[pct-l] My feet a killing me!

[Ken and Wanda Brimmer]

I need some advice concerning my feet.  For the past two years I have suffered (emphasis added) from a sharp pain in the balls of my feet, just behind my second and third toes.  The pain can be very intense (think hot poker) but never happens to both feet at once.  It is most likely to occur when I'm ascending a mountain.  I can force the pain to move to the other foot by slightly shifting my weight and I make frequent stops to wriggle my toes front and aft, which will give immediate relief for the next mile or two.  The pain   comes and goes during the day, with no known pattern.  I am prone to Plantar Fasciitis so wear a rigid orthotic.  I am getting old but would really like to hike without so much discomfort. Am I looking at a double amputation, here?

Any ideas or suggestion would be received with unlimited joy!

Whimpie