PPT Slide
Effectiveness of Tension Night Splints in Treating Plantar Fasciitis John Ryan
Purpose: To determine the effectiveness of tension night splints for treating symptoms of plantar fasciitis. Method: A CD-ROM search was conducted on Medline (1966- 1999) and CINAHL (1982 – 1999) using the key words plantar fasciitis, tension night splints and treatment. A manual search was then conducted of the references of the articles found in the CD-ROM search. Results: Seven studies have shown that tension night splints, in conjunction with other techniques, will resolve symptoms in patients who have failed other courses of treatment. A random clinical trial has also shown that tension night splints are effectective even without adjunct treatment. Conclusion: Tension night splints have been shown to be effective in overweight and chronic patients, however, more research is needed to determine the effectiveness in a more acute population. Clinical Relevance: As some people with chronic plantar fasciitis go on to need surgery, patients should be offered all forms of conservative treatment, including tension night splints.