When you first start wearing a night splint for plantar fascia, you may wonder how it works and how you can keep it handy for flare-ups. Here is some information you should know about wearing a night splint and its efficacy. If you are still not convinced about its benefits, you can make your own splint at home.
Getting used to a night splint
To get accustomed to a night splint, it is important to follow a gradual wearing routine for optimal effectiveness. Begin by wearing the splint for a short duration, such as an hour or two, for the first few nights. Gradually increase the wearing time over the course of several nights until you can comfortably wear it for 4 to 5 hours consecutively. This gradual approach allows the plantar fascia to extend and heal properly. Prior to wearing the splint throughout the entire night, ensure that it fits comfortably to avoid any discomfort or issues.
Using a night splint according to your doctor’s instructions is highly recommended for getting accustomed to it. This device serves the purpose of stretching your muscles while you sleep, much like how physical therapy works. By stabilizing the heel and reducing pressure on the plantar fascia, the splint provides relief. Additionally, wearing a night splint is an efficient treatment option for addressing Achilles tendon issues.
Efficacy
Orthotic insoles and night splints have been the subject of previous studies aiming to determine their effectiveness in providing relief for plantar fasciitis. While these studies have yielded inconsistent results, researchers have now pooled their findings to identify a more impactful solution. The combined results have revealed that group B, which utilized night splints, experienced significant reductions in pain and total FFI scores when compared to group A, which used orthotic insoles. Additionally, the outcomes for group B were found to be superior to those of group A after eight weeks of treatment.
Unlike orthotic inserts and stretching exercises, night splints do not cure plantar fasciitis. Rather, they can alleviate heel pain and reduce inflammation. The night splints work by holding the foot in a neutral position while it sleeps. They also prevent the plantar fascia from shortening in an attempt to compensate for reduced ankle dorsiflexion. The splints also help to pull the toes backward to reduce tension on the plantar fascia.
Keeping a splint around for possible flare-ups
The use of a night splint for plantar fasciitis is an effective way to minimize pain and prevent further damage to the plantar fascia. While they may not be comfortable to wear while sleeping, the splint helps the foot remain in a neutral position and avoids the plantar fascia from becoming shortened or stiff. Additionally, the splint will minimize foot pain when walking. Icing is another great way to minimize inflammation and pain associated with plantar fasciitis.
For the longest-lasting relief, wearing a night splint may help reduce pain caused by a potential flare-up of plantar fasciitis. Using a night splint can help prevent the inflammation of the plantar fascia, which is a sensitive tissue. It is often made of fabric and should be placed on the affected foot at night.
Making a splint at home
If you suffer from heel pain, plantar fasciitis, or other foot problems, you may want to make a night splint to prevent the condition from worsening. Night splints prevent your foot from pointing during the night and help stretch the plantar fascia. You can use an elastic band or ace bandage to create a night splint for plantar fasciitis. You can find many different types of night splints in any medical supply store.
A homemade night splint for plantar fascia can be made of long socks or tube socks. The key is to make it comfortable and secure so that it does not cause pain during the night. It should also be secure enough that you don’t fall asleep in it, since the tight fascia tissue can tighten and contract again during sleep. For best results, you should wear the night splint for at least six hours each night.
