Ankle Night Splints: Do They Work for Plantar Fasciitis & Achilles Tendonitis?

Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy are two of the most common causes of heel and lower leg pain, particularly in runners, active individuals, and people with occupations that require prolonged standing. If you’ve been dealing with morning heel pain or stiffness at the back of your ankle, your physiotherapist may have recommended a night splint as part of your treatment plan.

But do they actually work? And how do you choose the right one?

In our recent video, we review several popular ankle night splint options and explain how they fit into a comprehensive physiotherapy strategy:

🎥 Watch the review: Best Ankle Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis & Achilles Tendonitis – Pros & Cons

🦶 What Is an Ankle Night Splint?

An ankle night splint is a device worn while sleeping to keep your ankle in a dorsiflexed position—meaning the foot is gently pulled upwards toward the shin. This keeps the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon on stretch overnight.

Why is this important?

Conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy often involve stiffness and shortening of tissue after periods of rest.

That’s why pain is typically worst:

• First thing in the morning

• After sitting for prolonged periods

A night splint helps prevent overnight tightening of the fascia and tendon, reducing that painful “first step” feeling in the morning.

✅ Physiotherapy Perspective: Do They Work?

Yes—but only when used as part of a broader management plan.Night splints are not a stand-alone cure but can:

• Improve morning symptoms

• Support tissue lengthening

• Accelerate recovery when combined with manual therapy, exercise, and load management

A 2021 systematic review (Grosso et al., Foot & Ankle International) found that night splints showed moderate improvements in pain and function when used alongside stretching and strengthening interventions for plantar fasciitis.

🧪 Which Night Splint Should You Choose?

In our video, we compare three main types of night splints:

1. Dorsal Splints (Front of foot and shin support)

🟢 Pros:

• Less bulky and more breathable

• Easier to walk in if needed at night

• More comfortable for light sleepers

🔴 Cons:

• May not provide as much dorsiflexion stretch

• Some models can slip off during sleep

💡 Best For: Mild symptoms, people who dislike bulky devices

2. Posterior (Boot-Style) Splints

🟢 Pros:

• Maximal stretch for plantar fascia and Achilles

• Very effective for moderate to severe cases

• Adjustable angles for customisation

🔴 Cons:

• Bulky and less breathable

• Can be uncomfortable to sleep in at first

💡 Best For: Severe morning pain, long-standing plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendinopathy

3. Sock-Style Straps (e.g., Strassburg Sock)

🟢 Pros:

• Lightweight and easy to wear

• Great for travel

• Affordable

🔴 Cons:

• Can be tricky to adjust correctly

• Some find the strap cuts into the toes or calf

💡 Best For: Travellers, mild-to-moderate symptoms, people wanting a minimal option

👣 When Should You Use a Night Splint?

Night splints are most effective during the early or intermediate stages of rehabilitation—especially if you:

• Experience severe pain with your first steps in the morning

• Have tight calves or limited ankle dorsiflexion

• Struggle with pain despite load management and exercise

🔄 Night Splints + Physiotherapy = Best Results

At Body Fit Physiotherapy, we never rely solely on passive supports. We recommend combining night splints with:

• ✅ Targeted calf and foot stretching

• ✅ Progressive loading of the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon

• ✅ Manual therapy to reduce trigger points or stiffness

• ✅ Footwear advice and activity modification

• ✅ Shockwave therapy or dry needling (when appropriate)

This comprehensive approach treats both the symptoms and the underlying causes.

📞 Need Help With Your Recovery?

Book an appointment with one of our experienced physios to assess your foot or ankle pain and tailor a plan that gets you back on your feet—without pain in the morning.

📍 Visit Body Fit Physiotherapy📅 Book online or call to speak with our team.

🧠 Final Thought

Night splints can play a supportive role in your recovery from plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis, especially when used early and in combination with active physiotherapy treatment. If you're struggling with persistent foot or ankle pain, we’re here to help guide your recovery.