As the name implies, these are splints you wear at night. Most of them look like big boots, which is why I like the Futuro Plantar Fasciitis Sleep Support brand- it's just less bulky to wear at night than most.

Now the idea behind these splints is to try and keep the foot and ankle structures stretched out all night in order to promote healing and avoid morning pain and stiffness that is so common in plantar fasciitis. Only a few randomized controlled trials have actually tested out this interesting idea. For instance:

-volunteers in one study were randomized to get either custom foot inserts, anterior night splints, or custom foot inserts and anterior night splints (Roos 2006). At 12 weeks, all groups improved significantly with no significant differences found in pain among the three groups at any point in time.

-in another study, patients wore either custom shoe inserts, over-the-counter arch supports, or night splints (Martin 2001). At 12 week follow-up, all groups improved with no significant differences between them.

-night splints were compared to no night splint use in this randomized controlled trial (Powell 1998). After one month, the group that wore the night splints showed greater improvement compared to the control group.

As you can see, these night splints ARE effective in treating plantar fasciitis-but note that they seem to be just as effective as over-the-counter or custom foot inserts too. Therefore, since night splints can be a pain to sleep with for a lot of people, I recommend you try them as a last resort after you've tried more conservative things such as foot inserts. Plantar fasciitis sufferers wanting more info on plantar fasciitis might also want to check out The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution.

5 stars

I am a physical therapist and I found this product an inexpensive way to treat heel pain. It takes several times wearing the product to get the benefits of relief. It's worth the cost if you have heel pain. Wear for a few hours and add time each session. Work up to all night if tolerated. 4 stars

This product is wonderful! I have plantar faciitis on both feet so I purchased two. I had prescription splints made for me that were so bulky and uncomfortable to sleep in that I was hesitant to try these. The futuro splints are lightweight, easy to put on and take off and work like a charm. Do not hesitate to try these. They make a world of difference putting my feet on the floor in the morning. 5 stars

I've had this a week now. Can't manage to keep it on all night, but I'm able to sleep a couple of hours with it, then take it off, then put it back on a couple of hours before getting up. It's made getting up in the morning a new experience -- no pain!

This should also help people who have nighttime calf and foot cramps, which are often caused by having your foot extended (pointed) all night (stomach and back sleepers especially).

I strongly recommend also buying "The 5-Minute Plantar Fasciitis Solution" (book), which discusses what does and does not work for this condition based on randomized clinical trials. Night splints do work, but the best thing is regular (3x/day) stretching of the plantar fascia. 5 stars

The product reduced my heel pain in the morning starting on the very first day! After a week or so of use, I failed to take it on an overnight trip and definitely had increased heel pain upon rising in the morning. I will definitely take it along on my next trip. Hopefully it is helping my condition heal faster (this is difficult to determine). It is easy to put on and compact enought that it does not really interfere with my sleeping. 5 stars