My Feet Burn With Exercise

My Feet Burn With Exercise
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The sensation of burning feet during or after exercise is not uncommon. The cause for the sensation can stem from a variety of factors, including ill-fitting athletic shoes, the types of socks you wear and, more seriously, medical conditions affecting the foot. The important thing is to know how to alleviate this irritable feeling, which can make exercise an unpleasant experience. If you believe you have a medical condition that makes your feet feel like they burn while exercising, speak to your doctor and have your feet examined.

Ventilation

Your athletic shoes could be the cause for your burning feet sensation if they do not allow for proper ventilation. Many athletic shoes feature some type of mesh on the shoe's upper, which enables air to pass through the shoe and cool your foot. If your shoes were not designed with this type of ventilation system, your feet can become hot and sweaty, which can lead to a burning sensation. The moisture that builds up inside the shoe can cause friction between your skin and the fabric of the sock. The burning feeling that stems from this can be accompanied by itching.

Fabrics

Synthetic socks can cause irritation and a burning feeling on your feet. Socks made from synthetic material are often treated with chemical substances. The sweat from your feet can mix and activate these chemicals and result in contact dermatitis. Try to wear socks made from breathable, non-synthetic materials to reduce the risk of developing any type of rash.

Fitting

Your athletic shoes must fit properly when exercising. If you wear shoes that are too tight or lace the shoes too tightly, your feet can become irritated. Wearing a shoe that provides proper arch support is also important. An athletic shoe should fit snugly yet comfortably around your foot and allow for some mobility inside of the shoe.

Metatarsalgia

The orthopedic condition metatarsalgia is marked by inflammation in the ball of your foot. The condition is common among physically active people and can develop after continuous running and jumping. Ill-fitting athletic shoes can also result in metatarsalgia. The best way to treat this generally non-serious condition is by applying ice to the affected area and resting your feet. Also, ensure you wear properly sized athletic shoes that are fitted with shock-absorbing insoles or arch supports.

Neuromas

Neuromas is the sensation of burning between the toes. The burning is caused due to significant movement between the metatarsal bones that connect the toes. The movement can be exacerbated during exercise when you bend your foot at the toes. The nerve endings, known as neuroma, become inflamed, which causes the irritation and burning sensation. You can relieve the burning by applying ice to the affected area and inserting padded insoles that provide support at the joints where the toes meet the foot.

References

Article reviewed by Matt Olberding Last updated on: Jun 6, 2011

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