More on Foot Pain (MS or other?)

[2Kiggy]

I've been having pain in the right foot from squatting, and walking distances. As I was getting pain in the arch (in addition to 'nerve stinger-type' pain), one of my non-MS doctors thought it could be Plantar Faciitis. They said to roll a golf ball back and forth (under the foot with just a sock on), and if it is Plantar Faciitis (which is tendon damage instead of nerve damage), that it should really be painful. It felt pressure pain (just like under the other foot), but not sharp pain. And I had some stingers (bottom and top of foot) when rolling under the ball of the foot.

Another nurse suggested that because it hurts when walking, it could be Musculoskeletal pain. For anyone with foot pain... has it been attributed to Faciitis or Musculoskeletal or MS (or some combination)? Because I get the 'electrical stingers' it seems to be at least somewhat due to MS. It is frustrating not to be able to pin this down to specific cause (or causes). Any input would be appreciated....

Thanks............

[greaterexp]

Since many of the treatments for plantar fasciitis are non-invasive, trying some of those things are at least worth a try. If they help, great!

[Peruzzot]

I have pain in my feet too. Here are some things that help but doesn't make it stop from happening.

I wear running shoes or cross trainers the majority of the time. I have sandals for the beach that have memory foam soles...though I have to use mole skin on the inside of my ankles or the straps rub my skin raw. Other shoes I put memory foam inserts in them. Also try arch support inserts for shoes. You can find them in shoe specialty stores or online. They are small ramp looking things that fit in your shoe under other inserts. They allow you to more approprietly place them in your shoe for your feet.

Stretching helps a little. Find a curb or a step and have your toes lay against the vertical edge of the step. The rest of the foot flat on the floor with the balls of toes as close to the corner as you can tolerate. Ideally your toes should be facing straight up. Hold the stretch for at least 10 seconds. Another one using the stairs. While holding onto the rails for the stairs, stand on a step with only your toes on the very edge of the step. Allow yourself dip down as far as you can without your toes slipping off the step. You should feel the stretch in your calves and Achilles tendon. Hold it for at least 10 seconds then raise up onto your tippy toes, depending on your flexibility you may or may not feel the stretch of the muscles and tendons in the bottom of your feet. Hold it for at least 10 seconds then repeat 2 more times.

Soaking at least 30 minutes in hot water with Epsom salt helps a little as well.

A pediotris barely looked at my feet once and announced that I had deformed feet. That was news to me because they looked normal to me. When feet are relaxed and elevated they should point straight forward but my big toe folds under the toe next to it and my three middle toes are partially fused together. He said the big toe issue is from wearing shoes that were too small while still growing. Whereas the toe fusion is a heredity feature. I can thank my parents for both issues. He said that I didn't suffer pain before because my feet were younger and could spring back more easily. But I'm not a spring chicken anymore and will have pain issues from now on when I push too far.