Why You Need This Dorsal Night Splint for Plantar Fasciitis, Achilles Tendonitis & Foot Drop

During the day, connective tissues in your foot develop microtears. Then, while you sleep, unknowingly pointing your toes, these tissues begin to heal in this tight, pointed position. So, when you take your first steps in morning, you stretch out and retear these tissues, causing sharp pains.

This dorsal night splint holds your foot upright throughout the night for a gentle, consistent dorsiflexion stretch to your plantar fascia (the tissue that connects your heel bone to your toes), Achilles tendon and calf muscle, easing pain and discomfort caused by Achilles tendonitis, plantar fasciitis, and foot drop without any surgery.

If you have a child who is struggling with idiopathic toe walking, this splint can be a helpful part of their treatment regiment, along with wearing special shoes during the day. By wearing this splint at night, it trains the foot and ankle to maintain the correct position, and gently stretches the calf muscle and achilles tendon. 

Kids or adults who show signs of excess plantar flexion (toe walking), tandem gait (heel to toe walking), lack of control over ankle movements, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, or abnormal hyperextension of the knee - can benefit from a comfortable ambulation splint like this one to improve range of motion in the ankle.

If the early signs of these conditions are not addressed, the midfoot can collapse or the calf muscles can permanently shorten, causing all sorts of problems such as pes plano-valgus (flexible flatfoot), limb misalignment, and drop foot.

What Exactly is Foot Drop & What Causes It?

Foot drop is a medical condition that causes difficulty in lifting the front of your foot. When you walk, it is possible you will drag the front of your foot on the ground if you don’t have the proper brace to help support it. Check out our entire foot drop brace selection.

Foot drop can be either permanent or temporary, depending on your specific case. There are many different causes for this condition and can vary in severity. Below are some common causes that lead to foot drop:

• Nerve Injury

• Muscle or nerve disorders

• Brain and spinal cord disorders (Stroke)

• Damage to peroneal nerve

Top 4 Reasons Why You'll Love This Foot Brace for Plantar Fasciitis Treatment and More

It’s low cost and extra padding makes it a favorite for everyone. This versatile night splint has many different features that make it so popular:

1. Lightweight, Low-profile Fit

   This bedtime support brace can be worn all night, allowing you to sleep on your side, back, or stomach comfortably. Plus, it is less bulky than most Achilles tendon and plantar fasciitis splints on the market for better quality sleep. It works for both men and women, fitting your left or right foot and can be worn with or without a sock on.

2. Comfortable, Open Heel Design

   Only covering the top of your foot, this dorsal night splint leaves your toes, heel, and ankle open. Thus, making it more comfortable than a standard, plantar fasciitis boot. However, you are going to be comparing it to sleeping with nothing on, so it will not be entirely comfortable at first. Please give yourself a few nights to get used it!

3. Soft, Cushioned Padding

   You can easily relax in this brace, thanks to its comfortable, padded cushioning. Plus, the material is super lightweight and breathable, making this night splint much more comfortable than many rigid AFO alternatives for sleeping.  

4. Convenient, Wrap-Around Style

   This removable dorsal splint is easy to put on and strap up in bed or while sitting down, making your nighttime routine quick and easy. Just slip it onto your foot and secure the brace with its 3 adjustable, wrap-around straps. Each fastener is Medical-grade, making it 10X stronger than standard, retail-grade fasteners for a secure fit throughout the night.

   However, if you are a very restless sleeper and would like a tighter fit, we recommend using medical bandage. Simply wrap it around your calf and foot for an even more secure fit throughout the night.

Frequently Asked Questions About This Achilles Tendon Stretching Brace for Sleeping

• What conditions / injuries does this ankle stabilizer treat? This nighttime foot brace is the perfect support for many different conditions including foot drop, plantar fasciitis, and Achilles tendonitis.

• How does it work? This splint for foot drop and plantar fasciitis helps reduce the painful tightening that you endure after you wake up and take your first steps. It holds your foot at a 90-degree angle while you sleep, stretching your fascia, Achilles tendon, and calf muscle.

• When should I wear it? This plantar fasciitis brace is only meant to be worn while sleeping or kicking your feet back on the couch. It is not meant to be worn while walking. Please remove this brace if you plan on walking further than a few steps around the house. We also offer a different foot support for daytime use.

• What is it made of? This latex-free night splint is made out of a rigid ABS plastic shell, soft foam-like padding, polyester / nylon blended straps, and medical-grade closures.

• Who can wear this brace? Men and women of all ages can benefit from the stretch provided by this nighttime dorsal foot splint.

• What size should I buy? Size S/M fits Women’s US shoe sizes from 6-10 and Men’s US shoe sizes 5-9. (For children, the S/M generally will fit youth / kids shoe sizes 4-7). Size L/XL fits Women’s US shoe sizes ranging from 10.5-15 and Men’s US shoe sizes ranging from 9.5-14. Fits your left or right foot.

• How do I put it on? To apply this brace, undo all of the straps. Then, while sitting on the edge of a chair or on your bed, slide your foot through the elastic foot band. With your toes pulled up, firmly wrap and secure the calf strap. Next, pull and secure each foot strap, one at a time, for a snug, yet comfortable fit. Make sure both sides are even.

• How tall is this brace? The S/M is 9” tall and the L/XL is 11” tall.

• Washing Instructions: Hand wash in warm water with mild soap. Allow Achilles tendon stretcher to air dry completely before reapplying. Do not remove the plastic shell.

• Other features:

• Can be worn with or without socks

• Breathable, open-heel design

• Highly adjustable, 3-strap system for a secure fit

• Color: Black.