Did you know that up to 50% of people with diabetes may develop nerve damage that can lead to a burning sensation in their feet1? This is a shocking fact that shows how common burning feet syndrome is. It can really affect our daily lives as we get older. There are many reasons why this happens, from nerve damage to vitamin shortages.
In this article, we’ll look at the 10 main reasons for burning feet as we age. We’ll give you the info you need to understand and handle this issue. By finding out what’s causing it, we can find ways to treat and ease this common problem.
Key Takeaways
- Burning feet can be a sign of nerve damage, often caused by conditions like diabetes, poor circulation, or vitamin deficiencies.
- Up to 50% of people with diabetes may develop nerve damage leading to burning feet sensations1.
- Certain medications, such as chemotherapy drugs, can also trigger peripheral neuropathy and burning feet1.
- Lifestyle factors like heavy alcohol use and nutritional deficiencies can contribute to the development of burning feet.
- Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective treatment and management of burning feet syndrome.
Understanding Burning Feet Syndrome
Burning feet syndrome, also known as the Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, causes intense heat or burning in the feet. This discomfort is often worse at night. It can also lead to numbness, sharp or stabbing pain, a dull ache, skin redness, or a pins-and-needles feeling in the feet2.
What is Burning Feet Syndrome?
Burning feet syndrome is often linked to nerve damage or neuropathy. The exact cause is not fully understood. But it can be related to diabetes, alcoholism, kidney disease, vitamin deficiencies, and certain medications or medical treatments2.
Why is it Worse at Night?
Burning feet syndrome is more pronounced at night. This is due to a few factors2. With fewer distractions and more stress at night, the brain focuses more on the discomfort2. Cooler evening temperatures can also play a role, as damaged nerves may misinterpret cooler air as burning pain2. The slowed heart rate and poorer circulation at night may also make the pain worse2.
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Diabetic Neuropathy | Nerve damage due to diabetes is a common cause of burning feet, affecting many individuals with neuropathy2. |
| Alcohol Use Disorder | Alcohol abuse can lead to nerve damage resulting in burning feet, showcasing a concerning link between alcoholism and this condition2. |
| Kidney Disease | Kidney disease contributes to peripheral neuropathy and the sensation of burning feet, emphasizing the impact of organ health on foot discomfort2. |
| Vitamin Deficiency and Anemia | Vitamin deficiency and anemia over prolonged periods can lead to pain and burning sensation in the feet, highlighting the importance of proper nutrition2. |
| Athlete’s Foot | Athlete’s foot, a fungal infection, can cause a burning sensation in the feet, indicating the prevalence of this condition as a cause for discomfort2. |
| Chemotherapy | Chemotherapy often results in peripheral neuropathy, commonly leading to burning feet as a side effect of cancer treatment2. |
| Bariatric Surgery | Bariatric surgery may cause a burning sensation in the feet due to vitamin B malabsorption after gastric bypass, affecting individuals post-surgery2. |
| Charcot Marie Tooth Disease | Charcot Marie Tooth Disease, a genetic disorder affecting sensory nerve fibers, is a cause of the burning sensation in the feet, showing a specific correlation with this condition2. |
| HIV/AIDS | HIV/AIDS and certain medications used in its treatment can cause peripheral neuropathy leading to burning feet, illustrating a potential side effect of the disease and its management2. |
| Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) | Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), with unclear causes, can result in severe pain and burning feet as a symptom, indicating a complex condition associated with foot discomfort2. |
| Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome | Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, caused by nerve compression in the feet, can lead to a burning sensation, highlighting nerve-related issues as a significant cause of foot burning2. |
Diagnostic tests for burning feet may include electromyography, nerve conduction tests, and nerve biopsy in cases where the causative factors are unclear, demonstrating the range of diagnostic procedures for this condition2. Treatment of burning feet focuses on stopping nerve damage progression, with interventions such as controlling blood sugar for diabetic neuropathy and addressing underlying diseases or symptoms to control the burning sensation, showcasing a multifaceted approach to managing foot discomfort2. Home remedies for burning feet include soaking feet in cold water or Epsom salt solutions, emphasizing the importance of self-care and non-pharmacological methods in alleviating foot burning sensations2.
“Up to 61% of Australians affected by diabetes have neuropathy to some extent.”3
Morton’s Neuroma most often presents between the second and third, or the third and fourth toes3. Medical literature describes various other causes of burning feet, including vitamin deficiencies (particularly riboflavin and vitamin B12), alcoholism, renal failure, hypothyroidism, chronic regional pain syndrome, hereditary disorders like Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease, and idiopathic cases with unknown causes3.
In summary, understanding the underlying causes and mechanisms behind burning feet syndrome is crucial for effective management and relief of this discomforting condition. By addressing the root causes, healthcare professionals can develop personalized treatment plans to address the burning sensations and improve the overall quality of life for individuals affected by this syndrome.
10 Common Causes of Burning Sensation in the Feet as You Age
Diabetic Neuropathy
Diabetic neuropathy is a common cause of burning feet. It happens when high blood sugar levels damage nerves. This is often seen in people with diabetes4.
About 30% of people with diabetes experience nerve damage. This can lead to foot dragging. Diabetes can also damage blood vessels and nerves, causing numbness, tingling, and burning in the feet and legs. Keeping blood sugar levels under control is key to preventing or slowing this nerve damage.
Alcohol Use Disorder
Long-term alcohol use can cause nerve damage, known as alcoholic neuropathy. This can lead to burning sensations in the feet5. Vitamin B1 deficiency is common in those who drink too much alcohol, and5 vitamin B6 issues can also cause nerve problems.
The exact reasons for nerve damage are not fully known. But, oxidative stress and immune cell activation in the spinal cord might play a role. Symptoms include numbness, balance issues, pins and needles, and burning foot pain.
Proper management of blood sugar levels and reducing alcohol consumption are crucial steps in addressing the underlying causes of burning feet.
“Burning feet can be a debilitating condition, but understanding the common causes and taking appropriate action can provide relief and improve quality of life.”
Conclusion
Burning feet can be caused by many things, like nerve damage or peripheral neuropathy6. Conditions like diabetes, alcohol use, and vitamin deficiencies can also cause these symptoms6. Finding out why is key to treating it right.
7 Foot problems, like burning feet, are common in older adults7. About 24% of them face frequent pain in their feet7. This number goes up to 95% in very frail seniors7. These issues can make it hard to balance and move, and even increase the risk of falls.
If you have burning foot pain that won’t go away, see a doctor6. They can figure out what’s causing it and suggest the best treatment. This could be fixing a vitamin deficiency, managing diabetes, or something else. By tackling the real issue, we can help you feel better and live a healthier life.
FAQ
What is burning feet syndrome?
Why is burning feet syndrome often worse at night?
What are the common causes of burning sensation in the feet as we age?
How does diabetic neuropathy cause burning feet?
How can alcohol use lead to burning feet?
Source Links
- What Causes Burning Feet at Night? – https://www.verywellhealth.com/burning-feet-5214915
- Burning Sensation in Feet – Causes, Diagnosis, and Effective Treatment – https://kauveryhospital.com/blog/neurology/i-have-a-burning-sensation-on-my-feet-why-are-my-feet-on-fire/
- What Causes Burning Feet? – My FootDr – https://www.myfootdr.com.au/2020/10/what-causes-burning-feet/
- What Your Feet Say About Your Health – https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/ss/slideshow-what-your-feet-say
- Why Do My Feet Get Hot at Night? | Sleep Foundation – https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-faqs/why-are-my-feet-hot-at-night
- 20031218makkar.qxd – https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/a9867294-c8fc-4586-9301-fed416d14cba/attachment.aspx
- Foot Problems in Older Adults: Associations with Incident Falls, Frailty Syndrome, and Sensor-Derived Gait, Balance, and Physical Activity Measures – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6647839/