Plantar fasciitis night is ”the dreaded time” because you know what’s going to happen when you wake up in the morning. Plantar fasciitis night splints are the only products that keep the foot in the proper position and the plantar fascia stretched all night so you wake up without that morning foot pain or heel pain.
My wife didn’t like the plantar fasciitis night splint to begin with. It took time for her to get accustomed to wearing it. (And I got kicked a few times in the night with it!) But watching her get out of bed in the morning without that pain made it all worth while.
A lot of studies have found that plantar fasciitis night splints can actually relieve plantar fasciitis after 4-12 weeks of wearing them. Here are some plantar fasciitis night splints I can recommend and why I recommend them…
Plantar FXT Night Splint
Plantar FXT Night Splint
This is the Plantar FXT Night Splint. It’s the least “obtrusive” of all the night splints we found. It’s also the softest. You can wear it when you’re just relaxing or at night in bed. It’s about as close as you can come to feeling like you’re just wearing slippers to bed.You can take a few steps in it but you shouldn’t walk around in it.
We also liked that the tension strap is adjustable so you can set it to whatever amount of tension you’re comfortable with. Also, it doesn’t look like a medieval torture device. Some of the other night splints can feel like wearing a cast because they are so large and heavy duty.
This next night splint is more popular with men. There are times when you may be a large person or very athletic and your more aggressive muscles need something more rigid to manage your plantar fasciitis at night. Plus it just looks “manly”…
Learn more about Plantar FXT Night Splint.
Dorsal Night Splint
Dorsal Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis
The Dorsal Night Splint is a popular option for the guys. Let’s face it. Guys don’t want to wear something described as a “bootie.” One nice thing about the Dorsal Night Splint, it’s got a lot less bulk and weight than a lot of the other plantar fasciitis night splints. And it works with either your right or left foot.
It’s also a more “open” design so your leg and foot can breathe at night. And it’s easier to get on and off because of the three straps. No buckles; no clasps. Just pull it onto your foot until the “dorsal” is tight to your shin and then “wrap the straps.”
It’s made of foam rubber and plastic and it’s easy to hand wash in the sink. You shouldn’t walk in it but you can hobble to the bathroom in the middle of the night if need be.
Learn more about Dorsal Night Splint.
Here’s another rigid “truss” style of night splint…
Rigid Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
Rigid Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
While the Rigid Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint is called “rigid,” it hardly looks uncomfortable. The rigid backbone style is great for keeping your foot slightly flexed overnight. The reason your foot hurts so bad when you get up in the morning is because your foot relaxes overnight and your plantar fascia heals “wrong.” Then you re-injure it in the morning.
Think of it like a cut on your finger. If you keep your finger curled up, the skin stays soft and gathered while it’s healing. The first time you open your hand and stretch the skin, “OW,” the freshly healed skin gets ripped apart and has to start healing all over again. Same thing with your plantar fascia.
This night splint does look very cushy and is fully adjustable. And one other thing I like about it. This one comes with a 120 day money-back promise. That’s pretty hard to beat.
Learn more about Rigid Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint.
Here’s another “soft-style” night splint…
Soft Night Splint
Soft Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
The Soft Night Splint is another “velcro” attached night splint like the Dorsal Night Splint. However, this one comes with adjustable elastic straps which give you more “functionality” when you’re trying to get it adjusted to your physiology. While this makes it bulkier that the Dorsal Night Splint, that greater adjust-ability might be just the thing you need to get comfortable. If your body size isn’t “average” (whatever that means), it just might make the difference for you.
Another nice feature is that this one is fold-able. Fold it up in the morning and stuff it in a drawer or under the bed. However, that feature might be excellent for those of you who sit at a desk all day. You can fold this one up and put it in a briefcase or purse and take it to work. Then pop it on your foot if you’re going to be sitting at your desk for a prolonged period.
This night splint was designed to feel less bulky than other brands. And another plus, it’s machine washable. Lastly, the manufacturer claims that their night splints have been clinically tested and endorsed by doctors. Like all “claims,” I’d take it with a grain of salt but it’s something to think about.
Learn more about Soft Night Splint.
Now lets look at something that your podiatrist will probably recommend…
Passive Night Splint
Passive Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint
My wife actually had the Passive Night Splint first because her podiatrist recommended it. However, it felt claustrophobic to her. It almost completely encloses the foot, ankle and lower shin in padded velour. In that respect, this thing is kind of luxurious. If you’re the kind of person that doesn’t move around much in bed, this is a really “comfy” way to go. It’s like wearing a pillow wrapped around your foot.
Like the Dorsal Night Splint, it’s held in place by three “hook & loop” straps so once it’s on, it won’t go anywhere. The velour lining can be removed for hand washing and as with the others, you shouldn’t walk anywhere except maybe a quick trip to the bathroom at night.
Learn more about Passive Night Splint.
Please review these products here or on the forum…
If you buy any of these products, please come back to this site after you’ve used them for awhile and review them so others can make informed decisions. You can also join our Plantar Fasciitis Forum to share reviews, ideas, what worked for you, and learn from others who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Recent Comments