1Problem: This condition, which is not generally serious, causes pain and inflammation in the balls of the feet, especially when walking barefoot on a hard surface. Some people might experience numbness or tingling in the toes.

2Causes: These include aging, which results in the fat pads on your feet becoming thinner; excess weight, which puts pressure on your feet; intense physical activity for long periods of time; and wearing high heels, which puts extra weight on the front of your feet.

3Treatments: Rest and ice your feet; wear the proper shoes for your sport; or try shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports. Some people, especially those who like their high heels, have turned to Sculptra, which is biodegradable and FDA-approved for restoring facial fat loss in people with human immunodeficiency virus.

4Cushioning: Dr. Cynthia Marzouka-Losito, a podiatric surgeon at ProTech Sports Medicine in South Miami, administers Sculptra injections for about $1,000 per foot. It ''replaces fat pads and adds pillows to the feet,'' she says. ''It's safe for the face; it's safe for the feet.'' Results last from eight months to a year.

5Safety: Sculptra does not have FDA approval for use in the feet. A spokesperson at the American Podiatric Medical Association, who did not want to be quoted, said the APMA has no stance on the issue. A common question Marzouka-Losito's patients ask is not about safety. They want to know: ''Do I need a bigger shoe?'' The answer is no.

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