What Causes Burning Feet?
July 15, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Burning feet, also known as “burning foot syndrome” or “burning feet syndrome,” can be caused by various factors. Here are some common causes:
- Neuropathy: Peripheral neuropathy is a condition that affects the nerves in the feet and hands. It can cause a range of symptoms, including burning or tingling sensations. Diabetes is a common cause of neuropathy, but it can also result from other conditions, such as vitamin deficiencies, alcoholism, infections, or certain medications.
- Nerve compression: Nerves in the feet can become compressed or trapped, leading to burning sensations. Conditions like Morton’s neuroma (thickening of tissue around a nerve between the toes) or tarsal tunnel syndrome (compression of the posterior tibial nerve) can cause burning feet.
- Poor circulation: Reduced blood flow to the feet can result in burning sensations. Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), which involves narrowing of the arteries, or Raynaud’s disease, which affects the blood vessels and causes them to narrow, can lead to poor circulation and burning feet.
- Athlete’s foot: Fungal infections, such as athlete’s foot, can cause itching, redness, and a burning sensation in the feet. This condition often affects the skin between the toes and can be transmitted in damp environments like communal showers or pools.
- Certain medications: Some medications, such as certain antibiotics, chemotherapy drugs, or antiretroviral drugs used to treat HIV, may have peripheral neuropathy as a side effect, leading to burning feet.
- Other causes: There are additional potential causes of burning feet, including vitamin deficiencies (e.g., vitamin B12), excessive alcohol consumption, hypothyroidism, kidney dysfunction, or certain autoimmune diseases.
If you are experiencing persistent or severe symptoms of burning feet, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment. They can evaluate your symptoms, perform necessary tests, and recommend a suitable course of action.