[googeebah_boo]

Hello I'm 15 and I've had this pain in my foot for about three months now its in the right foot on the right side almost right underneath my pinky toe. When I get up in the morning or walk after any period where I have sat for a while it cuases extreme pain until I walk a little more then if I walk a lot it hurts aswelll. Any suggestions?

[Eileen G]

It sounds a bit like plantar fasciitis. The classical PF is pain on the sole of the foot, from the heel down towards the toes, but all the rest sounds like it. PF pain is usually really bad when you get up in the morning, and if you've been sitting down after walking. While you are walking, it gets less severe, though you are usually aware of it, but then it really starts up again after a rest.

There are several ways to treat it, starting with lots of stretches. Pull your toes back towards your shin to stretch out the sole of your foot. Stand on a step with your heels hanging off, and drop your heels as much as possible. Also stretch your calf muscles.

Taking anti-inflammatories may help, but be aware that they do have side-effects, so don't take them for long.

Rolling your foot over a bottle containing frozen water (keep it in the freezer between times) will help to ice it.

A good supportive insole in your shoes should help a lot. Some people have to have custom-made insoles, but try your local hiking shop first. They carry good insoles. Wear supportive shoes, not dead flat but not high heels.

If all else fails, it's possible to get an injection into the sore spot which will fix the problem. But it's painful and expensive, and you need a specialised doctor to do it.