A burning sensation in your feet can stem from several different medical conditions, ranging from complications of diabetes to fungal infections. Relief from the burning may come from pain medications, topical treatments or a change in footwear. Occasional discomfort can most likely be relieved at home; persistent pain and burning should be checked out by a doctor.
Step 1
Fill a basin with warm water and soak your feet if the burning occurs at the end of a long day. Standing, walking or otherwise being active for long periods of time can produce what ePodiatry.com calls "mechanical overload." Resting your tired feet with a foot soak may relieve the burning sensation.
Step 2
Make sure your footwear is not causing the burning you feel. Wear cotton socks that allow your feet to breathe and reduce sweating, which may contribute to the burning pain. Choose sturdy, supportive athletic shoes if you know you will be on your feet for prolonged periods.
Step 3
Have your doctor examine you if your feet tingle or feel numb as well as burn. This could be a sign of peripheral neuropathy, a form of nerve damage that affects diabetics. You may be asked to give a blood sample to test your blood glucose levels to determine if diabetes could be the cause for your burning feet.
Step 4
Use over-the-counter or prescription medications to relieve the pain and burning associated with peripheral neuropathy. NSAID medications such as ibuprofen may be sufficient; topical anesthetics are another option to alleviate the burning.
Step 5
Apply an antifungal cream to your feet, especially in between your toes, if athlete's foot is the source of your burning pain. Athlete's foot is a fungal infection that thrives in moist areas, including sweaty feet. Over-the-counter antifungal treatments may relieve the burning without a prescription from your doctor.
Things You'll Need
- Basin
- Cotton socks
- Sturdy shoes
- Blood test
- Medications
- Antifungal cream
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