Sometimes after a session of exercise your feet can feel uncomfortably hot. This condition can occur for numerous reasons, including wearing socks that do not allow your feet to breathe adequately or wearing athletic shoes that are too tight. In more serious cases, red-hot feet after exercise may relate to nerve problems in your feet. Speak to your doctor or healthcare provider if symptoms such as numbness and tingling accompany your red-hot feet after exercise.
Shoes
Improper footwear may also cause red-hot feet after exercise. Feet tend to vary in size over the course of the day and during exercise, according to Jessica Matthews, M.S., so it is best to purchase athletic shoes with plenty of room and lots of ventilation. Also, ensure that the shoe feels comfortable the instant that you put it on, and that the ball of your foot corresponds to the widest part of your athletic shoe. This allows your foot to move comfortably within the shoe during exercise and may reduce the red-hot feeling in your feet.
Athlete's Foot
If your feet feel hot after exercise, it may mean that you have developed a case of athlete's foot. This common infection is caused by the tinea pedis fungus, according to Kevin Berman, Ph.D., and is characterized by a burning sensation in your feet and cracked, red, peeling skin between your toes. Athlete's foot responds well to over-the-counter anti-fungal creams. Use anti-fungal powder on your feet each time you exercise to prevent a recurrence of the infection.
Peripheral Neuropathy
If the sensation of red-hot feet after exercise becomes chronic and does not respond to a change in footwear, this may indicate a more serious nerve problem. Peripheral neuropathy refers to a disorder in the sensory nerves that service the feet. Besides the burning sensation, other symptoms, such as numbness, tingling and pain, will present. Most cases of peripheral neuropathy are caused by underlying health conditions, such as diabetes or nutritional deficiencies, so check with your physician if any of these symptoms apply to you.
Cellulitis
Red-hot feet after exercise may also indicate cellulitis, a skin infection caused by the staphylococcus and streptococcus bacteria. If you have developed cellulitis in your feet, you will experience other symptoms that persist after exercise, including fever, chills, muscle aches and fatigue. Seek medical attention immediately if any of these symptoms apply.
References
- American Council on Exercise: How do I Determine what Sneakers are Best for Me?; Jessica Matthews, M.S.; March 2010
- U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: Athlete's Foot; Kevin Berman, MD, Ph.D.; June 2009
- ePodiatry.com: Peripheral Neuropathy; 2003
- U.S. National Library of Medicine Medline Plus: Cellulitis; Michael Lehrer, MD; April 2009
Member Comments