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Burning feet, a common complaint from grandparents or parents, should not be dismissed. While it may appear to be innocuous, it could be the result of an underlying medical issue. It is also known as Gierson-Gopalan Syndrome or burning feet syndrome. Although it is a common complaint, it has historically gotten little medical attention.

It can be caused by a variety of unrelated medical issues and is characterised by heaviness and a burning feeling in the legs. Heat and pain may be felt not only on the soles of the feet, but also on the tops of the feet, ankles, and even the lower thigh.

What Are the Causes of Burning Feet? 

Burning feet syndrome can be caused by a variety of disorders, including: 

•     Nutritional causes: A lack of vitamins from the B complex group, particularly riboflavin, can result in burning foot syndrome. It can also occur as a result of poor nutrient absorption, as observed in malabsorption syndrome.

•     Underlying medical conditions: People with certain metabolic illnesses, such as diabetes, may suffer burning feet as a result of nerve damage in the foot region. It is also found in persons with thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism, where thyroid hormone production is reduced. 

•     Hereditary causes: Because burning feet syndrome is hereditary, it can run in families. As a result, if someone in your family has this problem, there is a probability that you will as well.

•     Mechanical causes include nerve compression or entrapment between muscles, bones, and other structures, which can result in burning feet. It can be seen in tarsal tunnel syndrome, sciatic mononeuropathy, and spinal arteriovenous malformation.

•     Psychological causes: It was discovered that persons suffering from psychological illnesses suffered scorching feet.

•     Other causes include: Other, less common causes of burning feet include erythromelalgia (episodic heat and pain in various body parts), Leishmaniasis (parasitic infestation of the body), chronic mountain sickness (in high-altitude residents), multiple sclerosis (damage of nerve coverings by our own body), and Geitelman syndrome (kidney disorders caused by electrolyte ion imbalance). It is also observed in patients with persistent alcoholism and those who have been on dialysis for a long time.

•     Idiopathic: When, despite multiple studies, the cause of why your feet are on fire cannot be determined, it is said to be idiopathic, or of unknown origin.

    “The burning feet and the associated pain, which increases significantly at night, may be indicative of neuropathic pain caused by diabetes, and you may experience this after having diabetes for 5-10 years.” Controlling blood sugar levels, as well as particular treatments to minimise burning and pain, should be the next step in care.” – Dr. Soumya claims

Burning Feet Symptoms: 

The following are some of the symptoms associated with burning feet: 

•     The feet may feel heavy.  
•     You may feel “pins and needles”, tingling, or a pricking sensation in your feet.  
•       Foot burning that may worsen at night Sensation of warmth in the feet  
•     Pain might be mild, agonising, acute, or shooting.  
•     Foot redness, excessive warmth, or numbness

    “Sometimes, due to a sudden prolapsed intervertebral disc (slip disc), spinal nerves can be compressed, resulting in symptoms such as burning sensations in the calf and foot, tingling sensations, and so on.” If there is loss of sensation over the anal and sexual organ area, one should see his orthopaedic surgeon as soon as possible since it can lead to “cauda equina syndrome,” which can result in irreversible nerve damage to these areas. – As said by Dr. Soumya

Burning Feet Home Remedies: 

Because foot burning can be caused by a variety of circumstances, treating the underlying cause is the preferred course of action.2 A few home treatments can help relieve your pain and discomfort. These are their names: 

Epsom salts:

Epsom salt is a naturally occurring source of magnesium sulphate. People typically use it when taking foot baths. We can benefit from it by soaking our feet in Epsom salt water for a few minutes each day.   NOTE: The usage of Epsom salt increases the risk of foot injury in diabetic people. As a result, if you have diabetes, consult your doctor before using it.

Cold water or an ice bath:

Soaking your feet in cold water temporarily alleviates the discomfort and burning sensation. Aside from bathing your feet in cold water, drinking enough of water is also beneficial.  

Garlic:

Ginger has numerous therapeutic benefits and is commonly utilised in Ayurvedic medicine. Ginger extract is soluble in water and oil, and it is easily absorbed when applied to the skin. Ginger has anti-inflammatory qualities, which could explain why it relieves pain. Because of its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also be used to cure burning feet.

Ginkgo biloba:

Gingko is a herb that contains nerve-protective effects. It has been shown to be useful in treating illnesses such as dementia and localised cerebral ischemia (poor blood supply to areas of the brain). Ginkgo’s nerve-protective qualities are related to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibiting capabilities. It can help with burning feet caused by peripheral nerve injury.4    

Cumin:

Diabetes is one of the causes of burning feet; black cumin has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. It also improves insulin availability. The nerves in the feet benefit greatly from this impact. In animal experiments, black cumin was discovered to alleviate pain; however, further human study is needed to confirm this.

Tulsi or holy basil:

Ocimum sanctum is the scientific name for holy basil. It has long been used to cure a variety of ailments in India. Tulsi was proven to be useful in relieving sciatica pain in the legs in a study. It is particularly useful in alleviating pain produced by peripheral nerve injury, which is a major cause of burning feet.

Citrullus Colocynthis

Citrullus colocynthis, sometimes known as bitter apple, is used to treat pain. It possesses anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. Bitter apple has been shown in tests to be useful in alleviating pain in painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN; nerve damage caused by diabetes). When a bitter apple was placed to the affected location, it provided pain alleviation.

Turmeric

Turmeric possesses anti-inflammatory (antibiotic) and antibiotic characteristics, as well as the ability to neutralise free radicals (antioxidant). This is because turmeric contains a bioactive component called curcumin. It has been demonstrated in studies to be useful against nerve and neurodegenerative illnesses, as well as in preventing their development.4 We can use it by preparing a thick paste, using it as a pack, and including it into our diet.    

Apple Cider Vinegar 

It is stated that soaking our feet in warm water with apple cider vinegar will provide relief from burning feet. There is no scientific proof to support it, but it is commonly utilised by people all over the world. 

 Other options for burning feet include:  

1. Massage of the feet:

The burning feeling can occasionally be relieved by massaging the foot. To minimise friction, the foot can be rubbed dry by stroking or using oils.  

2. R.I.C.E.:

RICE stands for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This treatment entails resting your feet, then applying ice and compression to them, and then elevating them to reduce edoema.    

    “Burning feet syndrome, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a collection of symptoms in which the feet frequently become unbearably hot and painful.” The burning feeling may worsen at night, with some alleviation coming throughout the day. It is primarily caused to nerve injury.” – As said by Dr. Soumya

When to Seek Medical Attention:    

Because burning feet can be an indication of a dangerous disease, seek emergency medical help if the burning, redness, or numbness in your feet does not go away with self-care and home remedies. A doctor can do tests to assess your problem and develop a treatment plan for you.

Conclusion: 

Burning feet can occur as a result of a variety of circumstances. Whatever the cause, a few home remedies can help to alleviate pain and suffering. The underlying problem, however, must be identified and treated. Self-care is essential for resolving burning feet on a daily basis.    

Commonly Asked Questions:

What is the cause of burning feet?

A multitude of conditions can cause burning feet. Diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, low thyroid hormone production, some psychological problems, genetic, a few uncommon illnesses like erythromelalgia, and other factors can all contribute to it. If you have burning feet, make an appointment with your doctor to determine the cause.

Does moisturiser help with burning feet?

No. A moisturiser will not alleviate the burning caused by burning feet syndrome.

Is it true that hot weather causes burning feet?

It has not been recorded that burning feet produced by burning feet syndrome are caused by hot temperatures. It is primarily caused by nerve injury in the peripheral region (peripheral neuropathy), closer to the skin, as observed in illnesses such as diabetes, nerve compression in tarsal tunnel syndrome, and so on.

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