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Night Splint As a Cure for Achilles Tendinosis

The Achilles tendon connects both the heel bone and the calf muscle, which allows for the full range of foot movement. Physical overexertion of the Achilles tendon can be caused by many things, but a rupture in the Achilles tendon results in inflammation, pain and severely reduced mobility. Night splints are worn by those suffering from Achilles tendinosis, also known as tendonitis, to improve tendon strength. Wearing night splints and resting your ankle will increase the recovery time for your Achilles tendon.

  1. Night Splint Use

    • Put your night splint onto your ankle before going to bed each night. Night splints conform to the heel and have straps across the shin and foot to secure the splint to your heel. Keeping the foot straight during sleep causes your Achilles tendon to remain stretched. This works the Achilles tendon and allows your body to heal tendinosis faster. Padded splints also provide more support during sleep, reducing discomfort caused by moving.

    Boot Splints

    • Put a boot splint on by slipping your foot through both the shin and foot straps. Tighten these straps to secure the boot night splint against your heel. A boot splint's foot padding holds your foot in an upright position, stretching out the Achilles tendon. Loosen the straps if the splint becomes uncomfortably tight against your ankle. You may find it comfortable to raise your ankle further by placing a pillow underneath.

    Dorsal Splints

    • Put on a dorsal splint in the same manner that you put on a boot splint. In contrast to boot splints, dorsal splints contain no heel and use heavier material for the shin and ankle straps. Dorsal splints create an upward pulling motion on your toes, stretching your Achilles tendon even more. Again, it may be comfortable to raise your ankle further with a pillow.

    Additional Treatment Options

    • Implement other lifestyle and health changes to help alleviate Achilles tendinosis. Take proper doses of anti-inflammatory medication, such as Advil or Motrin, to help relieve pain and reduce swelling associated with tendinosis.
      Follow the RICE treatment for tendonitis: rest, ice, compression and elevation. Rest your ankle and be careful not to overexert your Achilles tendon, which may cause further ruptures. Keep your ankle compressed with an Ace bandage. Keep an ice pack between the Ace bandage and your sock. Do not place an ice pack in direct contact with skin for extended periods of time. Keep your leg elevated whenever sitting or laying down with a blanket or pillow placed underneath your ankle.

      Schedule an appointment with your doctor or physician if your Achilles tendinosis is severe. Extreme cases of Achilles tendinosis may require wearing a cast for several weeks and even surgery for some.

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