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What is burning feet syndrome? -

Burning feet syndrome, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, manifests through a painful burning sensation in the feet. This can be caused by a number of medical conditions.

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What causes burning feet syndrome? -

The most common cause of burning feet syndrome is neuropathy (nerve damage in the legs). The damaged nerves misfire and send pain signals to the brain despite the absence of a wound.

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How does it feel? -

Damage from neuropathy can initially lead to tingling and numbness in the legs and then the feet, which then become overly sensitive to touch. Now, let’s take a look at some of the possible causes.

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Diabetic neuropathy -

Diabetic neuropathy occurs when there is nerve damage caused by high blood sugar levels. People with diabetes can develop peripheral neuropathy, which causes a burning feet sensation.

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Alcoholic neuropathy -

Alcoholic neuropathy is caused by alcohol use disorder. Peripheral nerves are commonly affected in people who abuse alcohol.

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Peripheral artery disease -

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) narrows the arteries, which affects the amount of oxygen-rich blood reaching the nerves. Severe PAD can lead to ischemic rest pain, which causes a burning sensation in the soles of the feet.

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Athlete's foot -

This common fungal infection can also lead to a burning sensation in the feet. Other symptoms include itching and stinging sensations.

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Hypothyroidism -

Those with an untreated underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism, can also develop peripheral neuropathy and consequently, experience a burning sensation in the feet.

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Nutritional deficiencies -

Poor nutrition, particularly vitamin B12 deficiency, can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more common among elderly people, those with autoimmune diseases, and people who follow vegetarian diets.

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Other health conditions that can lead to burning feet -

There are many other health conditions that can cause burning feet. Examples include: multiple sclerosis, Morton’s neuroma, mental disorders, erythromelalgia, Gitelman syndrome, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, tarsal tunnel syndrome, complex regional pain syndrome, kidney disease, contact dermatitis, allergies, chronic mountain sickness, and leishmaniasis.

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Drugs that can cause burning feet -

In addition to medical conditions, there are also a few medications that can cause peripheral neuropathy and consequently, burning feet. One example are the cholesterol-lowering drugs known as statins.

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Medications that can cause burning feet: amiodarone -

Amiodarone, which is a medication used for treating and preventing arrhythmias, can also lead to nerve damage.

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Medications that can cause burning feet: chemotherapy -

Chemotherapy is commonly used in the treatment of cancer. Some of the drugs used in chemo can cause peripheral neuropathy.

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Medications that can cause burning feet: antibiotics -

While not all antibiotics will lead to burning feet, some may. This is the case of some used in the treatment of tuberculosis, such as isoniazid, linezolid, and metronidazole.

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Medications that can cause burning feet: immunosuppressant drugs -

Meds used to treat autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, among others, can also cause nerve damage. Examples include etanercept, infliximab, and adalimumab.

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Medications that can cause burning feet: HIV drugs -

Nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs) have been linked to peripheral neuropathy. Some of these meds include zalcitabine, stavudine, didanosine, and lamivudine.

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Medications that can cause burning feet -

Other drugs that can lead to peripheral neuropathy include the Parkinson’s drug levodopa/carbidopa, the fungal treatment drug azoles, and the diabetes drug metformin.

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Other causes of burning feet -

Excessive amounts of vitamin B6 can lead to peripheral neuropathy. Hormone changes during pregnancy can also lead to a burning foot sensation, especially at night.

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Diagnosis: EMG -

When the cause is not obvious (e.g. diabetes), additional tests are often prescribed. One is an electromyography (EMG). This exam tests the electrical activity inside the muscles.

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Diagnosis: NCS -

A nerve conduction study (NCS) may also be prescribed. An NCS tests the nerve and muscle response to stimuli, using electrode patches.

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Diagnosis: lab tests -

Blood work as well as urine are also often prescribed to check for vitamin levels, and glucose levels, among others. 

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Diagnosis: biopsy -

In rare instances, a nerve biopsy may be conducted to assess the damage and obtain more information under the microscope.

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Treatment -

Treatment of burning feet syndrome will very much depend on the cause. If the cause is neuropathy, then the underlying cause needs to be identified and addressed.

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Treatment -

For example, those with vitamin B12 deficiency can take supplements or make dietary changes. Alternative drugs for those who suffer from certain diseases can also be considered.

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Burning feet pain treatments -

Pain medication may be needed to control the symptoms. In this case, painkillers and other drugs may be prescribed.

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Meds -

These include amitriptyline, carbamazepine, desipramine, duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin, topiramate, and venlafaxine.

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Painkillers -

Other pain-relieving drugs may be used, from over-the-counter medicines to prescription opiates.

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Topical treatments -

Creams and patches can also be used to ease the discomfort and pain. Those with lidocaine or capsaicin can help manage the symptoms.

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Home treatment -

There are some things you can do at home if you suffer from burning feet syndrome. One of them is to soak your feet to cool them down. One way to do this is by soaking them in cool water for 15 minutes.

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What to wear -

Wearing cotton socks can help keep your feet at a comfortable temperature. So will comfortable footwear.

Sources: (WebMD) (Cleveland Clinic)

See also: Steps we should take to maintain healthy feet

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