Burning feet syndrome has been acknowledged as its own pathology for almost two hundred years but despite this pedigree it remains an elusive condition that has had little attention paid to it by the medical community and unfortunately, many physicians dismiss the symptoms as unimportant.
Symptoms
Burning feet occurs most frequently in people over 50 years of age, though it can develop in much younger people as well. The most frequent physical indications of this condition are as follows:
Burning sensation in the feet
Sensation that feet are excruciatingly hot
Numb or achy feet
‘Pins and needles’ sensation in the feet
These unpleasant symptoms usually occur in the soles of the feet but the discomfort may be experienced in the ankles and/or legs as well. Symptoms are often most acute at night and subside during the day.
Causes
The causes of burning feet syndrome (BFS) can be vague and hard to pinpoint, making diagnosis very difficult. There are several potential reasons why symptoms may develop:
Nutritional Deficiency: While the exact vitamin remains unidentified most patients with burning feet syndrome have riboflavin deficiency, and there may be insufficient levels of thiamine or nicotinic acid in the system as well.
Metabolic/Endocrinal Issues: Diabetes is the most common reason why burning feet occurs and many diabetics do in fact experience this side effect. This category also includes small fiber or autonomic neuropathies.
Hereditary Causes: Autosomal dominant inheritance (you get the gene from only one parent) may create an inclination to burning feet syndrome.
Mechanical Deviations: This included peripheral nerve compression (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome), hypothyroidism, and trapped nerves due to sciatica or spinal deviations.
Psychosomatic Developments: The symptoms associated with burning feet syndrome (burning, heat, pins and needles) are the most common sensations reported in psychosomatic disorders.
While there are other, rarified causes for the development of BFS, the above list providers the most likely reasons why you may be suffering from these symptoms.
Diagnosis
In many cases burning feet syndrome can be linked to underlying issues such as diabetes or nutritional deficiencies but because symptoms of BFS may not be viewed as urgent by healthcare givers if there are no secondary symptoms extensive testing may not be pursued.
Treatment
When treating burning feet syndrome it’s necessary to first find the cause of the condition, as diabetic foot pain will be treated differently than a condition caused by sciatica or nutritional deficiencies. If you’re experiencing symptoms then it’s important to seek medical treatment. There are however, steps you can take to reduce the discomfort of burning feet such as wearing shoes with sufficient cushioning and arch support, wearing cotton socks, soaking feet in cold water (no ice), and keeping feet at a cooler temperature.
Conclusion
Burning feet occurs frequently in the elderly and in diabetics although it does not affect these demographics exclusively. If you are suffering from this condition it’s important to seek treatment as there may be a tangible health issue causing these symptoms to manifest. If no discernible underlying condition such as diabetes or nutritional deficiencies are found then try the suggestions above; while they won’t cure your burning feet they may reduce your level of discomfort.
Peter Stephenson, who has been a foot care expert for more many years has written a functional guide on how to combat View Heel Pain Advice , also view his other site plantarfasciitisadvice.com.
