Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the tissue that runs along the bottom of the foot. Most people experience the pain predominantly in the heel, especially first thing in the morning. The usual therapies include rest, ice and stretching. But could Concord grape juice help ease the pain?
Certo and Grape Juice:
Q. I have been taking Concord grape juice and Certo for my plantar fasciitis. It has worked beautifully, but I really do NOT need so much sugar. There are 38 grams of sugar in one cup of juice (even though it is pure juice, no sugar added).
What’s the magic with Concord grape juice and Certo after all? Will another vehicle other than juice do as well? (Or another juice? I usually stay away from juices and just eat fresh fruit.)
Do I have to take this for the rest of my life? Or just how does it work?
The Magic with Concord Grape Juice:
A. Concord grapes contain anti-inflammatory compounds that might be contributing to your success. One placebo-controlled trial of 26 smokers found that these flavonoids reduced smoking-related inflammation (Kokkou et al, Atherosclerosis, Aug. 2016). Other studies have found that Concord grape juice can improve memory in older people (Krikorian et al, British Journal of Nutrition, March 2010). Not only that, but purple grape juice also improves immune system markers (Rowe et al, Journal of Medicinal Food, Jan-Feb. 2011). Concord grapes are rich in antioxidants throughout the flesh of the grape, not only in the skin (Callaghan, Leggett & Levin, Antioxidants, Oct. 17, 2013).
You’re right that there is a lot of sugar in grape juice, though. To reduce this, you might try diluting the juice with water.
Other Treatments for Plantar Fasciitis:
You should not have to take it for the rest of your life. Once the inflammation and pain clears up, you should be able to drop the home remedy.
Going forward, make sure that you are wearing shoes that offer adequate support. That measure should help prevent a recurrence. A podiatrist has recommended Vionic slippers for wearing in the house rather than going barefoot.
