Taking all the factors into account, our pick for the best dorsal night splint is MARS WELLNESS’ posterior night splint. With its snug fit and comfortable support, it is the ideal choice for long-term wear. Read on to see how a dorsal night splint can help you get back on your feet.
Posterior Night Splint by MARS WELLNESS
Dorsal night splints alleviate the discomfort of foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Most dorsal night splints help to alleviate discomfort by holding the foot at a 90-degree angle as you sleep to prevent contracture of the plantar fascia. Read on to find out how a dorsal night splint can make your mornings a whole lot brighter.
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Our Top Picks
Best Choice
MARS WELLNESS
Posterior
Night Splint
Top Performance
Vive
Hard Plantar Fasciitis
Night Splint
Can’t Count Out
Vive
Soft Plantar Fasciitis
Night Splint
The 6 Best Dorsal Night Splints
| Product | Brand | Latex-Free | Sizing | Number of Wedges | Best Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Posterior Night Splint | MARS WELLNESS | Not specified | Three sizes | One wedge |  |
| Hard Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint | Vive | Yes | Three sizes | Two wedges | |
| Soft Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint | Vive | Yes | Three sizes | Two wedges | |
| Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint | United Orto | Not specified | Three sizes | One wedge | |
| Splint for Heel and Foot Pain | Alpha Medical | Not specified | Three sizes | One wedge | |
| Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis | AZMED | Not specified | One size | No wedges | |
Best Choice: Posterior Night Splint by MARS WELLNESS
Buy on AmazonAvailable in three sizes, this dorsal night splint features three padded immobilization straps, covered with washable Lycra, and two tension straps for a personalized fit. The low-profile shell is lightweight yet sturdy for maximum support and comfort. Plus, it comes with a removable foam wedge for additional stretch.
Main Features
- Three immobilization straps
- Dual tensions straps
- Lightweight shell
- Foam wedge
- Comes in three sizes
Pros:
- Adjustable tension level
- Open design
- Sturdy and durable
- Washable Lycra cover
Cons:
- Not suitable for small feet
- Some reviewers have found this splint uncomfortable
Top Performance: Hard Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint by Vive
Featuring a sturdy exterior and a foam interior covered in soft lining, this latex-free dorsal night splint gently stretches the plantar fascia ligament as you sleep. It also features three adjustable buckle straps and two wedges that can be placed under the toes for a personalized tension. On top of all that this product also comes with a spike ball for trigger point therapy.
Main Features
- Soft foam interior
- Made from hard composite material
- Two wedges
- Three adjustable straps
- Can be worn on either foot
Pros:
- Available in three sizes
- Latex-free
- 60-day unconditional guarantee
- Comes with a massage ball
Cons:
- Can be tricky to put on
- If fastened too tightly, the straps can dig into the skin
Can’t Count Out: Soft Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint by Vive
What sets this dorsal night splint for plantar fasciitis apart is its generous foam padding covered in the breathable lining. Removable for easy cleaning, the lining minimizes the risk of skin irritations, abrasions, and blisters. This latex-free splint also features three adjustable straps that keep it securely in place during use.
Main Features
- Two stretch wedges
- Removable lining
- Breathable foam padding
- Three adjustable straps
- Comes in three sizes
Pros:
- Latex-free
- Massage ball included
- Removable wedges
- Non-slip design
Cons:
- Some users have found the wedges uncomfortable
- Finding the right size can be tricky
The Other Dorsal Night Splints We Reviewed
Plantar Fasciitis Night Splint by United Ortho
Featuring a flexible shell, a foam liner, and padded calf and ankle straps, this dorsal night splint is both supportive and comfortable. It comes with flexion straps that can be adjusted to keep the foot in a 10 to 90-degree dorsiflexion.
This product comes in three sizes and has a non-skid tread for midnight trips to the bathroom. Just make sure to check out the size chart for this splint before you buy it.
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Splint for Heel and Foot Pain by Alpha Medical
Designed for alleviating the discomfort of plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, this comfortable dorsal night splint works by keeping your ankle in a neutral position while stretching your plantar fascia ligament as you sleep. This splint comes with a low-profile shell with three padded straps, foam padding with a washable Lycra cover, and a removable wedge. While this splint comes in three sizes, finding the right one can be tricky.
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Night Splints for Plantar Fasciitis by AZMED
Made from a cotton and neoprene blend, this one-size-fits-most night splint delivers gradual support to keep your foot at an 85 to 90-degree angle. Plus, it is less bulky than most other splints and comes with a padded interior and an adjustable strap. Unfortunately, some reviewers have reported that this splint is not sufficiently supportive.
Buy on AmazonAchilles Tendonitis vs. Plantar Fasciitis
The differences between these two foot conditions can be subtle. You can usually tell the conditions apart by the location of the pain. Achilles tendonitis usually causes pain in the back of the heel whereas plantar fasciitis is characterized by pain at the bottom of the heel. Also, Achilles tendonitis pain tends to get worse with activity whereas plantar fasciitis pain usually gets better throughout the day.
How Does a Dorsal Night Splint Work?
A dorsal night splint keeps the foot with the toes pointed up, in a position called dorsiflexion. This keeps the ankle in a neutral position and gently stretches the calf and the plantar fascia ligament.
Plantar fasciitis pain is caused by an inflamed or damaged plantar fascia that needs to readjust after a night of inactivity. A dorsal night splint can minimize the discomfort of the first few steps after you wake up by keeping the ligament active throughout the night.
Tips for Making the Most Out of a Dorsal Night Splint
How to Put on a Dorsal Night Splint?
Unfasten the straps and place your foot in the splint. Make sure that your heel sits right against the back of the splint. If your foot is moving around in the splint, tighten each strap until it is snug against your ankle, leg, and foot without causing discomfort.
How Long Do I Need to Wear a Dorsal Night Splint?
Initially, wearing a night splint may be uncomfortable. As such, it is recommended that you wear the splint during the day for about a week before trying to wear it at night. Start by wearing the splint for short periods of time, such as an hour, before extending this by 30-minute intervals. Ideally, you should be wearing your splint for around four to five hours each night.
Can I Walk in a Dorsal Night Splint?
Walking or standing in a dorsal night splint is generally not advised, as it can break most splints. However, some night splints can be used as a walking boot for short distances, such as a nighttime trip to the bathroom. A few devices even feature a non-slip bottom for additional safety.
Weighing All the Factors
All in all, it is durability, support, and comfort that matter most when selecting the best dorsal night splint. The MARS WELLNESS posterior night splint checks all these boxes. Available in three sizes, it features a lightweight shell, a washable Lycra cover, and adjustable straps. Vive’s hard plantar fasciitis night splint and soft plantar fasciitis night splint are also great choices that offer their own unique features.
Posterior Night Splint by MARS WELLNESS
Dorsal night splints alleviate the discomfort of foot conditions such as plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis. Most dorsal night splints help to alleviate discomfort by holding the foot at a 90-degree angle as you sleep to prevent contracture of the plantar fascia. Read on to find out how a dorsal night splint can make your mornings a whole lot brighter.
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