i just read an article in popular newspaper that implied that people with m.s. brought it on themselves by smoking and poor eating habits.

oh boy:/

Thanks for that thought but I have been there, I have orthotics but can no longer stand shoes on my feet. It's definitely the MS as I have good days for no reason at all, but mostly bad and worse days. I do have some arthritis in my feet as well but the pain is in the soles of my feet mostly. They feel bruised and that I'm walking on uneven rocks. They also burn when they feel like it, there's no knowing what brings it on. Crazy hey. Just another fun symptom to put up with, yay!

The answer to your question is yes, no, and I don't know. I have orthotic issues and I don't have ms. It could be independent of ms. My feet hurt in am at first but get better as day wears on. I have multiple issues, try a podiatrist to see if something independent is occurring first. Then go from there.

Yes, my feet are so painful in the mornings I can barely walk. They get worse if I'm on them too long through the day.
It's normal for me.