Unfortunately, for years, I have dealt with plantar fasciitis.  This painful inflammation of the tissue that connects the heel to the toes (the plantar fascia) is extremely common, and can be difficult to treat.  In my case, the pain varies day to day.  Most days it's minor (just a slight annoyance).  But occasionally it flares up, and the pain can be quite severe.

On those days, one of the best ways to help myself is to ensure that my feet stay at a 90 degree angle when I sleep.  Why?  Because when we rest, our foot naturally relaxes, which causes the plantar fascia to contract.  If it says in a contracted state for several hours, it can be difficult (and painful) for it to stretch back out.  As a result, that first step down onto the floor upon waking is frequently extremely painful.  But if we keep our feet at 90 degree angles, the plantar fascia remains stretched throughout the night.  This is an ideal state, and leads to much less painful mornings.

But how do we keep our feet angled throughout the night?  Through the use of a splint designed for exactly this purpose.  I've tried a number of these products, and I can tell you that they definitely help the condition.  No, it's not pleasant to have to sleep with my feet in any kind of contraption, but sometimes I have no choice.  At times when my condition flares up, a few nights with the splints is usually all it takes to calm down the symptoms.

Lately, the splint I've been using is the Night Plantar Fasciitis Sleep Support from Futuro.  This is a hard plastic brace, with a leg portion and a foot portion, attached at a 90 degree angle. 
 
This splint is very different from the others I've tried. Most of the others are more like boots - you step into them and strap your leg onto it.  But this one actually goes on top of your foot, ankle, and calf.  And you strap it down, onto your leg and foot.  This has the huge benefit of leaving the bottoms of your feet mostly exposed.  The only part of the bottom of your feet that's covered, is the small portion where the straps go.  Otherwise, feet are "out and about".  This is important if, like me, you can't stand when your feet are hot.  I usually sleep with my feet outside the blanket, so they can ‘breathe'.  Other splints, ones that are worn like socks or boots are unacceptable to me, as they make my feet way too hot.  So, I'm happy with the design of the Futuro splint.

I also love the thick, soft foam that forms a cushion between the hard plastic and your body.  There are no sharp edges to this splint, nothing that rubs or abrades the skin in any way. 

The Velcro straps are thick and sturdy.  Once set, they stay put.  They are completely adjustable so you can find the proper compromise between "tight enough to hold it in place" and "not so tight that it's uncomfortable".  While walking in them is not recommended, I'm not going lie.  When I have to get up in the middle of the night, I do, indeed, walk in them.  It's not the most comfortable feeling in the world, but I manage, for the few steps that I need. 

This product is very durable.  I've had mine for several months, and there's not a hint of wear. 

It comes in different sizes; for me, medium is perfect.  They can be hand-washed.  I thought the $28 price (each) wasn't too bad.  

It stinks that I have to deal with plantar fasciitis, but at least there are good products, like this one, that help me cope.  If you suffer with heel pain, or arch pain, particularly upon first waking up, check with your doctor.  It might be plantar fasciitis, and you might need a splint like this.


Another foot splint:
Thermoskin Heel Splint


Here are two foot massagers that also help manage my foot pain:
i-Need Shiatsu Foot Massager
Ottoman 2.0 Foot And Calf Massager

Maybe give this TENS/EMS Unit a try.

Recommended: Yes