Plantar fasciitis is characterized by the National Institutes of Health as an irritation and inflammation along the plantar fascia, or the thick band of tissue connecting the heel to the toes. This condition typically manifests when the tissue is overstretched or overused. It can also develop from unsuitable footwear, improper foot use and excess weight. While medications can reduce the pain and swelling, braces can effectively improve the condition.
Night Splints
One of the most common braces used to treat and correct plantar fasciitis is a night splint. This device is worn around the foot and calf to reposition your ankle and toes in such a way that the plantar fascia is consistently stretched while you sleep. This stretch helps to lengthen the thick band of tissue, providing better flexibility and minimizing the strain placed on the plantar fascia throughout the day. It's worn each night until you see an improvement in your condition. Your doctor can help determine when you no longer need to wear the night splint.
Daytime Braces
Daytime braces are worn around the arch, heel and ankle of the affected foot throughout the day. They're fairly thin and flexible, so they can be worn inside your standard shoes. Like night splints, this brace repositions the foot in such a way to gently and consistently stretch the plantar fascia. It also helps lift the arc, providing additional support and more even distribution of your weight over your foot. It's worn everyday until you experience an improvement in your condition. Again, your doctor can tell you when to stop wearing the brace.
Arch Splints
Sometimes, all that's needed to treat and correct plantar fasciitis is an arch splint. This type of device is worn on top of the foot, wrapping under and around your arch. This lifts the arch, much like a daytime brace, adding support and distributing your weight more evenly along the bottom of your foot. It lacks the repositioning of the ankles or toes that causes the constant lengthening and stretch of the plantar fascia. But the even distribution provided by an arch splint can often take enough pressure of the thick band of tissue to reduce irritation and inflammation, thereby lessening pain.
