear. Most patients benefit from wearing a night splint for 1-3 months.
Dorsal splints are less bulky
The removable Dorsal Night Splint is designed for wearing during the night. It helps maintain the foot in a neutral position and relieves the chronic morning pain associated with heel spurs. This type of night splint is less bulky and does not retain heat as some other splints do. This type of night splint should be worn consistently to reap maximum benefits. Other uses include heel spurs, Achilles tendinitis, and neurological deficits.
Another popular type of foot pain relief device is the Freedom(r) Dorsal PF Night Splint. Its cooler profile and neoprene calf straps make it a better choice than traditional plantar splints. Its plastic-free bottom and soft foam-like padding provide comfort while relieving pressure points and reducing inflammation.
Anterior splints are less bulky
The downside of posterior night splints is that they are very bulky, making them inconvenient to wear while sleeping. However, they do help with plantar fasciitis. Compression on the plantar fascia is also important to reduce swelling and morning pain. Fortunately, there are many alternatives to posterior night splints, including the relatively lightweight Bledsoe brace.
If you suffer from heel pain, you should start a stretching and strengthening program. This is especially important for the calf muscles because they are under significant tension when the heel strikes the ground. Stretching exercises such as stair-climbing and wall stretches are excellent for stretching the calf muscles. These exercises also stretch the plantar fascia. After a couple of weeks, you will probably no longer need to wear night splints, but they will help you to reduce your pain.
Adjusting a night splint for plantar fasciitis
A plantar fasciitis night splint can be an effective treatment to minimize morning pain associated with this condition. This device provides support for the foot and stretches the plantar fascia, allowing the tissue to heal and extend. A splint should be worn for at least one hour each night to begin with. Eventually, the wear time should increase to four to five hours.
A night splint works by placing the foot at a 90-degree angle, stretching the plantar fascia and the calf muscle. These supports can be adjustable to the degree of dorsiflexion. The splint’s padded calf and ankle straps ensure dry comfort. This device is ideal for nighttime use and should be fitted correctly.