The most apparent symptom of plantar fasciitis is extremely painful heel pain in the morning,6 but it may also occur after standing or exercising. As the plantar fascia is flexed, however, it tends to loosen up and the pain eases.7 The pain occurs only on the bottom and/or heel of the foot.8 Plantar fasciitis usually only happens in one foot at a time, but has been known to occur in both at the same time. Signs of mild swelling or redness may also be observed. Natural process of aging which may cause tissue in the heels to weaken over time and/or promote wear and tear. The treatment for the ball of the foot pain is actually easy. Just like drop foot, which has similar symptoms, you can treat your foot using the best shoes. The best shoes for drop foot will also be an effective treatment for those with the ball of the foot pain. One of the best shoes you can try is shoes with dancer?s pads or metatarsal bars. Metatarsal pad or bars will help you distribute your weight bearing throughout the foot as well as cushion your ball of the foot. If it ruptures, popping sound may occur followed by acute pain similar to a blow at the back of the leg Morton?s neuroma is the thickening of the tissue around the nerve between the bases of the toes (usually between the third and fourth toes). Symptoms can include the feeling of a rock in your shoe, burning pain, or numbness. The exact cause of Morton?s neuroma is unclear, but may result from irritation or injury to foot nerves connecting to the toes. Sesamoiditis A stone bruise is a bruise of the fat pad of the heel. It can occur after stepping on a rock or other hard object. Take over the counter (OTC, no prescription required) anti-inflammatory medicines such as ibuprofen, this will reduce the inflammation and relieve the pain. High Blood Pressure. High blood pressure can cause fluid buildup and swollen feet. The effects of high blood pressure on the nervous and circulatory systems can cause pain, loss of sensation, and tingling in the feet, and can increase the susceptibility for infection and foot ulcers. Obesity. Weight gain can cause foot and ankle problems. According to survey data presented at the 2005 annual meeting of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, an increased body mass index (BMI) raised the risk for foot and ankle pain. Pregnancy. Pregnancy can cause fluid buildup and swollen feet. The increased weight and imbalance of pregnancy contributes to foot stress. A hammer toe is a toe that is contracted at the PIP joint (middle joint in the toe), potentially leading to severe pressure and pain. Ligaments and tendons that have tightened cause the toe's joints to curl downwards. Hammer toes may occur in any toe except the big toe. There is often discomfort at the top part of the toe due to rubbing against the shoe. When the head of the metatarsal bone is placed under pressure it can press on surrounding tissue and small nerves causing sharp pain and inflammation. Common causes of pressure on the metatarsal may include; The posterior tibial nerve travels through a narrow tunnel of ligament and bone alongside the ankle as it passes from the leg into the foot. According to Foot Health Facts, it is possible for this nerve to become compressed and irritated, producing tingling pain along the sole of the foot. Those with diabetes, arthritis and extremely flat feet are more likely to develop tarsal tunnel syndrome. Plantar Warts, Corns and Callouses When one is kicking a ball, for example, even walking, it is extremely important that the brain has exact information about the position of each part of the body, in order to precisely coordinate movement. Metatarsalgia derives its name from the term "metatarsals," or long bones of the foot. The metatarsal area is the region where the toes join the rest of the foot and is a spot often subjected to added pressure because of body weight. People who suffer from this condition often feel intense pain in the ball of the foot. Main Causes of Metatarsalgia Remember to see your doctor if you think you may be suffering from Metatarsalgia if pain is severe, you may have a metatarsal fracture. If you suspect that you might have a fracture, seek treatment immediately. After sleeping, the muscles of your foot and calf naturally tighten up, which can cause discomfort in the morning. Your foot pain in the morning may also be caused by plantar fasciitis, tendinitis or a stress fracture. Athletes such as runners and dancers - and overweight individuals - may be at higher risk of sustaining a foot injury. Treatment includes stretching, ice and anti-inflammatory drugs. Consult your physician about persistent foot pain. Plantar Fasciitis Stretching, exercising, and using ALL of your feet as you stand and walk will improve your balance, make your movements more graceful, and provide a more solid, grounded foundation for your body and your voice.