Plantar Splint

What is Plantar Fasciitis?


Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of localized heel pain and is the most common foot problem seen in medical practices. More than 2.5 million new cases of plantar fasciitis are reported each year.

Plantar Fasciitis is an inflammation of the plantar fascia, a ligament structure that supports the arch of the foot. The plantar fascia is a tough, fibrous band of connective tissue that runs from the heel bone to the ball of the foot. It plays an important part in the normal foot mechanics during walking and running.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when the plantar fascia is strained as a result of increased or over activity, poor foot biomechanics, or in association with the normal aging process. The ligament is typically strained repeatedly, over time before the onset of plantar fasciitis. As the ligament stretches beyond its normal extension it causes the soft tissues of the fascia to tear, usually at the point where attached to the heel bone. This leads to inflammation, heel pain, and possible growth of a bone spur (calcaneus) at the heel bone attachment.


Causes of Plantar Fasciitis

In active young and middle aged adults plantar fasciitis is typically caused from running, jumping or walking on hard surfaces. Runners, tennis players and basketball players are often affected by plantar fasciitis. Biomechanic factors of the foot can cause plantar fasciitis. People will high arches, flat feet, or tight tendons (Achilles tendons) are susceptible to developing plantar fasciitis. Excessive inward twisting (pronation) can cause tension on the plantar fascia as the arch lowers during standing or walking. Aggravating factors, such as being overweight or wearing poorly cushioned shoes with no arch support can also contribute to development of plantar fasciitis. In the natural aging process tendons, ligaments and muscles start to lose their normal elasticity and resilience making them more prone to strain just during normal daily activities. Plantar fasciitis is very common in the active elderly which often requires night splints, (Plantar Splint) for relief.

Common Causes of Plantar Fasciitis:

Increased or athletic activity
Running, jumping, walking or standing on hard or uneven surfaces
Flat feet or high arched, rigid feet
Poor supporting shoes
Large weight gain, pregnancy or overweight
Tight plantar fascia ligament or Achilles tendon
Normal aging

Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis

Generally the first tell-tale sign of plantar fasciitis is heel pain during the first steps after getting out of bed or sitting for a long period of time. The degree of heel pain can sometimes lessen with activity, leading to a false sense of relief. The pain often returns after prolonged rest or extensive walking. Pain often progresses if the condition is left untreated and can become excruciating and persistent as the ligament is more severely strained. Heel pain is usually located on the medial (inside) area of the heel.

Common Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:

Starts as a dull, intermittent heel pain or arch pain, progressing to a sharp, persistent pain. A sharp, piercing pain and/or inflammation through heel and foot that usually occurs in the morning or after resting and gradually disappears with walking.
Tightness in calf muscles or Achilles tendon.
Noticeable heel pain after long periods of standing or walking.
Heel pain worsens when climbing stairs or standing on the toes.
Heel pain lessens with activity but returns during rest.
Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis
Most cases of plantar fasciitis can be treated with relatively simple conservative methods. Only in rare cases is surgery actually necessary. Conservative methods such as a combination of a night plantar splint, rest and ice, orthotics, and stretching exercises have been repeatedly proven to be effective in treating plantar fasciitis.

Even though treatment is simple it may take several months for symptoms to resolve themselves. Remember that a strained ligament occurs after repeated stress and will take repeated rest and treatment to heal. Also, the longer the symptoms have been present and the more severe the heel pain, the even longer the treatment course.

The first step is to eliminate the activity that caused the strain. Modify your activity or exercise patterns to reduce stress on the foot, rest and elevate the foot whenever possible, and start daily plantar fasciitis stretching techniques.

Severe or persistent plantar fasciitis should be diagnosed by a medical professional. Podiatrists treat conditions of the foot and ankle including plantar fasciitis. During diagnosis a Podiatrist will review the history of your symptoms, determine where your heel or foot is tender, check your flexibility, and may take an x-ray of your heel.

Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints

The most effective and simplest part of any plantar fasciitis treatment plan is the use of a plantar splint at night. Night splints have been proven to speed healing and reduce the associated heel pain and inflammation from plantar fasciitis. Also, a plantar splint will help reduce the heel pain during those first steps in the morning.



Healwell Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint

Removable Liner Treated With Microban®
Adjustable Straps Control the Amount of Stretch
Padded, Adjustable Straps Quick Release Buckle
Flexible Plastic Material
Worn while sleeping or at rest, this splint flexes the foot to provide a gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon. This gentle stretch helps reduce the muscle contracture, inflammation and associated pain due to repetitive strain. Adjustable straps control the amount of foot flexion (0-10 degrees) and three padded straps with lock buckles keep the splint against the leg. Constructed of plastic with a removable liner that pulls moisture into a foam inner layer treated with Microban®, an antimicrobial agent to help prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast, and fungi. The sole of the splint has a non-slip surface. Color: Black/Blue. HealWell® brand. Complete wearing and care instructions are included



Healwell Cub Plantar Fasciitis Resting Comfort Slipper

Soft, Cool, Breathable Material - Easy to Sleep In
Half the Bulk and Twice the Comfort
Lateral Side Support with Opening Around Ankle
Built-in Toe Wedge and Non-Slip Bottom
A Night Splint Actually Comfortable Enough to Sleep In… Half the Bulk and Twice the Comfort! Radical, patent-pending new design to comfortably position the foot for treatment of plantar fasciitis, achilles tendonitis, and painful night muscle cramps. Made of cool, breathable foam material, this night splint is lightweight with less bulk than other night splint devices for superior comfort. Inner shell provides lateral side support with an opening at the ankle to prevent irritation on the ankle bone. Hinge adjusts the amount of dorsiflexion from 0 to 10 degrees, and a built-in toe wedge gives an additional 5 degree plane for even greater stretch across the plantar fascia. Easy and quick to apply and comfortable enough to sleep in. Non-slip bottom helps prevent slipping on flooring -- intended for sleeping, NOT for walking. Color: Black. HealWell® Cub™ brand

Plantar Fasciitis splints are typically called night splints because they are worn at night during sleep or during rest after activity. Often the most severe pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis is experienced in the morning, which could cause the first few steps to be excruciating. The position of the feet and ankles as we sleep promotes cramping of the fascia and calf muscles. When feet are pointed under the weight of blankets the plantar fascia is contracted (shortened). Those first steps in the morning are painful because the fascia which as been contracted all night is suddenly stretched and pulled.

Thr Plantar Splint is designed to comfortably position the foot in a controlled amount of dorsiflexion to provide a gentle stretch to the plantar fascia and Achilles Tendon. This gentle stretch helps reduce the muscle contracture, inflammation, and associated heel pain, and helps promote healing of plantar fasciitis. Night splints have also been clinically proven to reduce symptoms of plantar fasciitis.

A Plantar Splint worn at night can be used to treat the following conditions:

Plantar Fasciitis
Achilles Tendonitis
Plantarflexion Contractures
Heel Spurs
Equinous Conditions
Pronation Syndromes
Muscle Tightening and Runner's Cramp