Wearing a night splint can help you to recover from a variety of foot and ankle disorders. Plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis and even shin splints may benefit from the orthopedic devices. Splints are generally worn at night to limit foot contraction, stretch the foot and avoid morning muscle stiffness. A 2002 study published in the July/August edition of "The Journal of Foot and Ankle Surgery" found patients diagnosed with plantar fasciitis showed significant reduction of recovery time while wearing a night splint. The splint is the shape of a boot and keeps the foot or ankle immobile through the night.
Step 1
Put the night splint on the injured foot immediately before getting into bed or while resting the foot in the evening hours. Loosen the straps to the splint. Place the bare foot into the night splint. Place the heel back against the boot. Look to see if toes are visible outside the front of the boot's opening.
Step 2
Tether the Velcro straps or buckles starting at the top of the boot first and continuing downward until all straps are wrapped. Ensure the straps are not too tight or circulation may be cut off.
Step 3
Begin to wear the splint for a few hours in the evening while watching television or reading a book. Know that using a night splint too soon over a long period of time causes disruptive sleeping and cramping. Slowly build up to a level where the splint is comfortable when worn overnight.
Tips and Warnings
- Many splints are universal meaning the right or left foot will fit into the splint. Place gauze or medical padding over any bony areas such as the ankle bone to soften the discomfort.
- Do not continue to wear the splint if pain is present. Experiment with different brands and types of splints until a comfortable fit is found.
Things You'll Need
- Night splint
- Gauze or medical padding
References
- Fixing Your Feet: Prevention and Treatments for Athletes; John Vonhof; 2006.
- Injury Afoot: 30 Things You Can Do to Relieve Heel Pain and Speed Healing; Patrick Hafner; 2008.
- Mayo Clinic: Achilles Tendonitis Treatment and Drugs
- Podiatry Today: Heel Pain Study: Night Splints In, Stretching Out?
