In 1996, Batt, et. al., randomized clinical trial aimed to assess the effectiveness of a tension night splint (TNS) as part of a comprehensive treatment approach for managing plantar fasciitis.

The study employed a randomized clinical trial design and was conducted at a university-based primary care sports medicine clinic in California.

A total of 40 patients with plantar fasciitis, aged between 20 and 74 years (average age: 45.7 years), participated in the study. Exclusion criteria included patients with concomitant ankle or foot pathology. Thirty-two patients (21 women, 11 men) completed the study, involving 33 treated feet.

Participants were randomly assigned to either the control group (n = 17) or the tension night splint group (n = 16). The control group received standard treatment, including anti-inflammatory medication (Ibuprofen), a Viscoheel sofspot heel cushion, and a stretching program for gastrocnemius and soleus muscles. The tension night splint group received the same standard treatment along with a custom-fitted posterior splint for nighttime use. Control group patients not responding to treatment after 8-12 weeks were crossed over to the tension night splint group. Patients were assessed every 4 weeks for symptoms and compliance.

The main outcome measures included subjective pain assessment (Visual analogue scale), plantar fascial tenderness, and ankle range of motion. Patients were considered cured when they resumed normal activities with minimal or no discomfort, and the weeks to cure were recorded.

There were no significant demographic differences between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the control group, 6 out of 17 patients were cured after an average of 8.8 weeks. The remaining 11 of 17 control group patients were crossed over to receive a TNS, and 8 of 11 were cured after an average of 13 weeks. Three patients did not respond significantly. In the TNS group, all 16 patients (16 feet) were cured with an average treatment time of 12.5 weeks. The TNS treatment protocol proved significantly more efficacious (p < 0.05). Three out of 33 cases of plantar fasciitis failed treatment.

The combination of a tension night splint with a visco-elastic heel pad, stretching program, and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs proves to be an effective treatment for plantar fasciitis.

Reference: Batt, M. E., Tanji, J. L., & Skattum, N. (1996). Plantar fasciitis: a prospective randomized clinical trial of the tension night splint. Clinical Journal of Sport Medicine, 6(3), 158-162.