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Night splinting is a common treatment for plantar fasciitis, a condition that causes heel pain. A night splint holds your foot in a flexed position overnight so that the plantar fascia can stretch. This stretching can help relieve pain and improve healing. In this guide, we’ll show you how to wear a night splint for plantar fasciitis. We’ll also explain the benefits of using this and additional tips as well.
Benefits Of Wearing A Night Splint For Plantar Fasciitis
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Several benefits come with wearing a night splint for plantar fasciitis.
- It can help to stretch the plantar fascia. This is a band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and also, connects your heel bone to your toes. When this tissue gets inflamed, it can cause heel pain. Stretching the plantar fascia with a night splint can help to reduce inflammation and pain.
- It can also prevent the condition from getting worse. If you don’t stretch the plantar fascia, it can become tighter and lead to more extensive heel pain. Wearing a night splint can help keep the tissue loose and prevent further inflammation.
- Night splints can help you to avoid surgery. If plantar fasciitis is left untreated, it can sometimes lead to the need for surgical intervention. Wearing a night splint can help to avoid this by keeping the plantar fascia stretched and reducing inflammation.
- A night splint can also help you to sleep better. Heel pain can make it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep. By keeping your foot in a flexed position, a night splint can help to reduce pain so that you can sleep more soundly.
Steps On How To Wear A Night Splint For Plantar Fasciitis
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Night splints are typically worn during the night while you sleep. It’s important to follow the instructions that come with your specific night splint. But in general, there are a few steps you’ll need to take to get the splint ready and on your foot.
Step 1: Place the night splint on a flat surface
You need to start by placing the night splint on a flat surface. This will help to ensure that it’s in the correct position when you put it on your foot.
Step 2: Adjust the straps
Next, you’ll need to adjust the straps. Make sure that they’re not too tight or too loose. You should be able to move your foot slightly when the night splint is on. But it shouldn’t be so loose that it slides around.
Step 3: Put on the night splint
Once you have the straps adjusted, you can put on the night splint. Start by putting your heel in first and then pull the rest of the splint up over your foot.
Step 4: Adjust the fit
After you have the night splint in place, you’ll need to adjust the fit. Make sure that it’s not too tight or too loose. You should be able to move your foot slightly when the night splint is on. But it shouldn’t be so loose that it slides around.
Step 5: Sleep with the night splint on
You can now sleep with the night splint on. It’s important to wear it for the entire night so that your foot has a chance to stretch.
Additional Tips For Wearing A Night Splint
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Here are a few additional tips to keep in mind when wearing a night splint for plantar fasciitis.
- Wear socks with the night splint. This will help to keep your foot warm and prevent the splint from rubbing against your skin. Also, make sure to wear socks that are comfortable and not too tight.
- Put the night splint on before you go to bed. This will give you time to adjust to the feeling of wearing it and avoid waking up in the middle of the night feeling uncomfortable.
- Start with a shorter duration of time and then increase it as needed. You may not need to wear the night splint for the entire night at first. You can start by wearing it for a few hours and then increase the amount of time as your foot gets used to it.
- Don’t forget to stretch your foot during the day. Wearing a night splint is just one part of the treatment for plantar fasciitis. You also need to stretch your foot during the day to help reduce pain and inflammation.
- Take breaks from wearing the night splint. If you find that your foot is getting too sore from wearing the splint, you can take a break from it for a day or two. Just make sure to start wearing it again so that your foot doesn’t get too tight.
Conclusion
Wearing a night splint is an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis. It can help to stretch the tissue and reduce pain and inflammation. Also, it can help you to sleep better by keeping your foot in a flexed position. Just make sure to follow the instructions that come with your night splint and to stretch your foot during the day. If you have any questions, be sure to ask your doctor or physical therapist.
