Do Night Splints Really Work for Heel Pain?

Heel pain is one of the most common reasons patients visit our podiatry practice. In fact, many cases are caused by plantar fasciitis, a condition where the ligament that runs along the bottom of the foot becomes inflamed and irritated.

One treatment option we often recommend is a night splint—but many patients ask us: Do night splints really work for heel pain? Let’s break it down.

What Are Night Splints?

Night splints are medical devices that gently hold your foot in a flexed position while you sleep. This position keeps your plantar fascia (the ligament running from your heel to your toes) and Achilles tendon slightly stretched throughout the night.

Without a splint, the plantar fascia tends to tighten overnight, which is why so many people feel that sharp heel pain in the morning when they take their first steps.

How Night Splints Help with Heel Pain

Research and clinical experience show that night splints can be very effective for patients with chronic heel pain and plantar fasciitis. Here’s why:

• Reduce Morning Pain: By preventing the plantar fascia from tightening overnight, patients often experience less pain with those first steps in the morning.

• Encourage Healing: Keeping the ligament stretched allows microtears to heal in a lengthened position, reducing strain.

• Non-Surgical Option: Night splints are a conservative treatment that can help many patients avoid more invasive procedures.

Who Should Try Night Splints?

Night splints may be recommended if you have:

• Chronic plantar fasciitis lasting more than 6 weeks

• Heel pain that is worst in the morning or after sitting

• Limited improvement from rest, stretching, or footwear changes

At our podiatry practice, we often combine night splints with other treatments such as:

• Custom orthotics for daytime support

• Physical therapy and stretching routines

• Supportive footwear to reduce strain

• Anti-inflammatory treatments when needed

Do Night Splints Work for Everyone?

While many patients find relief, night splints aren’t a magic solution. Some people may experience discomfort wearing them at night, and others may need additional podiatric treatments.

The key is consistency—wearing the splint regularly and following your podiatrist’s full treatment plan usually leads to the best results.

When to See a Podiatrist for Heel Pain

Heel pain that lasts more than a few weeks should never be ignored. Left untreated, plantar fasciitis can become more difficult to manage. A podiatrist can:

• Confirm whether plantar fasciitis is the cause of your pain

• Recommend the right type of night splint

• Customize a treatment plan to address your specific needs

Final Takeaway

So, do night splints really work for heel pain?
For many patients with plantar fasciitis, the answer is yes—especially when combined with other podiatric treatments. Night splints help reduce morning pain, promote healing, and offer a non-invasive path to relief.

If you’re struggling with heel pain or plantar fasciitis, don’t wait for it to get worse. Schedule a consultation with our podiatry team today and let us help you get back on your feet—pain-free.

Ready to find heel pain relief?