I have a burning sensation on my feet. Why are my feet on fire?

December 22 00:00 2017 Print This Article

Nerve Damage Due to Diabetes

In many people with nerve damage or neuropathy, the nerves of the legs are the first to become damaged. These nerves become hyperactive and sensitive to touch; they send pain signals to the brain even in the absence of a wound.

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Alcohol Abuse

Alcoholism may lead to nerve damage which in turn causes burning feet.

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Kidney Disease

When the kidneys are damaged, the waste does not get filtered effectively from the body. This causes peripheral neuropathy which leads to a burning sensation in the legs.

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Vitamin Deficiency and Anaemia

This happens over a period of years when we either do not have a proper intake of nutritious food or when the vitamins are not absorbed by the body. This condition too can lead to pain and burning sensation in the feet.

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Hypothyroidism

This is a condition in which the thyroid gland’s production of hormones is insufficient. This too might manifest as a burning sensation on the feet.

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Athlete’s Foot

This is a fungal infection which is usually first observed as rashes in between the toes. The rash might cause a burning sensation on the feet.

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Chemotherapy

One common side effect of chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy, which as already mentioned, results in a burning sensation in the feet.

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After Bariatric Surgery

Some people experience a burning sensation on their feet a few weeks after bariatric surgery. This could be a result of the malabsorption of vitamin B after a gastric bypass.

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Charcot Marie Tooth Disease

This is a genetic disorder that affects the sensory nerve fibres and hence causes a burning sensation in the feet.

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HIV / AIDS

The infection can cause peripheral neuropathy or sometimes certain drugs that are used in the treatment of AIDS could have a burning sensation on the feet as a side effect.

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Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS

This causes severe pain and though there is not much clarity on the cause of CRPS, it is usually seen to develop after an injury, stroke, or heart attack. Burning feet is a symptom of CRPS.

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Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

When the posterior tibial nerve in the feet is compressed, it might cause a burning sensation in the feet.

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There are many who experience a burning sensation on their feet and have been heard complaining that their feet are on fire.

Causes of burning sensation in feet

There are many reasons for experiencing this sensation, which can even be painful for many.

• • Nerve Damage Due to Diabetes: In many people with nerve damage or neuropathy, the nerves of the legs are the first to become damaged. These nerves become hyperactive and sensitive to touch; they send pain signals to the brain even in the absence of a wound.
  • Alcohol Abuse: Alcoholism may lead to nerve damage which in turn causes burning feet.
  • Kidney Disease: When the kidneys are damaged, the waste does not get filtered effectively from the body. This causes peripheral neuropathy which leads to a burning sensation in the legs.
  • Vitamin Deficiency and Anaemia: This happens over a period of years when we either do not have a proper intake of nutritious food or when the vitamins are not absorbed by the body. This condition too can lead to pain and burning sensation in the feet.
  Also Read: Vitamin D Deficiency Causes Osteomalacia and Rickets
  • Athlete’s Foot: This is a fungal infection which is usually first observed as rashes in between the toes. The rash might cause a burning sensation on the feet.
  • Hypothyroidism: This is a condition in which the thyroid gland’s production of hormones is insufficient. This too might manifest as a burning sensation on the feet.
  • Chemotherapy: One common side effect of chemotherapy is peripheral neuropathy, which as already mentioned, results in a burning sensation in the feet.
  • After Bariatric Surgery: Some people experience a burning sensation on their feet a few weeks after bariatric surgery. This could be a result of the malabsorption of vitamin B after a gastric bypass.
  • Charcot Marie Tooth Disease: This is a genetic disorder that affects the sensory nerve fibres and hence causes a burning sensation in the feet.
  • HIV/AIDS: The infection can cause peripheral neuropathy or sometimes certain drugs that are used in the treatment of AIDS could have a burning sensation on the feet as a side effect.
  • Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome or CRPS: This causes severe pain and though there is not much clarity on the cause of CRPS, it is usually seen to develop after an injury, stroke, or heart attack. Burning feet is a symptom of CRPS.
  • Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: When the posterior tibial nerve in the feet is compressed, it might cause a burning sensation in the feet.

  Diagnostic tests for Burning Feet

  In most patients, additional testing is not required to diagnose burning feet caused by neuropathy. In some, however, the causative factors may not be clear. In such cases, further diagnostic tests may be required. They may include:

  • Electromyography
  • Nerve Conduction Test
  • Nerve Biopsy

  Treatment of Burning feet

  Once diagnosed, the focus of treatment would be to stop further damage to the nerves. In many cases, treating the underlying disease or addressing the symptoms is likely to control the burning sensation.

  • In those with diabetic neuropathy, controlling blood sugar through medication and lifestyle changes is likely to relieve the burning sensation.
  • Alcoholics must stop drinking alcohol.
  • Those with hypothyroidism or vitamin B12 deficiencies are required to take thyroxin hormones and vitamin B12 supplements, respectively, to alleviate the burning sensation.
  • Pain medications to improve the pain.
  • Others with infections, such as athlete’s foot, may need anti–fungal or other medications to counter infections and control burning feet sensation. Some of these medications are even available over the counter.
  Also Read: What is a Diabetic Foot and how can it be treated?

  Home Remedies for Burning feet

  In some, the burning sensation is a chronic condition. Such individuals could benefit from home remedies to douche the fire on their feet.

  One of the best home remedies, which can be repeated many times a day, is to soak your feet for a few minutes in a foot tub filled with cold water.

  It may also be a good idea to soak your feet once a day in water to which a cup of Epsom salt has been added. These are quick and effective ways to provide instant relief and soothe your burning feet.

  However, care must be taken to see that your feet are not soaked for more than a few minutes as this can worsen symptoms. Care must also be taken to avoid the direct use of ice cubes or ice packs on the affected feet. Those with diabetes or heart problems must consult a doctor before using Epsom salt or trying out other home remedies.

Frequently Asked Questions

 1. What causes a burning sensation in the feet?

Burning feet can result from nerve damage (often due to diabetes), alcohol abuse, kidney disease, vitamin deficiency, or infections like athlete’s foot. Other causes include hypothyroidism, chemotherapy, or genetic conditions.

2.  How is burning feet syndrome diagnosed?

Diagnosis may include a clinical examination, along with tests like electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction studies (NCS), and sometimes nerve biopsy to identify the underlying cause.

3. Can burning feet syndrome be treated?

Yes, treatment options focus on addressing underlying conditions (e.g., managing diabetes or taking supplements for deficiencies) and may include pain management, lifestyle changes, or medications.

4. What are home remedies for burning feet?

Home remedies include cold water soaks and Epsom salt baths (with caution). Avoid soaking feet for long periods and consult a doctor before trying Epsom salt if you have diabetes or heart disease.

5. Can burning feet be prevented?

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, managing chronic health conditions, avoiding excessive alcohol, and ensuring proper vitamin intake can help prevent burning feet.

Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.

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Updated on 18^th Nov 2024