People who experience pain and a burning sensation in feet may have suffered nerve damage in their legs, also called neuropathy.
However, some people might repeatedly experience a burning sensation in their feet due to ailments related to the digestive system. In such cases, the affected people should consult a doctor.
There are many factors that may cause a burning sensation in feet; here are a few factors that may cause this condition.
Causes of burning sensation in feet
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Vitamin Deficiency—Vitamins B12 and B6 deficiency is one reason people may be affected by burning feet. People who fail to get sufficient nutrients suffer from a lack of Vitamins B12 and B6. This can lead to strain in the muscles, which can trigger pain and a burning sensation in the soles.
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Thyroid-related Problems—Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid gland that may also cause a burning sensation in your feet. Other health ailments like weight gain, dry skin, or fatigue can accompany it.
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High Blood Sugar Levels—Due to diabetes, the patients can also face numbness, tingling, pain, or weakness in their hands or feet. This is called diabetic neuropathy. These feelings of numbness often start in someone’s toes and feet but can also begin in the fingers and hands. Some people may also have deep pain, aching, or a heavy feeling. Others may have very sweaty or very dry feet from nerve damage.
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Pyelonephritis or Kidney Infection—Pyelonephritis is an infection of one or both kidneys. The cause is a UTI (Urinary tract infection) that has spread in a person’s body. Pyelonephritis can lead to fever, nausea, a burning feeling when urinating, and flank pain and tenderness.
Treatment of burning sensation in feet
It is common to get two or more weeks of antibiotics to heal the infection caused by pyelonephritis and prevent it from returning.
After treatment, urine cultures are used to ensure the infection doesn’t return. A urine culture is basically a lab test that checks for bacteria or other germs in a urine sample.
If it does, two more weeks of medicine are offered, and up to six weeks of medicine may be used in case it happens again.
Tips to soothe burning sensation in feet
Here are few things that may help soothe the burning sensation in the feet.
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Soaking the feet in cool water for at least 15 minutes. This may provide temporary relief
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Raising legs and feet while experiencing burning sensation in the feet
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Avoiding exposing feet to heat
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Take over-the-counter pain medicines (analgesics)
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Apply topical creams and ointments
Further, to ensure that burning sensations in the feet do not complicate our health, we must undertake regular health checkups.
FAQ on Burning Sensation in Feet
What is the cause of burning in feet?
While fatigue or skin infection can cause temporary burning or inflamed feet, burning feet are often a sign of nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy).
How do you treat a burning sensation?
You can manage the burning pain with anti-inflammatory medications, prescription painkillers, or over-the-counter pain relievers. You can also ask the doctor about home remedies that may help treat your condition.
Does drinking water help burning feet?
One must drink plenty of water to ensure proper hydration, which can help alleviate burning sensations in the feet.
What foods are good for burning feet?
Leafy greens, fatty fish, eggs, and beef are good sources of B vitamins. Additionally, your doctor may recommend the vitamin B supplements to relieve burning feet.
Is Walking Good for burning feet?
Exercise such as walking may help heal peripheral neuropathy as it improves blood circulation. Massaging the feet also increases circulation.