He had solid muscles in his old body and seemed at ease... He looked wise. And he had no legs from below the knees. 

The thing to remember about feet is that they are hard-working yet delicate systems, finely tuned. Persistent pain? Something is wrong.

Diabetic feet are fragile, prone to infection, injury, often has poor blood supply and at risk for ulcers. Soaking may be a terrible idea.

http://www.diabetes.ca/diabetes-and-you/healthy-living-resources/foot-care/a-step-towards-good-health

At my new clinic, I recently treated a man diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis decades ago. Deformities & pressures were significant.

Baby feet typically have 5 toes & distinct heel. Similarities with adults mostly end there. And their feet are fat, not necessarily flat.

We're on the same team: yours. Misalignment & over pronation are often merely signs of long-term tissue stress, with increased pain as the symptom. 

Why did I give up supervising, manufacturing, doing most assessments and training technicians without any other concerns?