About Arch Pain


 

Arch Pain Treatment in Waterford

Sore Arch or Foot Pain When Walking? Step Right Can Help

Arch pain is a very common issue and can range from a mild ache to sharp pain that makes walking uncomfortable. It can affect one foot or both and often gets worse after long periods of standing, work, or exercise.

At Step Right, we help people relieve arch pain through professional clinic care, foot & gait assessments, and the right support to reduce strain and improve comfort long-term.

👉 Book an appointment in Waterford and let’s get you walking comfortably again.

What is Arch Pain?

Arch pain is discomfort felt along the inside curve of the foot (the arch). It can be caused by overuse, strain on the soft tissues, poor support, or pressure points linked to how the foot moves.

Some people feel pain:

  • During walking or standing
  • First thing in the morning
  • After exercise
  • After long days in work boots or unsupportive shoes

Arch pain can also be linked with heel pain and plantar fascia irritation.

Common Symptoms of Arch Pain

You may have arch pain if you notice:

  • Aching or burning in the arch
  • Sharp pain during walking
  • Tightness under the foot
  • Soreness after standing for long periods
  • Pain that improves with rest but returns quickly
  • Tenderness along the inside of the foot

If the pain is worsening, affecting your walking, or not improving, it’s best to get it assessed.

What Causes Arch Pain?

Arch pain usually happens when the foot is under too much strain or isn’t being supported properly.

Common causes include:

Poor Foot Support

Shoes with little cushioning or support can overload the arch, especially on hard floors or long workdays.

Flat Feet or Fallen Arches

If your arch collapses inward when you walk, it can cause strain and fatigue through the foot and ankle.

High Arches

High arches can concentrate pressure into smaller areas, often leading to arch pain, forefoot pressure, or heel pain.

Overuse or Sudden Increase in Activity

Walking more than usual, starting a new job, or increasing training can overload the arch quickly.

Tight Calves / Plantar Fascia Strain

Tightness in the calf and the band of tissue under the foot can contribute to pulling and soreness through the arch.

Foot Mechanics (Gait Issues)

Sometimes arch pain isn’t just about the arch itself — it’s caused by how your foot rolls, how your weight loads, or how your footwear fits.

That’s where a foot & gait assessment makes a big difference.

Arch Pain vs Plantar Fasciitis (What’s the Difference?)

People often confuse arch pain with plantar fasciitis.

  • Plantar fasciitis is usually felt more at the heel, especially first thing in the morning
  • Arch pain can be felt more through the middle or inner arch and may be linked to fatigue and strain

They can overlap — and many people have a combination of both.

Arch Pain Treatment at Step Right

Foot & Gait Assessment (Find the Cause)

Arch pain often returns when the cause isn’t addressed. At Step Right, we can assess:

  • Foot shape and arch type
  • Where pressure is building up
  • How your feet load during walking
  • Footwear fit and support
  • Any patterns causing recurring strain

This helps us recommend the best plan for lasting comfort.

Support & Pressure Relief Options

Depending on what’s causing the pain, we may recommend:

  • Supportive footwear changes
  • Targeted support to reduce arch strain
  • Custom orthotics (if needed)
  • Advice to reduce overload and improve comfort day-to-day

The goal is to reduce strain through the arch and allow the foot to settle.

When Should You Get Arch Pain Checked?

Book an appointment if:

  • Arch pain is affecting your walking
  • It’s getting worse over time
  • You’re limping or changing how you walk
  • It’s linked with heel, ankle, knee or hip pain
  • You’ve tried changing shoes with no improvement
  • Pain keeps returning after rest

Simple Tips That Often Help (Short-Term Relief)

While you’re waiting to be seen, these can help:

  • Wear supportive shoes indoors (avoid barefoot on hard floors)
  • Avoid worn-out runners or unsupportive footwear
  • Reduce high-impact activity temporarily if it flares pain
  • Don’t “push through” sharp pain (it often delays recovery)

We’ll guide you on the best approach based on your feet.

Arch Pain Treatment in Waterford & New Ross

At Step Right, we help people reduce arch pain, improve support, and stay active comfortably through:

📍 Waterford

👉 Book an appointment today and let’s get you back on your feet without pain.

FAQ: Arch Pain

Why do my arches hurt after standing all day?

Long periods standing (especially on hard floors) can overload the arch, particularly if footwear support is poor or the foot mechanics are off.

Can arch pain be caused by flat feet?

Yes. Flat feet can cause the arch to collapse inward, leading to strain and fatigue through the foot.

Can arch pain be caused by high arches?

Yes. High arches can increase pressure in certain areas and reduce shock absorption, causing soreness through the arch and foot.

Do I need orthotics for arch pain?

Not always. Some people improve with better footwear and support. Others benefit from custom orthotics depending on the cause — we’ll advise honestly.