Evidence based intervention for plantar heel pain and achilles tendinopathy Dorsal night splinting has been proven to reduc e pain when rising for patients with Achilles tendinopathy and plantar heel pain (plantar fasciitis). The Dorsal Night Splint maintains the ankle in a functional position, under a low-load stretch, whilst asleep, thus allowing the damaged structures to heal in a functional position. Research also informs us that dorsal night splinting is more comfortable and better tolerated than traditional posterior AFO night splinting.