Night Splints
Our clinic offers custom-fit night splints to alleviate heel pain. These devices gently stretch foot tissues overnight, promoting flexibility and reducing morning discomfort and stiffness.
What are Night Splints and How Do They Work?
Night splints are specialised devices recommended for conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy. These splints are worn during sleep, providing a gentle stretch to the affected area, such as the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon. They maintain the foot or ankle in a dorsiflexed position, preventing tightening or shortening of these structures while resting.
By keeping the foot in a stretched position overnight, night splints aim to reduce morning stiffness and alleviate pain associated with these conditions. They work by gradually elongating the affected tissues, promoting healing and flexibility.
Usage and Benefits of Night Splints
Night splints are typically worn overnight or during periods of rest. Although initially uncomfortable for some, patients often adapt to them over time. Consistent use of night splints helps prevent the tightening of tissues that occurs during rest, reducing discomfort and promoting improved mobility upon waking in the morning.
Night splints are particularly beneficial for individuals experiencing severe morning pain and stiffness associated with plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy. They facilitate a more gradual stretching of affected tissues compared to sudden movements upon waking, offering symptomatic relief and supporting the healing process.
Considerations and Expected Outcomes
While night splints are effective for many individuals, results may vary. Some patients experience significant improvement in symptoms, including reduced pain and improved mobility, while others may find moderate relief. It's essential to use night splints consistently and discuss any concerns with a healthcare provider to ensure proper fit, comfort, and optimal usage.
Where are Night Splints available?
Night Splints are available at selected Foot Foundation clinics across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
Our team can help you find the most convenient clinic for your assessment and treatment plan, whether you are based in Pinehill, Smales Farm, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton East, Hamilton Central, or Bethlehem.
Podiatrist pricing and availability
Pricing for Night Splints can vary depending on your consultation, the condition being treated, the type of splint recommended, and whether this forms part of a wider podiatry or rehabilitation plan.
Your Foot Foundation clinician will assess your symptoms, confirm whether Night Splints are suitable for you, and explain the most appropriate treatment plan based on your condition, comfort, and recovery goals.
To learn more about our podiatrists and current pricing, use the links below:
Night Splints – Frequently Asked Questions
What are Night Splints?
Night Splints are devices worn during sleep to hold the foot or ankle in a gently stretched position. They are commonly used for conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy to help reduce morning pain and stiffness.
How do Night Splints work?
Night Splints keep the foot in a dorsiflexed position overnight, which helps prevent the plantar fascia or Achilles tendon from tightening while you rest. This gentle stretch can reduce discomfort when you first get out of bed in the morning.
What conditions can Night Splints help with?
Night Splints are most commonly recommended for plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendinopathy, and other heel pain conditions where morning stiffness and tightening of tissues are a major problem.
Are Night Splints uncomfortable to wear?
Some patients find Night Splints unusual or slightly uncomfortable at first, especially in the early days. However, many people adjust to them over time with regular use.
How long do I need to wear Night Splints?
This depends on your condition and how you respond to treatment. Your clinician will advise how often and how long you should use the splint as part of your overall treatment plan.
Do Night Splints cure heel pain on their own?
Night Splints can be very helpful, but they are often used as part of a broader treatment plan rather than as the only treatment. Depending on the cause of your pain, you may also need footwear advice, exercises, orthotics, or other therapies.
How quickly do Night Splints start working?
Some patients notice improvement in morning pain and stiffness within a short period, while others need more time. Results vary depending on the condition being treated and how consistently the splint is used.
Can Night Splints be used with other treatments?
Yes. Night Splints are often combined with orthotics, stretching, rehabilitation exercises, shockwave therapy, and other podiatry treatments to improve outcomes.
Are Night Splints suitable for everyone?
Not always. Night Splints may not be suitable for some patients depending on comfort, sleep tolerance, circulation issues, or the exact condition being treated. Your clinician will advise whether they are appropriate for you.
When should I consider using Night Splints?
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Book Your Night Splints Assessment Today
Foot Foundation provides specialist assessment and treatment planning for Night Splints, helping patients with heel pain and Achilles-related conditions reduce morning stiffness, improve flexibility, and support recovery over time.
You will receive expert podiatry care, a clear assessment of your symptoms, and a tailored treatment plan designed to improve comfort, reduce strain, and support long-term healing.
Appointments are available across Auckland, Hamilton, and Tauranga.
