Plantar fasciitis is a common source of heel pain, caused by inflammation of the plantar fascia, the thick band of tissue running across the bottom of the foot from the heel bone to the toes. This condition frequently causes the sharpest discomfort with the first steps taken in the morning or after a period of rest. Medical professionals often recommend a night splint as a common, non-invasive treatment method. The splint works while the person sleeps, providing a sustained, gentle stretch to the foot and calf structures. This device aims to interrupt the cycle of nightly tightening that contributes to morning pain.
How Night Splints Deliver Therapeutic Relief
The effectiveness of a night splint stems from its ability to maintain the foot in a specific position called dorsiflexion. When a person sleeps, the foot naturally relaxes into plantarflexion, where the toes point downward, allowing the plantar fascia and calf muscles to contract and shorten. This shortening of the tissue overnight causes the painful tug and micro-tearing when the first weight-bearing steps are taken in the morning.
By holding the foot at a neutral or slightly upward angle, typically around 90 degrees, the splint prevents this contracture from occurring. This sustained, low-load stretch on the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon promotes tissue elongation throughout the night. Keeping the fascia lengthened minimizes the sudden, painful strain that occurs upon standing up. Consistent use helps the inflamed tissue heal in a less contracted state, which reduces inflammation and the severity of morning pain.
Step-by-Step Guide to Proper Application
Proper application of the night splint is paramount to achieving the intended therapeutic stretch without causing discomfort. Begin by sitting down and ensuring that all straps are loose before inserting the foot into the device. The heel must be seated firmly and deeply into the heel cup or back of the splint’s shell. This ensures the foot is correctly positioned to receive the stretch.
Next, secure the straps around the foot and ankle first, pulling them snug but not tight enough to restrict circulation. After securing the foot, move to the straps around the calf, ensuring the main body of the splint is securely fastened to the lower leg. The goal is to stabilize the device before applying the therapeutic tension.
Finally, adjust the tension straps, often located on the front of the splint, which control the degree of dorsiflexion. These straps gently pull the toes and forefoot toward the shin, creating the stretch on the plantar fascia. Follow the specific angle recommendation from a healthcare provider, which may be a neutral 90-degree angle or a slight dorsiflexion. The stretch should feel noticeable but gentle, never painful, as a painful stretch can be counterproductive to healing.
Managing Comfort and Treatment Duration
Adjusting to sleeping with a night splint requires patience and attention to comfort, as initial discomfort can lead to inconsistent use. Common issues include localized pressure or temporary numbness and tingling in the foot, which signals that a strap is too tight and needs to be loosened slightly. Ensuring the splint’s padding is correctly positioned to prevent pressure points is important, and wearing a thin sock can provide an extra layer of comfort.
If persistent pain, severe numbness, or coldness in the toes occurs, the splint should be removed immediately, and a medical professional should be consulted. Night splints are typically worn nightly for several weeks to a few months, depending on the severity of the condition. Consistency is paramount, and the device should be worn every night, even after symptoms begin to improve.
The process of weaning off the night splint should be gradual and should only begin after a sustained period of pain relief. A doctor may recommend decreasing the frequency of use, such as wearing it every other night, before stopping completely. This gradual reduction helps ensure that the tissue remains elongated and does not rapidly revert to its contracted state, which could cause a recurrence of morning pain.