Burning feet syndrome, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a group of symptoms in which the feet become hot and painful. At night, the burning feeling may become more acute, with some alleviation during the day. The severity of the symptoms can vary. Heat and pain can be a restriction to the soles of the feet, but they can also affect the tops of the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Neuropathy is the most common cause of burning feet. Damaged nerve fibers are more likely to become hyperactive and misfire. Even though there is no wound, the nerves send pain signals to the brain.
The leg nerves are usually the first for destruction in persons with neuropathy. Tingling and numbness in the feet are common in these persons. Many patients complain of their feet being excessively sensitive to touch (hyperesthesia) and experiencing scorching pain in varying degrees. It can range from minor to severe.
The most common causes of neuropathy in the legs are diabetes and alcohol addiction. Neuropathy or a burning feeling in the foot can be caused by a variety of disorders, including:
Chronic kidney disease (uremia)
Small fiber neuropathy
Vitamin deficiency (vitamin B12, folate, and occasionally vitamin B6)
Alcohol abuse
Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
Lyme disease
HIV/AIDS
Amyloid polyneuropathy
Drug side effects, including chemotherapy drugs, vitamin B6 overdose, HIV medicines, amiodarone, isoniazid, metformin, and others
Erythromelalgia
Heavy metal poisoning (lead, mercury, arsenic)
Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
Sarcoidosis
Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS)
Infections and inflammation of the foot, in addition to neuropathy, can induce a burning feeling. Athletes’ foot is the most common of them, a fungus-caused skin ailment.
Warm feelings in the foot are a typical symptom of peripheral artery disease (PAD). Poor blood circulation to the feet can cause pain, tingling, and burning in the feet, especially when walking.
Some people report a burning sensation in their feet weeks or months following gastric bypass surgery. After a gastric bypass, poor B vitamin absorption can produce neuropathy in the legs and a burning feeling in the feet.
Diagnosis of burning sensation in feet
The majority of persons who have burning feet have a known reason (such as diabetes). Burning feet due to neuropathy is a simple diagnosis for these persons, and no extra testing is required.
Further testing may be required to provide an accurate diagnosis in a few persons whose burning sensation is sudden, rapidly worsening, or has no explainable cause. These tests may involve the following:
Electromyography (EMG) is a technique for (EMG). Muscle function is utilizing recordings of electrical activity within the muscles. For an EMG test, a probe is on the skin, or a needle introducing into the muscle.
The study of nerve conduction. The ability of nerves to convey impulses is in a nerve conduction investigation. The reaction of the muscle regulating a nerve is assessed after its activation.
Tests in the lab Blood, urine, or spinal fluid testing may be recommended to assist diagnose the source of burning feet. A simple blood test can be used to determine vitamin levels.
Biopsy of the nerves. A doctor may, on rare occasions, recommend removing a portion of nerve tissue and analyzing it under a microscope.
Home remedies for burning feet
This type of pain necessitates a visit to your doctor. However, there are a few things you can do at home to get some short relief:
For a few minutes, soak your feet in cold water or ice baths. People with erythromelalgia, on the other hand, should avoid this. It has the potential to harm their skin.
Soak your feet in a solution of Epsom salts or apple cider vinegar. Before attempting this therapy, consult your doctor if you have diabetes.
Consider taking a turmeric supplement. Turmeric’s curcumin may help to relieve nerve discomfort. Curcumin shows to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antibacterial properties. It also helps with neurological issues.
Apply lidocaine or capsaicin-containing topical cream. A ginger or turmeric solution produced at home might also work. A lidocaine patch was found to be particularly efficient in alleviating pain from erythromelalgia in one study.
Improve blood flow and circulation by massaging your foot.
FAQs
Why are my feet hot at night?
The most prevalent cause of hot feet is nerve injury, sometimes known as neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy can cause burning, tingling, or numbness in your legs and feet. Alcohol abuse is one of several possible causes of nerve injury.
Why do I feel a warm sensation in my foot, no pain?
Nerve damage in the legs, also known as neuropathy, can create a burning feeling in the feet. Burning feet can be because of a variety of medical disorders, the most prevalent of which is diabetes. The majority of burning foot treatment prevents future nerve injury and alleviates pain.
The sensation of your feet burning can cause discomfort ranging from minor and sporadic to severe and chronic. Working with your doctor to diagnose and treat the underlying reason is critical. If nerve injury is the reason, it may be irreversible in some cases, but treatments to prevent future damage are available.