Hi, I am a dogwalker in nyc, meaning I walk a lot on pavemnet, 3 to 4 hours at a time, I have had to curtail my running lately because of pain that seems to be more extreme in the balls of both my feet, during and after my workday. I also have plantar fascitis that is aggrivated by the walking. Because I run, I also wear my running shoes to walk the dogs in, but they seem to be hurting more than helping. I have some insoles from sorbo-thane that i placed in the shoes, but they don't seem to be helping as much as they do when I run in them. I'm 30, and pretty active, and I love my job, but lately have been dreading starting my day because of the state my feet are in. Can anyone suggest anything that may help? I've also been told I might need to see a podiatrist, but I don't have insurance, otherwise I would in a heartbeat. Does anyone have any ideas there? I'm new to the forum, and really appreciate anyone's help.

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Dogwalker,
For what its worth. I suffer the same pain as you - from walking my dog and exercising. I hate it and recently read an article in a magazine at the club where I workout, that mentioned this same discomfort. It is apparently called metatarsalgia (which I discribe as a ball bearing embedded the ball of my foot).
I found a foot solution store in my neighborhood that carries various shoes and shoe inserts to comfort feet problems. They apparently service many podiatrist patients.
This article also mentioned acupunture for relief. I am willing to try anything - my foot is killing me.

MJ