How do I get rid of arch pain in my foot?
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I have high arches and lately I have been getting a noticeable ache in the arch of my foot, especially after I've been on my feet for a while or first thing in the morning. It's annoying enough that I need to find a fix before it becomes worse. I've tried some stretches, but they haven't helped. Any other ideas or solutions that worked for you I can try to get rid of the pain?
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Dr. William Naughton, DPM AdminChief Medical OfficerOfficial Account of Dr. William Naughton, DPM. As Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Naughton reviews discussions for medical safety and provides expert biomechanical insights based on 20+ years of surgical experience.Yes - persistent arch pain in people with high arches is often caused by excessive stress on a rigid arch that does not absorb shock well, leading to tissue irritation and early plantar fasciitis if not properly supported.
High arches (pes cavus) are structurally rigid and naturally poor at absorbing impact forces during walking and standing. Instead of distributing pressure evenly across the foot, a high-arched foot concentrates stress through the heel and forefoot, placing excessive tension on the plantar fascia and intrinsic muscles that support the arch. Over time, this repetitive overload can produce a deep, aching pain through the arch - often worse first thing in the morning or after long periods on your feet.
As fatigue sets in, the already stressed tissues lose their ability to stabilize the foot efficiently. This leads to microscopic strain along the plantar fascia, which explains why many patients with high arches develop symptoms that closely resemble early plantar fasciitis. While icing, stretching, and cushioned footwear may temporarily reduce inflammation, these measures do not correct the underlying biomechanical problem.
The core issue is insufficient structural support. Without proper arch support, the foot continues to collapse subtly with each step, perpetuating stress on the same tissues. Custom orthotics designed specifically for high arches help redistribute pressure more evenly, enhance shock absorption, and provide the rigid support high-arched feet inherently lack. When properly designed, they reduce strain on the plantar fascia and surrounding structures, allowing symptoms to improve and preventing progression to chronic pain.
- Persistent arch pain with high arches is often due to poor shock absorption and tissue overload
- Morning pain or pain after prolonged standing may signal early plantar fasciitis
- Stretching and icing can help symptoms but rarely solve the root cause alone
- Walking barefoot on hard floors often worsens high-arch pain
- Supportive footwear and custom orthotics are the most effective long-term solution
