Ever woken up to an intense pain in your heel, like you have trampled a Lego left by a child? If this sounds like your morning routine, you may be suffering from plantar fasciitis. Let\'s discuss one potential solution you may not have tried yet: splints. 
Imagine this. After a long day, your feet are throbbing, and you're desperate for a fix. Enter splints. These little contraptions are designed to keep your foot in a fixed position, stretching out that troublesome plantar fascia. Consider it putting your foot in a time-out, giving it a break and stop causing trouble. Why do these splintsplantarfasciitis.com splints seem like magic? Well, plantar fasciitis often feels worse in the morning because your foot relaxes while you sleep, and the fascia contracts. Upon your first steps in the morning, it feels like pulling on a stiff rubber band. Splints maintain that band stretched out during the night, making those morning steps a bit more bearable. However, not all splints are created equal. There are two main types: dorsal (which go on the top of your foot) and boot style (that look like a strange bedtime sandal). The dorsal ones tend to be less bulky and more breathable. Some folks swear by them for their comfort. On the flip side, boot style splints can be a bit more supportive, really locking your foot into place. Consider this: Jane, a marathon enthusiast, couldn't bear the first steps of her morning jog. She opted for a dorsal splint, swearing it changed her life. She started sleeping better, too—no more jabbing pain waking her up at 5 AM. On the other hand, old Bill from next door stuck with the boot style, and he loves how it makes his foot feel secure, like being tucked into a foot cocoon. Then there's the fit? You wouldn't want your toes turning blue because the splint’s too tight, nor slipping around because it's too loose. Adjustable straps are your friend here. And then there's the question of fitting it into your nightly routine. It's kind of like flossing—sounds like a pain at first, but once you get in the habit, you'll wonder why you ever skipped it. Set your splint up next to your bed like a loyal pet waiting to help you through the night. A little tip: if your splint rubs or irritates your skin, a thin sock can do wonders. It's like putting a soft band-aid on before the splint. Now, what's a blog without some nitty-gritty science? Night splints essentially elongate the plantar fascia and Achilles tendon during sleep. It's like giving them a gentle stretch so they don't tighten up overnight. This can prevent those micro-tears that worsen the pain. In your search for the elusive relief, trust the splint as a faithful tool in your arsenal. It's been transformative for many, keeping that fortress of plantar fascia stretched and agreeable. It's definitely worth trying, and might save your mornings from the lego-like jabs of pain. So, strap on that splint and give those feet a chance to heal while you catch some Z's. Trust me, your future morning self will thank you, and those Lego pieces will be harmless.