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Relief from Burning Sensation in Feet: Causes, Diagnosis, and Effective Treatments

By on October 20, 2022

How To Reduce Burning Sensation in Feet

Burning sensation in the feet is a common condition that some people experience as a result of an isolated condition or indicative of an underlying condition. Burning sensation in feet can be painful and uncomfortably hot. This condition affects the ankles, top of the feet, lower leg, and the soles of the feet. The most common and indicative symptoms include tingling, prickling, or hot sensation in the feet.

How To Reduce Burning Sensation in Feet

How To Reduce Burning Sensation in Feet

Causes of Burning Feet

The causes of burning sensation in feet can be plenty. In most cases, neuropathy is the primary reason for burning sensation. Nerve fibers that are damaged tend to misfire and be overactive. These damaged nerves will send signal to the brain even if there is no wound. In neuropathy, the leg nerves get damaged first directly resulting in above mentioned symptoms in the feet.

Causes of Burning Feet

Causes of Burning Feet

Some of the other conditions that could be the causes of burning sensation in feet are:
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Kidney diseases like uremia
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Erythromelalgia
  • Vasculitis
  • Lyme disease
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Vitamin Deficiency
  • Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy
  • Metal poisoning like lead, arsenic, and mercury
  • Gastric bypass surgery
  • Gullian-Barre Syndrome
  • Sarcoidosis
  • Side effects of drugs like HIV medicines, metformin, chemotherapy, amiodarone, Vitamin B6 overdose, isoniazid and several others
  • Peripheral artery disease
  • Athlete’s foot

How to Diagnose Burning Sensation in Feet

Diagnosis of burning sensation in feet begins first by determining the root cause behind it. If the cause is neuropathy, then the diagnosis is straightforward. However, in those having severe symptoms and no explainable cause, a further detailed diagnosis is required.

How to Diagnose Burning Sensation in Feet

How to Diagnose Burning Sensation in Feet

1} Nerve Condition Study:-

This diagnostic test will interpret the ability of the nerves to transmit impulses. It is performed by stimulating nerves, and the response in the muscle is measured.

2} Electromyography:-

This is a test performed by checking the electrical activity inside the muscles. A needle will be inserted inside the muscle or a probe will be placed on the skin to perform this test.

3} Lab tests:-

Certain blood tests like urine, blood, spinal fluid may be recommended to diagnose burning sensation in the feet. Vitamin B levels are also checked to determine the underlying reason.

 

Treatment for Burning Sensation in Feet

Treatment for burning sensation in feet completely depends upon the cause. For burning feet due to neuropathy, the main focus will be to stop nerve damage. Those suffering from diabetic neuropathy, treatment to keep blood sugar levels in control will be recommended. For those suffering from burning sensation due to other underlying cause, the following treatment options will be recommended.

Chronic kidney diseases:

In kidney diseases, dialysis may be necessary to remove the toxins and treat burning sensation symptoms.

Hypothyroidism:

Thyroid supplements will be prescribed to bring thyroid levels in control and treat the burning sensation in feet symptoms.

Vitamin deficiency:

Vitamin supplements by injection or orally will be advise to replace the lost nutrients and treat the symptoms.

Some of the other commonly prescribed over the counter medications include

  • Gabapentin
  • Amitriptyline
  • Topiramate
  • Duloxetine
  • Pregabalin
  • Advil
  • Tylenol
  • Desipramine

For burning feet caused due to athlete’s foot, some antifungal medicines like terbinafine, or miconazole is prescribed to cure the fungal infection and relive the burning sensation symptoms.

Conclusion

Burning sensation in feet can range from mild to severe symptoms. Hence, it is important to pay attention to the symptoms, diagnose, and treat it in time. If you overlook the symptoms, it can become severe and the pain can be untolerable. Reach out to your doctor as soon as you start experiencing the symptoms.

References:

https://www.medicoverhospitals.in/articles/7-possible-causes-of-burning-sensation-in-feet

https://www.healthline.com/health/burning-in-feet#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/burning-feet-causes-treatments

 

Yaamini Radhakrishnan
Yaamini Radhakrishnan:I am a clinic research professional, graduate in biotechnology and post graduate in biochemistry. Have also pursued freelance writing since the past 5 years I am married and have a daughter. I am a native and reside at Bangalore.
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