Top 6 Best Plantar Fasciitis Braces in 2023

People who struggle with plantar fasciitis often have the worst pain when they step out of bed in the morning. One way to combat this jarring wakeup call is to wear a high-quality plantar fasciitis brace. While there is some controversy over the effectiveness of this treatment, many people report less pain after using this type of brace regularly.

So, today we're sharing the 6 best plantar fasciitis braces of 2023.

Benefits of Wearing a Plantar Fasciitis Brace

When people are diagnosed with plantar fasciitis, their podiatrist may recommend that they wear a brace specifically designed to treat their condition. While this may seem like a burdensome piece of equipment to have to wear in bed, the purpose behind it is to adjust the wearer’s fascia back to a comfortable position.

In Podiatry Today's article on patient adherence with night splints, Josh White, DPM notes that night splints can prove valuable as part of plantar fasciitis treatment. Because a splint or brace places the foot in a set position, this reduces the tension on the plantar fascia and can relieve pain.

For people who experience heel pain, particularly those that struggle with pain primarily in the morning upon waking, wearing a brace may give the plantar fascia the positioning it needs to function without pain during the day.

How To Spot Plantar Fasciitis

One of the most telltale components of plantar fasciitis is that pain is often present when activity is not. This means that swelling or tingling is more likely to happen during lengthy periods of inactivity. One of the times when this is most common is during bedtime.

When to Wear a Plantar Fasciitis Brace?

People who experience extreme pain with their first few steps of the day should try a plantar fasciitis splint at night and while at rest during the day. Because many patients don't adhere to the stretching routine that their podiatrists recommend, wearing a brace cuts out the need for nightly stretches.

For those who struggle to sleep while wearing a positioning brace, Podiatry Today's experts recommend that the patient wear the brace during the day with a walking boot. This way, they become acclimated to wearing the brace and still receive the benefits of stretching the plantar fascia in the proper position.

Is Wearing A Plantar Fasciitis Brace Worth it?

While many people have had complaints about wearing a brace, the benefits outweigh the awkward experience. Though it is similar to encasing your entire leg while in bed, night splints have been known to provide long-term relief that sleeping alone can’t provide.

Needless to say, these devices exist for a reason. If those suffering from heel pain on a regular basis stick to the plan issued by their podiatrist, using night splints for plantar fasciitis may offer the relief that you have needed for a while.

Maintaining Strain in the Fascia

When someone with plantar fasciitis wakes up in the morning, they will feel even more tension and pain in their heel when they get out of bed. This sudden pain is caused by an extended period of rest in the fascia followed by immediate strain. While this is uncommon in people who don’t have plantar fasciitis, the presence of pain on the bottom of feet each morning can be an indicator of it.

Preventing Future Pain

Without the brace or splint, the stretched-out fascia becomes tightened and prone to painful sensations throughout the night. A night splint keeps the fascia stretched out to an optimum length while it provides relief to the user’s ankle. The splint maintains the fascia’s length by providing constant and adaptable strain to the wearer as to relieve them of excruciating pain in their ankles and lower legs.

Different Types of Plantar Fasciitis Braces

There are two primary types of plantar fasciitis braces, posterior and dorsal. A posterior splint is a traditional remedy for nighttime relief of heel pain. It is a boot shape that stretches the plantar fascia by holding the foot at the proper angle for ligament extension.

A dorsal splint straps on to the foot as opposed to sliding on like a shoe or boot. Dorsal refers to the application of the device to the front of the foot. Many patients report that this option is more comfortable than a posterior brace, but also that it's easier to slip out of while sleeping.

Studies and Statistics

A 2007 study explored the effects of dorsiflexion night splints on patients with plantar fasciitis. The study found that patients who used a night splint experienced significant relief of heel pain, compared to the population of patients who did not use splints.

Along with other conservative treatment methods, using a brace at night helped relieve most patients' heel pain. However, the study noted that there was no notable effect at the two-year follow-up point for patients who did use night splints as part of conservative treatment.

A study by LER Magazine explored patient use of either adjustable night splints or dorsal night splints over a two-year period. Along with brace use at night, patients also received physical therapy, direction on stretches to do at home, and silastic heel cups for daily use.

Overall, the length of time it took for patients to see improvement in their pain conditions was nearly identical for both the dorsal splint and adjustable splint groups. On average, it took patients between 108 and 118 days to experience an improvement in their pain levels first thing in the morning.

Important Factors To Consider Before Buying Plantar Fasciitis Braces

Before you buy a pain relieving plantar fasciitis brace, there are a few factors to consider. The following are the most crucial ones:

1. Comfort and effectiveness

The most important feature of a plantar fasciitis brace is comfort and effectiveness. It should support the foot and ankle during sleep so that the plantar fascia can heal during your rest time. Make sure that you choose a model that isn't too uncomfortable to wear, as this will just discourage you from using it.

2. Durability

Good plantar fasciitis braces are made from rigid plastic or semi-rigid aluminum, but some cheap models use a cheap rubber that isn't very durable and starts to wear out after a short period of time.

3. Adjustability

Straps should be adjustable so that you can find the fit that's just right for you. It shouldn't hurt your foot or feel too tight on your skin.

4. Ease of use

It's important that you can put on and take off the splint quickly and with as little effort as possible. If it's too difficult to adjust, then it will be very frustrating for you to use it regularly.

5. Size and weight

You need to measure your foot and ankle so you can buy the right size. If it's too big, then it won't do its job properly and if it's too small then it will be uncomfortable for you to wear.

6. Price

You don't have to pay a lot of money for a good night splint. You can find one that suits your needs without breaking the bank.

7. Return policy

Make sure you buy from a store with an excellent return policy or an online store with free returns, so if the splint doesn't work for you, then you can easily get a refund or replacement.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plantar Fasciitis Braces

Do braces work for plantar fasciitis?

Yes, there are a number of braces and splints that claim to help with plantar fasciitis. Some people find relief from wearing a night splint, which stretches the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia while you sleep. Others find relief from arch supports or other devices that provide cushioning and support for the foot.

When should I wear my plantar fasciitis brace?

Most people wear their plantar fasciitis brace during the day when they are up and about. Some people find relief from wearing a night splint, which stretches the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia while you sleep.

How long should I wear my plantar fasciitis brace?

You should wear your plantar fasciitis brace for as long as it is comfortable. Some people wear their braces all day, while others only wear them when they are having pain.

Is walking barefoot good for plantar fasciitis?

Walking barefoot is not recommended if you have plantar fasciitis. The condition is caused by strain on the plantar fascia, and walking barefoot puts additional strain on the tissue. Consider getting yourself a plantar fasciitis shoes for best results.

Do compression socks help plantar fasciitis?

There is no definitive answer, as some people find relief from compression socks while others do not. If you have plantar fasciitis, you may want to try a pair of compression socks to see if they help reduce your pain.

Which Plantar Fasciitis Brace is Right for You

The ideal plantar fasciitis brace is one that you will wear consistently, and one that feels comfortable. According to current research, the main challenge in implementing nighttime brace wearing is patient commitment. Try one of these top braces for the most comfortable and effective plantar fasciitis pain relief.

Our top pick is the ProPlantar Plantar Fasciitis Brace, which has fantastic features and is both comfortable and breathable. Also, it comes at an affordable price which makes it a solid buy.