Questions about PF Night Splint - Foot Problems Message Board

KarynLR · 09-23-2004, 06:50 AM

Okay, it's been such a confusing week. My physical therapist asked my OS to write a prescription for a PF night splint. (He wrote it, but they never sent it out or faxed it anywhere. It was sitting in my chart, filed away in their sea of patients. What good does it do there?) I've decided not to fill it though. I have a pair of orthotics I never used and are no good now, and I just don't want to fill this and not use it. Do they order them for both feet or one foot? It was interesting because the orthotist told me that the fracture boot keeps the foot in the exact same position as the night splint would. I just was wondering what other people have experienced with night splints. My surgeon is very non-committal at times. "Sure, a night splint won't hurt you, go ahead and get it." That drives me nuts! Do I need it or not? We are playing phone tag back and forth, but I think I'll wait until my appointment on the 15th of next month to discuss it. For months we have focused on nerve pain, and now we're discussing PF treatment on voice maill and messages? I think it needs it's fair due.

Thanks,
Karyn

Coleby · 09-23-2004, 07:30 AM

Hi Karyn,

I was prescribed a night splint, WCB case so they picked up the cost (about $65 Can). My Dr's have no idea what has happened to my foot and ankle from my injury, so they are quick to try everything to see if it helps me. The NS caused severe pain in my case, which they diagnosed at first as nerve damage. They, to this day are still saying nerve damage, especially because the splint caused more pain. I wore it for 2 weeks straight to see if the pain would go away eventually, but it just got worse. Would you like to borrow it? LOL

My night splint is in the pile of useless contraptions that have been prescribed for my foot and ankle. I am now in a Rocket Soc, seems to help with stability but if worn too long the pain increases. Perhaps it too will join the air cast, tensors, medications, inserts, wedges, and the Night Splint in my closet. I can't imagine having to pay for all this stuff!

frogy · 09-23-2004, 11:55 AM

Using a night splint really helped me a lot. I was able to borrow one, so I didn't have to pay for it. It was only for one foot, because I only have problem with one. The boot does do the same thing, but the night split is a lot more comfortable to sleep in.

jacksinn · 09-23-2004, 04:46 PM

The splint I wore was so uncomfortable that I would wear it as long as I could and then throw it on the floor! There was no way I could sleep in it.It didnt help and I ended up having surgery.

ekgoal · 09-24-2004, 05:27 PM

The night splint will hold your foot at 90 degrees to your leg (perpindicular), which is the same position as the boot. There is another device which is also effective, yet is not as hard at the boot or the splint. It is a sock, the "Strassburg" sock. It also holds the foot at 90 degrees, but the nice part is that when you are sleeping, if you hit your other leg with the sock, it hurts quite a bit less than the splint or boot. It is available over the internet, or at certain stores depending on where you live. Either of the 3 are effective treatments if used correctly.