Are Your Feet Burning? Here's What You Need to Know...

The feet support the weight of the entire body. They are, therefore, prone to problems. About 90% of us suffer from foot problems at one point or another, so it’s important to take care of our feet. This is not just limited to moisturizer and pedicures. Taking care of your feet involves wearing shoes that fit, limiting your alcohol intake, exercise, covering the feet (especially when in public spaces), regularly washing and moisturizing as well as regularly changing socks. These tips help to prevent most of the common feet problems such as bad odor, dryness, bacterial infections, discomfort, feet fungus, and feet burning sensation. Feet burning sensation, also known as hot feet, is a very common complaint. The extent and frequency of the pain can vary. It can be caused by many factors, so you’re advised to get treatment as soon as you can. Early diagnosis may help reduce the damage from the condition.

Common causes of foot burning sensation

• Peripheral Neuropathy

This condition is the most common cause of feet burning sensation. It is experienced by people whose feet nerves have been damaged. While some of the causes for this damage are usually hard to establish, the common causes are diabetes, infections and fractures. The treatment for this condition is prescribed based on the exact cause of neuropathy.

• Charcot-Marie-Tooth Diseases

These are genetic disorders with no known cure. The disorder hurts peripheral nerves, hence the burning sensation. There is treatment to improve mobility.

• Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome

Oversensitized or a dysfunctional nervous system makes peripheral nerves send wrongful pain signals to the brain. This condition causes intense pain that just doesn’t go away. It has no known treatment. However, there are medications that can help relieve the pain.

• Erythromelalgia

When neuropathological or microvascular functions are not healthy, one may develop a disorder that causes blood vessels to get blocked. This leads to swelling and feet burning sensation. This condition can be treated by taking proper medication and allowing feet to cool off. It is, however, advised to avoid cold-water baths since they offer temporary relief and long-term complications may persist.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

This condition typically affects one foot. It is experienced when the tibia nerve is compressed as it goes through the space in between foot bones near the ankle. Burning pain is mainly felt on the soles of feet. Treatment for this condition varies depending on the severity and includes exercise, injection or surgery. It is important to note that feet burning sensation is not limited to these conditions. There are many other causes.

Some homemade remedies may help ease the pain. These include soaking feet in apple cider vinegar or Epsom salt to balance pH, drinking turmeric water or ginger juice, and feet massage.

While burning feet pain may be harmless, it is wise to consult a doctor if symptoms persist. To prevent it, limit your alcohol intake, stretch and rest your feet whenever you can. Also, wear comfortable, well-fitting shoes and get a doctor’s nutrition guide in case you are diabetic.

As little a problem as it may seem, burning feet can keep you from living a normal life. It is advised to take all the necessary measures to prevent it. Contact us today to learn more.