A comparison of two night ankle-foot orthoses used in the treatment of inferior heel pain: A preliminary investigation

• Published in: Foot and ankle surgery Vol. 18; no. 2; pp. 108 - 110
• Main Authors: Attard, J., Ph.D, B.Sc(Hons), DipOT, Singh, D., MBChB, FRCS, FRCS(Orth.)
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: France Elsevier Ltd 01.06.2012
• Subjects: Adult; AFO; Aged; Ankle; Equipment Design; Fasciitis, Plantar - complications; Female; Foot; Heel; Humans; Inferior heel pain; Male; Middle Aged; Night ankle-foot orthosis; Night splint; Orthopedics; Orthotic Devices; Pain - etiology; Pain Management - instrumentation; Plantar fasciitis; Plantar heel pain; Plantar heel pain; Plantar fasciitis; Night splint; AFO; Night ankle-foot orthosis; Inferior heel pain
• ISSN: 1268-7731; 1460-9584
• DOI: 10.1016/j.fas.2011.03.011

Abstract Background Non-operative treatment for plantar fasciitis varies widely and includes the use of night ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs). This study compares the effectiveness of a posterior AFO, which dorsiflexes the foot, with an anterior AFO, which maintains the foot in a plantigrade position. Method Each participant was given a questionnaire to fill in to evaluate how satisfied the participants were with the orthosis with regards to comfort, ease of use and appearance, and whether the pain in the foot was reduced and at what stage was the pain decreased. Results Two-thirds of all participants confirmed that morning pain and stiffness was less after wearing the AFO; both types were relatively easy to don and doff, but the posterior orthosis was more uncomfortable and disrupted sleep. On average, the anterior AFO reduced heel pain more significantly than the posterior orthosis. Conclusion Plantar fasciitis night AFOs are poorly tolerated orthoses but their use can be justified in that the pain levels are reduced. The anterior AFOs are more comfortable and more effective than posterior AFOs.