The feet have 250,000 sweat glands that keep the feet supple and healthy. Overactive sweat glands or excessive sweating can cause irritable foot symptoms, particularly burning feet at night. Generally, lifestyle and hygiene factors play a role when the symptoms of burning feet only emerge at night. Early treatment can relieve symptoms and prevent the development of a serious medical condition -- one that may cause burning feet any time of the day.
Foot Pressure
One of the most typical reasons that feet burn, particularly at night, is pressure applied to the feet during the day. Standing or working on your feet for long hours can impede blood circulation. The burning sensation may not become apparent until removing shoes at the end of the day, when blood flow and circulation improve. Tight, uncomfortable or poorly fitting shoes -- especially high-heeled shoes that force the feet into an unnatural position -- can cause pressure on the feet.
Athlete's Foot
Even comfortable shoes can cause burning feet at night, particularly when wearing shoes without socks. Odor-causing bacteria accumulate in the shoes when the feet become moist from perspiration. Feet perspire more during physical activity, and the warm and moist environment from excess perspiration is a breeding ground for bacteria. Athletes more commonly develop athlete's foot, due to the moist, bacteria-loving environment created from excess sweat. Wearing cotton socks can absorb excess perspiration and may prevent the development of bacterial or fungal infections.
Restless Leg Syndrome
People may just have irritable feet. Others may have a condition called restless leg syndrome. The condition may cause symptoms of creeping or crawling sensations in the legs and feet. Legs and feet may feel restless, warm and uncomfortable. The symptoms appear in the evening or at night when the body is resting. Ironically, patients may experience burning feet as a side effect of the medications that treat the condition, according to patients from the Southern California Restless Leg Syndrome Support Group.
Cellulitis
Different types of bacteria that accumulate in the shoes, bedding and other fabrics can cause the development of a skin infection called cellulitis. Symptoms of cellulitis include warm, red, itchy and painful feet. Cellulitis can become serious if left untreated. According to Dr. Lawrence E. Gibson, professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and regular contributor to MayoClinic.com, cellulitis is not directly contagious, but the germs that cause the condition may spread to another person. Sheets, pillows and other bedding may contain infectious bacteria, particularly at the end of the bed where the feet normally rest. Changing the bedding regularly may reduce chances of experiencing burning feet at night.
Other Causes
Typically, the sensation of burning feet could also be an initial symptom of a developing medical condition. Blood, nerve and circulatory disorders can cause burning feet, and symptoms may occur any time of the day. Gout is a serious medical condition that can cause inflammation of the joints, and symptoms include the sensation of burning feet or toes at night. Some sufferers may wake at night with a sensation that the big toe is on fire. Burning feet can stem from a variety of causes, but when the symptoms only arise at night, a less serious medical condition is usually the culprit.
References
- Southern California RLS Support Group: Home Page
- MayoClinic.com: Cellulitis
- "Complete Guide to Symptoms, Illness & Surgery, 5th Edition"; H. Winter Griffith, M.D.; 2006
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