Burning feet is quite common nowadays. It might be an isolated problem or a sign of another problem. It often causes the feet to become dangerously hot and painful. Signs may be mild or severe, based upon the cause.
The condition is common in older adults. Also, it can get more intense at night. Burning feet affects:
- soles of the feet
- tops of the feet, ankles, and lower legs.
Causes
The most common cause of burning feet is peripheral neuropathy. It is also called nerve damage. Yet, nerve damage often arises due to another health problem.
Diabetes
Diabetes may result in high blood glucose levels. Prolonged high sugar levels may damage blood vessels and nerves. It is known as diabetic neuropathy. One of the major signs of diabetic neuropathy is burning feet.
Heavy alcohol use
Chronic alcohol intake may result in alcoholic neuropathy. This condition damages the nerves in the body. It is one of the most common signs of heavy alcohol intake. Burning feet may occur due to damaged nerves.
Small fiber sensory neuropathy (SFSN)
It results in pain and uneasiness in the feet and hands. SFSN damages the small sensory cutaneous nerves. These nerves transmit sensory signals between the skin and the brain. This occurs due to diabetes or an impaired sugar metabolism. Signs are cold-like pain, tingling, or pins and needles.
Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS)
It describes pain and swelling following an injury in the arm or leg. Common causes are surgery, fractures, and sprains. Signs of CRPS include:
- burning feet
- stiff joints
- too much bone growth
- skin texture changes
- inflammation in the affected limb.
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
This condition occurs in the ankle. It occurs due to compression and damage to the nerve of ankle and foot. This results in a tingling or burning sensation in the feet.
Other causes of BFS
Other causes of burning feet can be:
- kidney disorder
- malnutrition
- athlete’s foot
- underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- chemotherapy
- HIV/AIDS
Home remedies for burning feet
Burning feet treatment depends on the underlying cause. Treatment can be:
- electrical nerve stimulation
- antifungal prescription
- shoe inserts or change of shoe
- magnetic therapy
- laser or light therapy
- vitamin supplements
- thyroid supplements
Other home remedies include:
Soak feet in cold water or an ice bath
This helps in temporary relief of burning feet signs. Yet, an individual experiencing erythromelalgia must not use it. As it can damage their skin.
Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)
Reduce the signs of tarsal tunnel syndrome by using RICE. This includes:
- resting the feet
- using ice to the ankle
- applying compression
- raising the feet.
It helps in lowering inflammation, and hence lowers the signs of burning feet.
Epsom salt
- reduces the signs of athlete’s foot
- lowers inflammation
- exfoliates the skin
- lowers odor
- relieves constipation
Apple cider vinegar
ACV combats bacteria, fungi, and other damaging microbes. Soak the feet in a foot bath containing warm water and ACV. It is an effective way of treating athlete’s foot.
Turmeric supplements
Turmeric comprises the active compound curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects. Also, it is an effective treatment for several skin conditions. Curcumin also cures certain neurological disorders.
Fish oil
Fish oil packs good anti-inflammatory properties. This helps in lowering pain and discomfort. If a person has burning feet due to diabetes, fish oil can be helpful.
Ginger
Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory properties. It is found to be an effective treatment for burning feet.
Lidocaine or capsaicin
Lidocaine is used to numb the skin before minor surgical procedures. Capsaicin occurs in chilli peppers. And, it offers natural pain relief.
Foot massage
Massage helps in increasing the blood flow to body areas. Hence, if a person experience burning feet, they can massage their feet. This improves circulation and blood flow to the areas that need it.
Consult a doctor before using these treatments for burning sensation in the feet. The burning feeling that causes pain may vary from mild to severe. Thus, it is important to work with a health care team to manage the underlying cause. If the reason is nerve damage, it can remain permanent. However, treatments are available to avoid further damage. Unmanaged diabetes may result in irreversible damage to the peripheral nerves. It is good to reverse your diabetes to minimize the risks of burning feet. Breathe Well-being is one such “NATURAL DIABETES REVERSAL PLATFORM”. We are here to get you going with our customized plans and expertise coaches and dieticians. Many diabetic patients have reversed their condition. This is very inspiring, isn’t it! Hurry and Try it now…
Also read:- Fixation and Regression in Mental Health
