Do Plantar Fasciitis Night Splints Work
Author: PlantarFasciitisTreatment
Plantar fasciitis or inflammation of the plantar fascia occurs when the ligament develops very small tears where it joins the heel bone, or along the ligament itself. With incorrect foot mechanics, excessive use or other catalysts, the pressure on the plantar fascia during walking and running and the transfer of body weight from one foot to the other can draw the fascia from the heel and lead to microscopic tears.
Plantar fasciitis splints are typically called "night splints" because they are used by the patient at night during sleep. Typically for use during the day, a lighter, more portable plantar fasciitis sock is used to help the plantar fascia during periods of rest. The night splint is a semi rigid, padded boot. They are often likened to comfortable snowboarding boots.
Plantar fasciitis night splints have been shown to help cut the most severe pain and inflammation of plantar fasciitis that is typically felt first thing in the morning with the patient's first steps of the day. Night splints work by maintaining the foot in a position of dorsiflexion (with the toes pointing up rather than relaxed and pointing flat forward) during the night and thus stopping the contraction or shortening of the plantar fascia and calf. The foot is held in a very mild stretch. The sharp pain frequently felt first thing in the morning is caused by the first footsteps making the plantar fascia to overstretch due to the force of body weight, thereby tearing the tiny fibers that began to heal in a shortened position at night. By wearing a night splint, this morning overstretching and damage can be avoided.
Reports have shown a night splint can help speed the healing process as the plantar fascia is kept aligned with the arch of the foot. Because getting sufficient rest is crucial for the healing process, wearing a plantar fasciitis night splint may cut the soreness caused during the night and let the patient get better sleep. In addition, by keeping proper alignment of the calf, Achilles and plantar fascia at night, the foot can heal in a more natural, stable, position.
Studies have shown that close to eighty per cent. of people report improvements in their symptoms after wearing a night splint for a period of time. Particularly, wearing night splints can be particularly useful in people who have had plantar fasciitis for over one year.
Early diagnosis and a structured treatment plan are crucial for healing plantar fasciitis. If treatment is delayed or deficient in the initial stages of plantar fasciitis, plantar fasciitis can take up to eighteen months or more to be fully healed. Nonetheless by sticking to a suitably mapped out treatment plan and fusing many of the individual treatments available, thankfully in most cases, non-surgical treatment is enough to cure the condition. Only in the most extreme of cases is surgery needed.
Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/do-plantar-fasciitis-night-splints-work-1267791.html
About the Author
Dennis Stevenedge has more than 30 years experience of plantar fasciitis treatment. For a comprehensive review of plantar fasciitis treatments including plantar fasciitis night splints, shoes and exercises visit Plantar-FasciitisTreatment.com