Ask Mary

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the connective tissue on the bottom of the foot.  It is the most common cause of pain under the heel and it is usually worst in the morning upon arising. No specific foods have been found to help plantar fasciitis but weight loss is extremely helpful when extra weight is an issue.  An essential part of  treatment involves exercises that stretch the calf muscles, feet and heels, although it usually takes several months to correct the problem.  See this set of stretching exercises for Plantar fasciitis from the Guide to Orthopedics at about.com.