Night Splints – Do they work for Heel Pain?

You just went to the foot doctor for heel pain and left with night splints in your hand.  You might be thinking, “Does that night splint really work?”  The answer to that is a resounding, “Yes!” and here is why.

Where does heel pain come from?

Most heel pain is from either Plantar fasciitis, also known as a heel spur, or Achilles Tendinitis, inflammation of the tendon in the back of the heel.

Plantar fasciitis is caused by overuse of the ligament that supports your arch.  It can come from walking or standing more than usual, beginning a new exercise routine, starting a new sport, or even a new job that requires you to be on your feet a long time. This in turn causes inflammation which leads to pain.

Achilles tendinitis is from overuse or irritation to the tendon in the back of the heel. Achilles tendinitis can come from not warming up properly before an activity, not stretching before running, or even just wearing a new pair of shoes or boots.

The plantar fascia and Achilles tendon can tighten up a lot while you sleep. Then, when you first get up in the morning, they are so tight that it can be very painful to put weight on your foot. After a while, the ligament or tendon stretches out and may feel a little better. The pain can return later in the day when you have been on your foot a lot, or when the ligament or tendon tightens up again.

Night Splints – Why they work

Night splints help to keep the ligament or tendon stretched out, avoiding that sharp pain which keeps those structures inflamed.

Night splints stretch much better than manual stretching because they provide a steady, constant stretch. Manual stretching is usually performed for a few seconds to a minute or so. Night splints are usually worn for several hours giving you a good, even, steady stretch, which works much better.

Night Splints are covered by most insurance

Night splints are a proven treatment that help relieve heel pain. Most every insurance company will cover some or all of the cost of Night Splints.

What other treatments are used for heel pain?

The most common conservative treatments for plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis are:

Conservative treatment relieves plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinitis about 90% of the time. Occasionally, surgery is required.

Night Splints – which one works best

Dr. David Schlam, podiatrist Wappingers Falls NY, recommends a dorsal night splint, which has comfortable padding and less bulk than traditional night splints.

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dorsal night splints

Dr. Schlam recommends using a night splint at home to help relieve the pain between doctors visits. The night splint is used to provide constant stretching, which is more effective than daily stretching.  The stretching at night helps to reduce to stress and pain for your first step out of bed in the morning.

Night Splints – how to apply

Below is a step by step guide on the proper way to put on the dorsal night splint:

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What if I can’t sleep with a Night Splint?

Maybe you are one of those people who is a light sleeper and just can’t get used to wearing night splints at bedtime. Here is another option for you.

You can wear a night splint while you are sitting watching TV, or are on the computer, or even reading a book.  For maximum benefit, you should wear a night splint as much as possible.  Some people find it easier to start wearing it while they are awake. When they get used to it while awake, you may find it easier to ease into to wearing it while sleeping. It may take a little while to get used to it, but in the long run, the relief that you get from wearing night splints is worth it!

At Hollowbrook Foot Specialist we are here to help. If you have any questions on how to use night splints properly or would like to be fitted with a night splint, give our office a call at (845) 298-9074.

Hollowbrook Foot Specialist – serving the Hudson Valley from Wappingers Falls.

by David Schlam

 

 

 

Your Top-Rated & New Favorite Podiatrist In Wappingers Falls, NY

Always arrive to a pleasant cheerful staff! They make you feel welcome and get you situated quickly! The Doctor is friendly and makes your feet feel great! I travel a bit to get to this office, but it is so worth it! The staff is always helpful and customizes my appointments to my needs!

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GREAT EXPERIENCE!!!! Very nice, friendly, and thorough doctor. Wonderful staff too! Very clean office. They fit me into there schedule the same day. They recognized my issue right away and got me out of discomfort painlessly.

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I came here today for the first time what a wonderful group of people, very professional and friendly and the Dr. I saw, Dr. Geshev, he is absolutely the first podiatrist I’ve ever seen that made me feel very comfortable, and he knows what he’s doing. I would recommend this podiatrist office to everybody.

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Great experience. They got my son in as soon as possible as made sure his foot was ok. Will definitely use them again!

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Wonderful staff (warm and inviting). Clean office. Dr. G is knowledgeable and listened to me. He knew 3 ways to help my situation and I know that I will feel better under his care and instructions. I recommend Hollowbrook Foot Specialists!

- S.G.

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*The reviews listed are from actual patients of Hollowbrook Foot Specialists. Individual results may vary. Reviews are not claimed to represent results for everyone.

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Our Wappingers Falls
Podiatry Office
89 E. Main Street
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Phone: 845-298-9074

Office Hours:
Monday: 11am - 7pm
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 3pm
Saturday: By Appointment Only

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Our Wappingers Falls
Podiatry Office
89 E. Main Street
Wappingers Falls, NY 12590

Phone: 845-298-9074

Office Hours:
Monday: 11am - 7pm
Tuesday: 9am - 5pm
Wednesday: 9am - 5pm
Thursday: 9am - 5pm
Friday: 9am - 3pm
Saturday: By appointment only

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