Many people with RA find walking barefoot more painful because shoes provide cushioning, arch support, and help distribute pressure more evenly across the feet. Without that support, inflamed joints and sensitive tissues absorb more impact with every step. If the pain is worsening, it may be worth discussing footwear or orthotic options with your healthcare team.

My podiatrist noted that I have zero arch. I’m a country kid and went barefoot every summer! I guess I did it to myself at a very young age. Anyway, my podiatrist Xrayed my feet and I have arthritis in my metatarsal bones. I not only have planter fasciitis, but my feet constantly hurt across the top of my feet just below each toe, going up toward the top of my feet. He advised me to wear arch supports in my shoes for planter fasciitis and to relieve pressure of the metatarsals. The supports help a great deal, but they still flare up every so often to where even the arch supports don’t help. Although many shoe makers tell you to use rocker shoes (to where you rock onto your toes at each step), I personally don’t recommend these. If the problem is in the toe areas, that just puts extra pressure on those poor toes with each step. Hope you can find some relief.

You might want to check with a podiatrist to see if you have metatarsalgia.

I have the same issue. Walking barefoot on carpet even hurts. This happened really fast for me. I'm scared I'll lose my ability to walk. I'm on Plaquenil and Methotrexate. I'm hoping my rheumatologist will soon prescribe a biologic. Are you taking any medication?