What could cause sudden and severe pain in arch of foot?

Plantar fasciitis: Which is basically a strained arch. This is the first thing that comes to mind. It is possible that there may be a tear in the plantar fascia or tendon/muscle. A nerve may be trapped or impinged in soft tissue. Perhaps you steopped on a foreign object such as wood or glass: was there an injury or traum involved?

Plantar Fasciatis: Or a tear in the plantar fascia. If pain persists see your podiatrist.

Many possibilities: Your pain could due to trauma (fracture, sprain, arthritis, inflammation), infection, metabolic conditions (gout), poor circulation, musculoskeletal or biomechanical abnormality and different neurologic conditions (neuropathy). A thorough history and physical exam and possibly some laboratory and radiology exams are needed to determine the exact cause. The treatment varies depending on the cause.