Effectiveness of Tension Night Splints in Treating Plantar Fasciitis: A Review

AbstractThe purpose of this review was to investigate the effectiveness of tension night splints for treating plantar fasciitis. A computerized literature search (Medline 1966–2000; CINAHL 1982–2000) using the key words plantar fasciitis, tension night splints and treatment yielded nine studies on the use of tension night splints as either primary or adjunct treatments for plantar fasciitis. Most of the research was descriptive in nature. Six studies, including one randomized clinical trial, suggested that tension night splints, in conjunction with other techniques, will resolve symptoms in patients who have failed other courses of treatment. A randomized clinical trial has also shown that tension night splints are effective as a solo treatment. Tension night splints have been shown to be effective in overweight and chronic patients, however, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness in patients with acute plantar fasciitis.