Just discovered a new pain yesterday. Ball of my right foot. I can poke and prod the area but no pain. Walk on it the wrong way and pain explodes in that spot and can sometimes can almost bring me down. Nerve damage maybe? One more pain to add to the list...LOL.
Damn. I hate getting old.
There are good stretching exercises which will help you heal and an orthodic you can wear at night to continue the stretching. Essentially, the tendon group in the plantar are too tight. The result of the stretching causes a bone spur, which is the slight pulling away of cartilage at the heel.
First thing in the morning, before walking you should gently stretch the tendons and calf muscles. Once healing begins, then regular stretching and exercize will keep the problem at bay.