Plantar Fasciitis & Night Splints

What Is Plantar Fasciitis?

The plantar fascia is a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot, connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. It acts as a shock-absorbing bowstring, supporting the arch of the foot. When this band becomes inflamed — from overuse, poor mechanics, or excessive strain — the result is plantar fasciitis.

It is one of the most common causes of heel and arch pain, affecting millions of Americans each year. Athletes and people who spend long hours on their feet are especially susceptible, but plantar fasciitis can affect anyone.

Causes

Plantar fasciitis is often caused by poor foot mechanics that place abnormal stress on the fascia:

• Overpronation (flat feet) — when the foot flattens too much, the fascia is chronically overstretched and may swell
• High arches — a foot that flattens too little keeps the fascia pulled too tight, leading to aching pain
• Sudden increase in activity — ramping up exercise too quickly doesn't give the fascia time to adapt
• Tight calf muscles or Achilles tendon — limit ankle flexibility and increase strain on the fascia
• Improper footwear — worn-out shoes or shoes without adequate arch support are a common culprit
• Weight gain — additional body mass increases the load on the plantar fascia with every step

Symptoms

• Sharp, stabbing pain on the bottom of the foot near the heel — worst with the first steps of the morning
• Pain that temporarily eases after walking a few minutes, then returns with prolonged activity
• Increased pain after (not during) exercise
• Tenderness when pressing directly on the inner heel
• Tightness in the arch and heel after sitting or resting

Night Splints: Our In-Office Solution

Night splints are among the most effective treatments for plantar fasciitis, and we fabricate them right here in our office during a regular visit — in just 15 minutes.

Our custom night splints are made of high-tension fiberglass and secured to the foot and ankle with an elastic wrapping. They hold the foot in a gently extended position while you sleep, keeping the plantar fascia at its full length throughout the night. When you take your first steps in the morning, the tissue hasn't contracted — eliminating that excruciating first-step pain.

Most patients experience significant improvement within 4–6 weeks of consistent night splint use.

Additional Treatment Options

• Custom orthotics — address the underlying mechanical cause (flat foot or high arch) to reduce strain on the fascia long-term
• Corticosteroid injections — directly reduce inflammation in the heel when pain is severe
• Foot taping (strapping) — provides short-term support and pain relief between visits
• Physical therapy — calf stretches, plantar fascia stretches, and strengthening exercises
• Ice therapy — 15–20 minutes after activity to reduce inflammation
• Anti-inflammatory medication — for short-term pain management
• Leg cast — in persistent cases, immobilization allows the tissue to heal completely
• Rest — reducing high-impact activities while healing progresses

When Is Surgery Considered?

Surgery for plantar fasciitis is very rarely needed. When 12 or more months of consistent conservative care have failed, a partial plantar fascia release may be considered. Dr. Ross will discuss all options thoroughly before any surgical recommendation is made.