Have you noticed a strange burning sensation in your feet? The feeling might be strange and concerning, but it’s not uncommon! Burning foot syndrome can have many different causes and, luckily, solutions. Here is everything you need to know about this condition and how to beat it!
Why You Have It
Foot fatigue or a skin infection might create temporary burning. However, consistent burning is usually due to some type of nerve damage. Damaged nerve fibers can become overactive and misfire, sending pain signals to the brain despite no injury. You may experience tingling or numbness in your feet or legs before you have any burning sensations. The most common causes for burning feet are…
- Excessive alcohol use
- Drug side effects
- Athlete’s foot
- AIDS/HIV
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease
- Diabetic neuropathy
- Chronic kidney disease
- Peripheral artery disease
- Chemotherapy
- Hypothyroidism
- Gastric bypass surgery
- Vitamin deficiency anemia
- Complex regional pain syndrome
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Heavy metal poisoning
Diagnosing Burning Feet
If you’re experiencing burning feet, the first step to overcoming it is contacting your podiatrist for help. From there, they will help figure out the root problem. Nerve damage is easy to diagnose, but you may need additional testing if your case is more complex or severe. Your podiatrist will likely choose one of the following to help diagnose your burning feet:
- Electromyography or EMG
- Nerve conduction study
- Lab test
- Nerve biopsy
Your Treatment Options
The treatment you’ll receive may vary because there are so many causes for burning feet. The goal for those with nerve damage is to stop further damage and prevent it from worsening. If you have a more complicated case of burning feet, the focus should be improving your symptoms. Specific treatments include:
- Getting diabetes under control
- Prescribed medications
- Additional vitamins, like B12
- Limiting alcohol intake
- Dialysis for chronic kidney disease
- Antifungal prescription
- Buying more comfortable shoes
Here at Georgia Podiatry, we believe in providing optimal foot, ankle, and leg care to our clients. Dr. Evan Brody, Dr. Harshil Patel, Dr. Erin Cupolo, and the rest of the staff at our Kennesaw and Austell locations are ready and eager to help treat your feet. Call us at 678-310-0540 to make an appointment today.