If you experience a burning sensation in your feet, it may be caused by nerve damage in your legs, a condition known as neuropathy. While many medical conditions can lead to burning feet, diabetes is the most common cause. Treatment for burning feet typically focuses on preventing further nerve damage and reducing pain.
Neuropathy is the most frequent cause of burning feet. When nerve fibers become damaged, they may become overactive and send pain signals to the brain, even in the absence of an actual wound. People with neuropathy often experience tingling, numbness, and increased sensitivity to touch (hyperesthesia) in their feet, along with varying degrees of burning pain.
Some of the most common conditions that can cause neuropathy or a burning sensation in the feet include:
Diabetes
Alcohol abuse
Chronic kidney disease (uremia)
Small fiber neuropathy
Vitamin deficiencies (vitamin B12, folate, and occasionally vitamin B6)
Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
Lyme disease
HIV/AIDS
Certain medications (chemotherapy drugs, vitamin B6 overdose, HIV medicines, amiodarone, isoniazid, metformin, and others)
In addition to neuropathy, infections and inflammation of the feet, such as athlete's foot (a fungal infection), can cause burning feet. Peripheral artery disease (PAD), which causes poor blood circulation in the feet, may also lead to pain, tingling, and burning sensations, particularly while walking.
In most cases, people with burning feet have an identifiable cause, such as diabetes, and additional testing may not be necessary. However, if the burning sensation is sudden, rapidly worsening, or has no apparent cause, further tests may be recommended to make an accurate diagnosis. These tests may include:
Electromyography (EMG)
Nerve conduction study
Laboratory tests (blood, urine, or spinal fluid)
Nerve biopsy (rarely)
The most crucial aspect of treating burning feet caused by neuropathy is to stop any ongoing nerve damage. In some cases, treating the underlying condition can improve neuropathy and alleviate symptoms. When no cause can be identified, such as in small fiber neuropathy, treatment focuses on managing symptoms.
For people with diabetic neuropathy, maintaining blood sugar levels within a normal range through dietary changes, oral medications, and insulin injections is essential. Similarly, for other forms of neuropathy, preventing further nerve damage is crucial. Specific treatments may include:
Replacing low vitamin B12 levels through oral supplements or injections
Stopping excessive alcohol consumption to allow nerve healing
Undergoing dialysis for chronic kidney disease to eliminate toxins causing neuropathy
Taking oral thyroid hormone to raise low thyroid levels and reverse neuropathy
Receiving specialized treatments for GBS and CIDP, such as plasma exchange (plasmapheresis) or immune globulin therapy (IVIG)
To manage pain and abnormal sensations caused by neuropathy, doctors may prescribe medications such as amitriptyline, gabapentin (Neurontin), pregabalin (Lyrica), or duloxetine (Cymbalta). Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) may be sufficient for some people, while others may require prescription pain medications like tramadol (Ultram) or low-dose opiates for severe pain.
If burning feet are caused by athlete's foot, antifungal medications can cure the infection and relieve symptoms. Over-the-counter options include miconazole (Micatin) and terbinafine (Lamisil AT), while prescription antifungals like fluconazole (Diflucan) and itraconazole (Sporanox) are also available.
If you experience burning feet, consult your healthcare provider to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan. By addressing the root cause and managing symptoms, you can find relief and prevent further nerve damage.
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