Burning Sensation in Feet: Common Causes and Home Remedies

Burning feet syndrome is a set of symptoms in which the feet become uncomfortably hot and painful often. This is also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome. The burning sensation may become more intense at night, with some relief occurring during the day. This uneasiness (pain and heat) can stay limited to the soles of the feet, yet it might also affect the tops of the feet, the ankles and even the lower legs.

Burning feet can be the result of various causes which include nerve damage, exposure to extreme heat or cold substances. Sometimes, this ailment can arise due to circulation problems that impair blood flow to the feet such as peripheral artery disease, a foot injury, or extensive walking or running. Several medical conditions could be the reason for burning feet and diabetes is one of the most common conditions.

Causes of burning sensation in the feet

Burning feet can be caused by nerve or skin damage in the feet and surrounding tissues. Burns from extreme heat and exposure to extreme chemical substances may damage the nerves in the skin, resulting in burning feet.

Damage to the peripheral nerves also termed peripheral neuropathy can cause a sensation of feet burning. Peripheral neuropathy may be due to specific conditions such as diabetes or alcoholism, that can affect nerve health.

Physical causes of burning feet

• Burns and sunburn
• Certain medications, including some cancer chemotherapy drugs
• Exposure to cold
• Exposure to toxic compounds, such as lead or mercury
• Foot trauma or injury
• Nerve damage or injury
• Peripheral neuropathy
• Pressure on nerve or nerve entrapment
• Illness that is causing burning feet
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: The tarsal tunnel is a narrow space inside the ankle near the ankle bones. Compression or squeezing of the posterior tibial nerve inside the tarsal tunnel can result in sensations of burning, tingling, or pain in parts of the feet.
• Morton’s neuroma: Nerve tissue may be thickened between the bones at the base of the toes, causing pain. Shoes that are too tight can cause this type of neuroma, although it may also result from a sports injury or abnormal position or movement of the foot.
• Athlete’s Foot: This fungal infection is caused by mould-like fungi called dermatophytes that grow in moist, warm areas of the skin. Damp shoes and socks and humid environments allow the fungi to grow and spread. Symptoms of an athlete’s foot may include itching, burning, and stinging between the toes and the soles of the feet.

Other causes

• Footwear that is too tight or does not fit properly. Tight shoes or stockings can irritate sensitive feet or put pressure on certain parts of the foot.
• Stress due to exercise or physical injury.
• Allergies due to the materials used to make shoes or socks
• Contact dermatitis. Dyes or chemical agents used to tan leather might result in skin irritation.
• Lack of Vitamin B12

Symptoms of burning sensation of feet

• Sensations of heat, often worsening at night
• Numbness in the feet or legs
• Sharp or stabbing pain
• Feeling of heaviness in the feet
• Skin redness or excess warmth
• Prickling or tingling sensations in the feet

Other symptoms that accompany burning sensation in feet include

• Difficulty in walking
• Excessive daytime sleepiness
• Extreme sensitivity to touch
• Foot problems, such as ulcers and bone and joint pain
• Muscle weakness
• Nerve pain
• Pain when walking
• Reduced ability to feel pain or changes in temperature

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Treatment for Burning Feet

Medication for burning feet depends on the underlying reasons of an individual who’s going through the ailment. Yet, therapies might help them as they are simple, easy and straightforward.

• • Antifungal medication for athlete’s feet.

• • Better, safe and relaxed shoes

• • A remedial supplement in your shoes
  • Vitamin B supplements

• • Orthopaedic surgery may be necessary if a person is not responding to medications

Home Remedies for Burning Feet

• • Soak the feet in cool water for at least 15 minutes.

• • Avoid exposing your feet to heat.
  • Take over-the-counter pain medicine to temporarily ease the pain.

• • Apply topical creams and ointments.

• • Non prescription creams and ointments containing capsaicin may be applied to the feet to relieve pain.

• • Topical antifungal creams, lotions, sprays, or powders may be used to treat an athlete’s foot.

• • Soak your feet in Epsom salts or an apple cider solution. If you have diabetes, check with the doctor before doing this home remedy.

• • Massage the foot to help improve blood flow and circulation.

• • Regular exercises like walking, jogging and running ease the burning and painful condition of your legs. This is because exercises improve blood flow in your body.

• • Never wear tight-fitting shoes as it will reduce blood flow to the feet and cause a sensation in the feet. Wear comfortable and fitting shoes to ensure proper blood circulation.
  • Turmeric is rich in the curcumin compound. This compound has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, and it may be an effective method for several skin conditions. A person may use turmeric supplements to treat burning feet related to damaged nerves and other nerve pain.

These are the common home remedies for reduce the burning sensation in feet, if you still facing these issues consult a doctor for better treatment

How can burning feet be prevented?

Prevention is better than cure. It is better to prevent the burning sensation in feet by following the below routine in your life

• Schedule regular examinations with the foot care specialist. Regular checkups are necessary if you have diabetes or other conditions that can affect the nerves.
• People with diabetes or other conditions may need to be fitted with special shoes.
• Select shoes that fit properly and provide adequate ventilation. Shoes should have low heels, a wide toe box, and provide good support for the arches of the foot.
• Wear clean, dry socks to prevent the athlete’s foot. Change the socks often if you participate in sports or other activities that cause the feet to perspire.
• Examine your feet daily for signs of infection or injury. Check your feet for blisters, sores, cuts, ulcers, and breaks in the skin to prevent infections.
• Burning sensation in feet sometimes requires expert’s help. Doctors from our multispecialty hospital can guide you with the right treatment and medication

FAQ

What is the reason burning sensation in feet?

Burning feet are most frequently a sign of nerve damage. Nerve harm has numerous distinctive causes, counting diabetes, unremitting liquor utilisation, introduction to certain poisons, or vitamin lacks

How do I get my feet to stop burning?

1. Keep distance from sun and heat
2. Soak your feet in cold water
3. Apply ointments recommended by experts
4. Take proper medicine

Why are my feet burning hot at night?

The reason is neuropathy, caused by nerves damage and is a complication of both type 1 and type 2 diabetes