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Top 16 Best Dorsal Night Splint Of 2024

Brandon Forder
  May 19, 2024 8:51 AM

Foot soreness is the single most demoralizing factor for any runner. Despite this, runners of all ages regularly experience pain in their feet. Plantar fasciitis, an inflammation of the tissue that supports the foot, is one of the main causes. Pain in the underside of your foot, namely in the connective tissue, can have a number of different causes. Plantar fasciitis is a common condition that causes pain in the heel, which can range from mild discomfort to feeling like a rusty nail has been pushed into the foot.

Though it can be quite painful, runner's foot is really quite common and is the result of a "overuse" injury.

The plantar fascia is a thick ligament that spans the entire foot, from heel to toes. Plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain in the heel, despite the fact that the fascia itself is located on the bottom of the foot.

The finest night splints for plantar fasciitis will keep the ligament stretched out during the night, relieving pain and preventing cramps. If you suffer from this kind of pain, you should absolutely be using one of these in addition to frequent massage and stretching.

The best dorsal night splints for relieving heel pain and increasing plantar fascia flexibility are provided here.


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Last update on 2024-05-19 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API


Buying Guide

Type

Plantar fasciitis night splints can be divided into two categories. Neither is inherently superior to the other, but one may better suit your needs depending on the context. Although neither method is without flaws, they are both included in treatment strategies for plantar fasciitis because of their effectiveness in alleviating pain.

Dorsal

The dorsal splint consists of a rigid plastic or aluminum splint piece wrapped in neoprene, which is worn across the shin and over the top of the foot. A strap around the ankle and one around the ball of the foot hold the splint in place, flexing the foot between 90 and 135 degrees and revealing the heel and arch. A variant of this style involves a sock tied at the toe and attached at the ankle, which causes the toes to curl upward.

When compared to boot designs, dorsal splints are more compact and convenient for mobility. Unfortunately, the splint's effectiveness is occasionally undermined by their tendency to slip due to its design. Some designs also place an excessive amount of stress on the toes, which can result in numbness and/or poor blood flow.

Boot

A boot splint's spine is made of hard plastic and straps over the user's thigh and under their foot to keep their foot in a 90° angle. To keep the foot in position, the splint is fastened with two or three straps. These splints are larger and bulkier than dorsal splints yet provide better comfort because to their cushioning. Numbness in the toes may result from the strain of maintaining a 90-degree angle with the foot. If you have to get up in the middle of the night, some types of boot splints have a nonslip substance on the sole to help you maintain your footing.

Size

A night splint that fits properly will keep your foot from sliding about and will be more comfortable to wear than an ill-fitting pair of shoes. The effectiveness of a night splint is proportional to how well it fits (closely around the heel and toe with a bit of wiggle room).

Adjustable tension

The tension used to stretch your foot can be adjusted with this option. Adjust the tension to suit your range of motion and level of comfort.

Padding

A padded night splint is more comfortable, but it will not allow air to circulate. Though straps should be well-padded to prevent cuts, some people may find that the pads used in night splints make them uncomfortable to sleep in.

Mobility

If you find yourself needing to use the restroom frequently throughout the night, this is an excellent feature to have. Dorsal splints are more comfortable to wear since they expose your heel and arch. Non-slip soles are available on some splint boots to aid with this issue.

Strap placement

This is crucial for all splints, but especially for dorsal splints, where a properly positioned toe strap is essential for preventing the splint from slipping. A well fitted splint is more likely to keep the straps in place.

Breathability

Sweaty feet do not make for restful sleep. Therefore, even though they may not be as snug, splint designs that expose as much of the foot to air as possible tend to be the most breathable. A boot splint will provide extra coverage for your foot, so if you go that route, make sure it has ventilation cutouts.

Strap design and location

A dorsal splint's strap design and placement is more crucial than those of a boot splint. For a dorsal splint to be effective, the toe strap must cover the whole ball of the foot. The positioning of the straps must also be just right. If you have the appropriate size, you're less likely to have a strap in the wrong spot. Read through the size chart and measurement instructions carefully to make sure you obtain the proper size.

Mobility

If you visit the restroom frequently during the night, you'll need a splint that can bear the weight and stress of walking. Dorsal splints, which expose the sole of the foot, make it simpler to walk. Even if boot splits are more of an issue, most pairs will have some sort of nonslip material on the bottom to keep you from slipping.


FAQS

What are night splints?

Night splints are devices worn during sleep to maintain a fixed posture for the feet, typically at a 90-degree angle.

There will be no risk of your plantar fascia cramping or shortening if you sleep in that position.

What types of splints are available?

A plantar fasciitis splint can be either a posterior or a dorsal splint.

Briefly put, a posterior splint is a brace worn over one's boots. They are typically cumbersome and heavy, making it difficult to sleep in one. They can severely restrict your ability to move freely. Most of them are modifiable, and each one provides a consistently good stretch for your toes and soles.

As opposed to traditional night splints, dorsal splints for the foot are far more lightweight and easy to use while sleeping. They consist of a single piece of rigid plastic that wraps around and covers the entire shin. The foot isn't quite as effectively stretched using these as with posterior splints, which is a drawback.

Each has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's up to you to decide which is best for your plantar fasciitis and your sleeping style.

What's a "sock style" dorsal night splint?

You won't find a less cumbersome solution for plantar fasciitis than this. There isn't a strap that goes over the bottom of the foot to lift the toes. A sock splint is a wonderful option if you need a splint for the night but don't want it to be too obvious.

How long do I need to wear a night splint to see results?

You should anticipate to experience improvement in your plantar fasciitis condition after using the night splints consistently for a few weeks to a few months, depending on your individual instance. Plantar fasciitis does not heal quickly.


Conclusion

Individual differences in response to treatment and in comfort with self-management mean that finding the best plantar fasciitis night splint may require some experimentation. It's best to do some research and compare different models and features before settling on a night splint.


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