Burning feet syndrome is a common condition experienced by many people, especially those over 50 years old, and can have many causes. It is often accompanied by redness and swelling, or may be an indication of diabetic peripheral neuropathy or other medical condition, according to the CIDPUSA Foundation. Burning, painful feet can be brought on by something as simple wearing socks whose fibers irritate your skin or wearing shoes that need a good airing out from having absorbed too much perspiration. Learning about things you can do to protect your feet and eliminating certain causes will help to reduce or eliminate most instances of burning pains in the feet, or at least help you get an some idea of the source of the problem.
Socks
Socks made from artificial fibers, such as polyester, can create allergic reaction or merely be an irritant, causing foot pain and burning. Socks made from natural fibers like wool, cotton or silk tend to be less problematic for most people.
Shoes
Shoes that are too tight may cause painful burning sensations in the feet, especially after standing in them all day, according to the CIDPUSA Foundation. Additionally, shoes whose inner lining has absorbed lots of perspiration can rub on sensitive foot skin and cause irritation.
Diabetes
Diabetic peripheral neuropathies can cause extreme pain and burning sensations, according to ePodiatry.com. Peripheral neuropathies are often one of the early signs of diabetes that helps bring undiagnosed diabetics to the doctor for assessment.
Fungal Infections
Athlete's foot can be the cause of burning sensations in the feet--especially on the sole--according to the CIDPUSA Foundation. The fungus can cause itching between the toes, with white patches on the skin and nails accompanied with pain.
Frostbite
Exposing the feet to extremely cold conditions without the proper foot protection or for a long period of time may cause frostbite. The pain caused by frostbite is often experienced as burning, tingling and stinging in character.
Circulatory Problems
Various circulatory disorders such as erythromelalgia and Raynaud's Phenomena may be responsible for painful burning sensations, including numbness and tingling in the feet, according to ePodiatry.com.
Neurological Disorders
Neurological causes such as nerve entrapment or neuromas (like Morton's neurona where nerves are pinched at the base of the toes) may be the cause of burning pain, according to ePodiatry.com.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption dilates the blood vessels and capillaries of the legs and feet, allowing for an increase in blood flow, points out the CIDPUSA Foundation, which may be felt as burning pain in the feet.
Member Comments