A splint, whether you wear it day or night, or 24/7, is because your doctor probably told you to do so if your plantar fasciitis is that bad. The splint/brace combination lets your foot sit on the bottom with the top of it just under your knee. It is strapped into the plastic enclosure to brace around the calf muscles and one other place to hold your foot and lower leg tightly in without bending your foot. Most doctors want you to sleep in it as well.
A splint immobilizes your foot and ankle supporting it. A brace props up your foot with support and a splint could be considered a bracing device in a sense. A splint does hold your foot and ankle in place bracing it. The words are used interchangeably to mean the same type of device.
Plantar fasciitis is excruciatingly painful! I know—I’ve had it and it flares up from time to time. Because mine was so bad, my orthopedic doctor had one made specifically for me at a cost of about $800. Not everyone needs a doctor’s prescription, and some splints in the marketplace can help some people quite well.
It’s not as difficult as you might think of wearing the splint to bed. I untucked my sheets and cover from the lower bed end letting the sheet rest on top, or the side when I slept on my side. I used pillows under my splint and under my knee and it was all right. The blanket did not cover that foot at all. Sleeping in the splint prevents contracting of the calf muscle for a measure of liberation to not have pain with the first steps getting out of bed in the morning.
What is Plantar Fasciitis?
Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation (itis) of the plantar fascia (ligament). The ligament attaches to the heel bone (calcaneus) then spreads out and attaches to the base of the toes (metatarsals). Inflexible calf muscles are the most usual cause of heel pain, heel spurs, Achilles tendonitis, and plantar fasciitis. The pain is severe and unyielding and comes on when bending the foot and toes upward. About 10% of all people have this condition and some have it for 20 to 30 years. The plantar fascia covers the layers of blood vessels, nerves, tendons, and muscles under the bottom of the foot but above the tendon. To help the bones in the foot sustain the arch, the plantar fascia behaves like a bowstring on the foot bottom. A pad of fatty tissue covers the plantar fascia under the heel bone. As people age, the fatty pad becomes thinner making the 
pressure on your heel more sensitive and painful. The heel takes great force with each step and the pad cushions the heel. Plantar fasciitis comes on slowly and about a third of all people will have it in both feet.
Splints are recommended to be used in the evening after getting home from work to increase the flexibility of the calf muscle. Exercises can be done to improve the strength, elasticity, and suppleness of the calf muscles. The outside left (lateral) is the half of the muscle with the right (medial) side gastrocnemius muscle.
Ice will reduce inflammation and pain. Ibuprofen or cortisone injections can sometimes ease the pain but doesn’t get rid of the problem. Splints can get rid of the problem.
[h3line h3-text=”1. Benefits Wearing a Splint for Plantar Fasciitis“]
The foot must be stabilized to heal the plantar at about a 90-degree dorsiflexion. The dorsal surface is the front of the leg and extending of the joint (ankle) denotes dorsiflexion moving the toes closer to the shin. Another dorsiflexion is the heel raising up when walking. This position stretches the plantar fascia easing the striking of the first step.- The Achilles tendon and calf muscles (gastrocnemius) are contributors to plantar fasciitis and a splint helps keep the muscles stretching.
- Improvements will occur wearing a splint but you must stick to it. It can take 2- to 3-months to heal your foot where you no longer have pain.
- If minor pain happens, you can always put the splint back on. Once you’ve had plantar fasciitis and healed the condition, you will do exercises and anything to keep the pain away forever. I’ve had no pain since I healed, and when I do feel tight around the Achilles tendon, I do stretch exercises against the wall and it helps at once.
- The downside to wearing a splint at night is the awkward burdensome weight it has. The height of the foot piece is taller than low shoes and even more so with bare feet. You will need to find shoes that are the same height for stability, balance, and even gait when walking or your lower back will hurt.
[h3line h3-text=”2. Types of Night Splints“]
The 2 foremost types of night splints are the Dorsal and the Boot. The Dorsal is made of hard plastic that fits the shin and foot top keeping the foot at a 90-degree angle where the heal and arch are out. The boot type is not discussed here.
The Boot night splint looks like a boot with the spine on the back of the leg and calf to fit under the foot. It is usually larger than the Dorsal type.
Objections to the Dorsal Splint are:
- the foot slips and will not maintain the stretch.
- The additional pressure on the toes causes them to fall asleep or tingle.
- Sweating occurs due to the larger straps.
Objections to the Boot Splint are:
- Large, bulky, and not comfortable to wear.
- Toes tingle and become numb.
- Hard to walk in when getting up.
There’s no concurrence for which one of the best night splints for plantar fasciitis is best for plantar fasciitis. You will have to try them to see what fits you best for pain relief.
[h3line h3-text=”3. How to Wear a Night Splint“]
That seems counterintuitive to what you would expect. Follow your doctor’s instructions if you got it from him and follow the manufacturer’s instructions if you bought it at a sports shop or online. This is the proper way to wear a night splint for plantar fasciitis: you simply put your foot into the circular part and attach with the number of Velcro® straps provided. The straps wrap around your shin or calf to hold the splint in flat limiting the amount of upward/downward foot movements. Nothing to it.
Wearing plantar fasciitis night splints can be both a painful and stressful experience. Before a patient is required to wear a plantar fasciitis night splint, they must be educated on how to avoid having plantar fasciitis in the first place. A plantar fasciitis night splint is an excellent alternative to an operation.
[h3line h3-text=”4. Causes of Plantar Fasciitis“]
Plantar Fasciitis is caused by straining the plantar fascia ligament that supports your arch. The condition will cause swelling, inflammation, and agonizing unbearable pain. The reasons it happens can be:
- Rolling your feet inward when walking known as pronation.
- Flat feet or high arches.
- Tight Achilles tendon or calf muscles.
- Running, walking, or standing on hard surfaces for long times.
- Shoes that are too short, too tight, or worn out.
- Being overweight.
- Middle-aged people or young people on their feet constantly.
- Athletes, soldiers, nurses, and others who stand a lot.
[h3line h3-text=”5. How do Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints Work“]
Splints for plantar fasciitis work by keeping the foot in a dorsiflexed position in the proper angle. Treating plantar fasciitis through the use of a night splint stops the plantar fascia ligament from tightening during sleep. The best night splints for plantar fasciitis offers equal, comfortable support and proper pressure and arch support.
[h2line id=”top_rated” h2-text=”Top 10 Best Night Splint Reviews“]
So what is the best plantar fasciitis night splint? We have 10 of the best splint reviews ready for you. Go ahead and check them out.
[boxsph3 h3-text=”1. Cramer® Dorsal Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis“]
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The Cramer® company was founded in 1918 in Frank and Chuck’s mom’s kitchen and has been strong by later generations of Cramer’s and others in sports medicine for almost 100 years. That’s quite a feat!
The model number 13620-Parent, is a bestselling dorsal night splint on Amazon.com® for plantar fasciitis, tendonitis, heel and arch pain, and for sleeping support. It will not slip, the fabric breathes so you won’t sweat, it’s easy to adjust and comfortable to wear. The dorsal ‘clamshell’ holds your foot in a neutral position, avoids shortening of the muscles (contracture) giving support to your arch for healing. If your feet or ankles swell, loosen the straps, or remove your foot and apply ice elevating your foot higher than your heart. The clamshell is triple-stitched of a stretch resistant strap for exceptional support.
It will keep your ankle and foot at 90-degrees and is rigid yet comfy.
Find the size that fits you for the Cramer® and feel snug in this supportive splint.
You can see in the instructions that it is easy to put on and attach securely. Wear with heavy socks for a best fit. The straps are 14-inches long for the small size.
There is only 1 splint per package. The ‘L’ and ‘R’ on the splint means it will fit a left or right foot. The splint is meant to be worn at night allowing the Achilles tendon to stretch while sleeping. You can walk slowly with the splint on; no running, however.
You will receive the splint that is about 5-inches tall weighing a light 7.2-ounces and an instruction booklet. If your splint is defective, return it for full credit and it can also be returned within 30-days if it is in resale condition. It is distributed from Kansas, USA, and made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”2. MARS Plantar Fasciitis Posterior Night Splint“]
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The MARS Wellness Company has been a leader and manufacturer of medical supplies since 2012 to put you and your feet on the road to healing. A top-selling splint on Amazon.com®, the model number H&PC-01898 comes in blue and gray combo. It helps the over 3 million USA people each year for plantar fasciitis, inflammation, and muscle issues.
The 3 straps are padded for comfort having buckles to hold you snugly in place. With its 2 tension straps on the sides for proper foot angle and increased flexion, it gives you a good stretch minus the pain. The low-profile shell breathes and is sturdy to hold you without slipping out. By being more open, it will keep you cool with no sweating.
Buy the one that fits and try wearing it with socks for more comfort. It is left or right footed and is 16-inches tall posteriorly (back/dorsal). You will get 1 splint in each package.
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Give-wrapping is available for someone suffering that you care about. You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting it on easily. If your splint is defective, return it for full credit and it can also be returned within 30-days if it is in resale condition. It’s made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”3. StabilityAce Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint with Stretch Wedges“]
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The StabilityAce night splint comes with 2 stretch wedges and a foot massage ball. The UPC code 757897396272 sells well on Amazon.com® for healing your heel pain from plantar fasciitis in a gray and black color. The splint is soft, the foam padding is latex-free, and it works well for Achilles tendinitis, heel spurs, runner cramps, and other heel and foot related issues.
You will receive 2 stretch wedges to leave in or take out that will help even more with aches and pain with the gentle dorsiflexion. The stretch wedges go under the pad under your toes onto the base using the Velcro® to attach at bedtime.
The design of the splint makes it lightweight and it has padded buckles to immobilize your foot holding it sturdy and steady within when you sleep. Wear with or without socks for what’s comfortable for you.
When sitting without the splint on, put the massage ball under your foot moving it back and forth. Gently stretching your foot reduces inflammation and muscle contractions while you sleep positioning the angle you like best in a neutral position.
The lightweight shell breathes so you don’t feel hot and sticky from sweat. The padding is made of Lycra® and is washable always feeling cool against your skin. The bottom sole tread is a non-slip material when getting out of bed at times. This splint is not to be used for walking only.
The splint is 15-inches heel to top and the side strap is a single piece of Velcro® that sticks to itself about 17-inches long.
Wear the splint on either foot for your USA shoe size.
Small/Women: up to 7.5; Men up to 7
Medium/Women: 8-10.5; Men 7.5-10
Large/Women: 11-12; Men 10.5-12.5
XL/Women: 12.5+; Men 13+
The pads are washable, but check your instructions for the way to do it.
Give-wrapping is available for someone suffering that you care about. You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting it on easily. The splint comes with a 1-year Warranty and is made in China.
[toggle title=”StabilityAce Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint Review video”][videoy id=”IqlkmGP8wTI”][/toggle]
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”4. AlphaBrace Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint for Heel and Foot Pain“]
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The AlphaBrace.com company has been making medical products in the USA since 1988. This model number 3713-M is created to position your foot in a dorsiflex (bending upward) position for a gentle stretch against the plantar fascia tendon on the bottom of the foot and the Achilles tendon running up the back of the heel. With the stretching, the muscles will contract, and inflammation will decrease over time along with pain being totally gone.
The night splint is lightweight and has 3 padded straps with buckles to adjust to the angle you find most helpful. The foam is soft, breathes, and stays cool to your foot with or without socks. Sleeping with it on at night keeps your ankle neutrally positioned passively stretching the plantar fascia and calf muscles while you sleep. The area will heal over time and most people heal within 3-months or sooner. If your pain persists, be sure to see your doctor.
Find your USA shoe size and order for a good fit and heal your condition soon.
You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting it on. If you are not completely satisfied with the AlphaBrace.com splint, send it back within 30-days for a full refund or replacement. The splint is made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”5. Bird & Cronin® P.F.S.™ Plantar Fasciitis Stretch Splint“]
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The Bird & Cronin® plantar fasciitis splint (P.F.S.), model number 50025, is a great selling splint on Amazon.Com® in dark blue with black colors. The tread will not slip or slide on hardwood or tile floors. You will like the looks and comfort this splint gives you for pain relief and foot distress. When you have plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, this will surely heal your pain by curing the problem.
Make a pit stop at Amazon for the splint to have stretch consistently while keeping the foot in a mild dorsiflexion. The splint is lightweight and comfortable to sleep in. It fits either the right or left foot. There is no natural rubber latex in the foam.
This night splint only comes in size medium. Medium/Women: 8-1/2-10.5; Men: 7-1/2-10.
The side straps pull up to increase the angle. This splint does not come with a wedge. If your foot goes numb or tingles, loosen the straps.
The foam inside is made of Lycra® and is washable. The foam breathes and does not build up heat on your foot and calf. The foam padded straps made of Lycra® as well, provide welcomed comfort across the flexor tendons. The center strap has a releasing buckle to remove easily.
You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting the splint on. The company warrants their products against defects. The splint is made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”6. Vive Health Hard Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis“]
The Vive Health splint, UPC 028841240980, on Amazon.com® is a hard splint for wearing at night and sleeping. The black and light blue color splint will ease pain from plantar fasciitis, and in time, have it gone. It has the finest quality cushioning to give your aching feet some relief. It holds your foot in place with 3 adjustable straps that fasten with buckles and Velcro®. The wedge 
included goes under your toes and can be left there or removed. It adds more angle and elevation to your foot that is needed to heal by stretching the tendon on the foot bottom.
The light blue plastic outside holds your foot snug to keep it immobile. You can wear this splint anywhere on your left or right foot.
This splint was designed to give relief from the morning pains associated with plantar fasciitis. A lightweight design with no slip-resistant sole will keep your foot stretched all night in a dorsiflexed position.
Your foot might go numb if strapped too tight and it might be uncomfortable to sleep in. It’s a little difficult to move around in so you might want to get one size up.
Give-wrapping is available for someone suffering that you care about. You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting it on easily. The splint comes with a 60-day Warranty. It is made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”7. ProCare® Dorsiwedge Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint“]
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The ProCare® night splint, model number PC141FB01-M, is aimed at keeping your foot at a 90-degree angle to the tibia (shinbone) to put an effective continual stretch on your plantar fascia tendon running from the heel to the toes. The stretching is what heals the pain to rid yourself of this problem. The soft blue color splint is open for breathability keeping you cool and not hot and sweaty.
The ankle strap is 10-inches long and the calf strap is 14-inches and all 3 straps wrap around the calf and arch with Velcro® for attaching snugly. The splint fits either the right or left foot and only 1 is in a package.
Wear it to bed to have the stretch do its job while sleeping. The liner is removable to launder and air dry. The splint is softly padded and helps those with plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, calf strains, and shin splints. The toe wedge slips under the foot liner giving even more stretch and densification
Select your USA shoe size and order for a perfect fit.
You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting the splint on. The company warrants their products against defects. The splint is made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”8. Brownmed™ Nice Stretch® 90 Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint“]
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The Brownmed™ Nice Stretch® 90, model number 50312 on Amazon.com® is a different type of splint for plantar fasciitis. The non-skid bottom will keep you on your toes walking over tile, linoleum, or wood floors. The color is a soft gray with blue and has 3 straps with buckles and Velcro® to attach around your arch and ankle. The outside plastic enclosure is rigid to hold you securely and you will have a removable sealed ice pack and toe lift/wedge for more degrees in angle.
It is a fixed angle splint for an improved therapy for Achilles tendonitis, plantar flexion contracting, and tight triceps surae. You might not have heard of triceps surae and it is the 3-headed muscle of the calf; the 2-headed gastrocnemius and the soleus. These muscles attach into the calcaneus, the heel bone.
The night splint comes in 3 sizes of small/medium and large/XL for your USA shoe size.
Women small/medium is less than 10 shoe size (6-9); men’s is less than 11 (5-10).
Women large/XL is 10 or greater; men’s is 11 or greater. There is no small available.
You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting the splint on. The company warrants their products against defects. The splint is made in China.
[toggle title=”Nice Stretch® Original Product video”][videoy id=”T1IeR-Zw7WE”][/toggle]
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”9. United Ortho Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint“]
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The United Ortho Company, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, USA, formerly United Surgical, was established in 1978 manufacturing and distributing orthopedic bracing to medical providers, patients, and now you. The UPC code 813824010434 on Amazon.com®, is sold by various retailers. It is an adjustable splint with a stretch wedge for more dorsiflexion from 10- to 90-degrees. All straps are adjustable and the flexion straps on the side give a gentle stretch to the plantar fascia tendon on the foot bottom aiding the Achilles tendon attached to the plantar fascia at the heel. Control your therapy with a prolonged stretch with the straps fitted up to you snugly but not too tight.
The shell is 1-piece, lightweight, durable, and the foam liner is cool. The padded ankle straps are comfortable around your arch. It’s supportive of Achilles tendonitis and other lower extremity abuse, injuries, and overusing of the muscles and tendons.
The lining is held in place by Velcro® and can be removed to be laundered.
Order you night splint using your USA shoe size.
Caution when ordering: Be sure you get the genuine United Ortho night splint and not another brand that is inferior to this brand. This has been occurring.
Give-wrapping is available for someone suffering that you care about. You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting it on easily. United Ortho guarantees all products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of 6-months from date of purchase. Defective products will be replaced or credited. The splint is made in China.
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[boxsph3 h3-text=”10. Flexibrace® Adjustable Plantar Fasciitis Tendonitis Night Splint“]
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The Flexibrace® company is a distributor of braces and night splints in Everette, Massachusetts, USA. They have been selling items globally since 2006 with glowing reviews. The model number 114000 is small and is sold on Amazon.com® along with medium and large.
Use your USA shoe size to find your perfect fit for this night splint.
Women’s/Small: 5-7; Medium: 7-11; Large: 11-14
Men’s/Small: 4-6; Medium: 6-10; Large: 10-13
The wedge included will add 5-degrees more if you want that option. It goes under the padding at the toes and can be removed or put there readily. The additional 5-degrees will give you more foot pad flexion.
The night splint improves plantar fasciitis with the 2-tension straps on the sides to increase flexion and foot angle for a great healing stretch. The non-skid sole gives you traction walking across non-carpeted areas whether you stand or walk.
The inside liner is removable to be washed for good foot hygiene.
Give-wrapping is available for someone suffering that you care about. You will receive the splint and an instruction booklet for putting it on easily. Flexibrace® does not accept returns. Their products are under FDA regulations and are considered medical devices that cannot be returned. The splint is made in China.
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[h3line h3-text=”Tips“]
- Always consult your physician and/or healthcare professional before ordering night splints.
- Only one splint comes in each package.
- The splint fits either the right or left foot.
- You can sleep on your back or sides—whatever is the most comfortable for you.
- Put pillows under your knee and/or under the splint to find the most comfortable position.
- Splints do not use batteries.
- The plastic enclosure can be hand-washed with warm soap and water then rinsed and towel or air dried.
[h3line h3-text=”Final Thoughts on the Best Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint“]
We hope the informational guide here has given you sufficient information to understand foot muscle and tendon problems to wisely buy one for yourself or a loved one. Check with your doctor first; you don’t want a condition existing that does not receive benefit from a night splint. Plantar fasciitis can be cured! By the way, never throw your splint away because there are times you might need it again. I kept mine for infrequent help.
You might want to consider insoles for your shoes, even ankle braces, or compression socks for plantar fasciitis.
Leave any comments or questions below that I will always answer.