Burning Feet
Many people feel a burning sensation in their feet at some point. This uncomfortable feeling can be mild or severe, and it often gets worse at night or after long periods of standing.
Nerve damage often causes burning feet and is linked to conditions like diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, heavy alcohol use, infections, and poor circulation. Certain medications or thyroid problems can also trigger this problem.
Definition of Symptom
A burning sensation in the feet feels like heat, tingling, or pain in one or both feet. People often describe it as strong warmth or a prickling feeling that can be uncomfortable or painful.
This symptom may occur with numbness, which means a loss of normal feeling in the foot. Some may also feel weakness or have trouble moving their feet. Common features that may appear with burning feet:
- Tingling or pins-and-needles
- Numbness
- Swelling
- Foot pain
- Fatigue in the legs or feet
The burning feeling can be mild or severe. Sometimes it becomes worse at night or after walking or standing for a long time. Nerve pain often causes burning feet. This pain might feel sharp, shooting, or electric. Conditions like diabetes, injury, or pinched nerves can lead to this type of pain.
Swelling and changes in skin color or texture can also happen with burning feet, especially if other problems, such as infection or poor blood flow, are present. People may notice other symptoms too, such as redness, itching, or fatigue in their legs and feet.
Possible Causes/Diseases Condition
Several things can cause burning feet. One of the most common is nerve damage in the feet or legs, which can lead to burning, tingling, and numbness. Diabetes often causes nerve damage that starts with burning in the feet, especially at night. Other possible causes include:
- Alcoholic Neuropathy: Long-term alcohol use damages nerves.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins, especially B12, affects nerve health.
- Infections: HIV, Lyme disease, and shingles can cause nerve problems and burning sensations.
- Kidney Disease: Waste buildup in the body harms nerves.
When the posterior tibial nerve gets compressed as it passes through the ankle, tarsal tunnel syndrome can cause pain, tingling, or burning in the sole of the foot. Peripheral artery disease (PAD) reduces blood flow in the legs and feet, causing pain, burning, or numbness, especially after walking.
Athlete’s foot, a fungal skin infection, can make feet burn and itch. Other skin infections or inflammation can also cause this feeling. Below is a table summarizing common causes:
| Cause | Description |
|---|---|
| Peripheral neuropathy | Nerve damage in feet/legs. |
| Diabetes/Diabetic neuropathy | High blood sugar affecting nerves. |
| Alcoholic neuropathy | Nerve damage from alcohol. |
| Nutritional deficiencies | Lack of vitamins, especially B12. |
| Infections (HIV, Lyme, shingles) | Infections impacting nerves. |
| Kidney disease | Toxin buildup affecting nerves. |
| Tarsal tunnel syndrome | Compressed posterior tibial nerve. |
| Peripheral artery disease (PAD) | Poor blood flow causing symptoms. |
| Athlete’s foot | Fungal skin infection. |
Other Non-Disease Causes
Some cases of burning feet do not come from diseases but from other sources like lifestyle choices, environmental factors, or daily habits. Alcohol use can lead to nerve damage over time, which may cause a burning feeling in the feet. People who drink a lot or often may notice this symptom, especially if they also have a poor diet.
Some medications have side effects that include burning or tingling in the feet. This is more common with drugs used for treating infections, cancer, or seizures. Exposure to toxins like heavy metals, insecticides, or chemicals can harm the nerves in the feet. This can happen through work or from being around harmful substances at home.
A lack of B vitamins—especially vitamin B12—can cause nerves to malfunction. People who do not get enough B vitamins in their diet may develop burning sensations in their feet. Wearing shoes that are too tight or standing for long hours can put extra pressure on the feet, leading to discomfort and a burning feeling.
Quick List
- Alcohol use
- Side effects from medications
- Exposure to toxins
- Lack of B vitamins
- Tight shoes or standing for long periods
If people change or avoid these causes, the burning feeling may go away without treatment.
How It Causes the Symptom
When people have burning feet, the nerves in their feet are often affected. Damage or pressure on these nerves can make the feet feel hot, tingly, or painful. Nerve problems, especially peripheral neuropathy, often cause the burning feeling. This happens when nerves are injured or not working well.
Diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, infections, and low thyroid can damage nerves, leading to burning feet. Some medicines can also trigger this symptom. Reduced blood flow to the feet can also cause burning. Peripheral artery disease makes it harder for enough blood to reach the feet, which can cause pain and burning.
Infections such as athlete’s foot can cause redness and burning when the skin gets irritated by a fungus. Wearing tight shoes, standing for a long time, or irritation from exercise can also put stress or pressure on nerves and skin.
Main Causes of Burning Feet
| Cause | How It Triggers the Symptom |
|---|---|
| Nerve Damage (Neuropathy) | Affects feel and function of nerves. |
| Poor Blood Flow | Lacks oxygen and nutrients to tissues. |
| Vitamin Deficiency | Weakens nerve health. |
| Infection or Skin Problems | Irritates or damages the skin. |
| Physical Pressure | Pinches nerves or causes swelling. |
Symptoms may be mild or severe. Some people feel only tingling, while others feel sharp pain or constant burning.
Possible Complications
Untreated burning feet can lead to worsening nerve damage. This may result in poor coordination or even difficulty walking. Some people lose the ability to feel pain or temperature changes in their feet.
Infections become more likely when there is reduced sensation. Small cuts or sores might go unnoticed, leading to ulcers and, in some cases, deeper infections. People with diabetes are at higher risk. Burning feet can signal neuropathy, which may cause serious complications like foot ulcers or, rarely, amputation.
| Complication | Possible Effects |
|---|---|
| Nerve damage | Loss of feeling, weak muscles |
| Ulcers | Painful wounds, risk of infection |
| Infection | Swelling, redness, can spread fast |
Chronic pain is also a concern. The constant burning feeling can affect sleep, mood, and daily activities. Poor blood flow can slow healing and increase the risk of tissue damage. Some people with burning feet may change how they walk to avoid pain. Over time, this can lead to joint or muscle problems in the legs and back.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Burning in the feet can sometimes be managed at home, but sometimes you need professional care. See a healthcare provider if the burning is severe, persistent, or getting worse. Seek medical attention if:
- The burning sensation starts suddenly and you don’t know why.
- You also notice weakness, numbness, swelling, or color changes in the feet.
- Home treatments or lifestyle changes (like changing shoes, resting, or improving foot hygiene) do not help.
- You have a condition like diabetes, which increases the risk of nerve problems.
Visit a podiatrist if the burning makes it hard to do daily activities or walk. A podiatrist can find the cause and suggest the right treatments. Call for emergency care if:
| Situation | Example |
|---|---|
| Severe injury or burn | Direct exposure to fire, chemicals, or electricity. |
| Sudden loss of feeling | Inability to move toes or foot. |
| Signs of infection | Redness, warmth, swelling, pus, or fever. |
Talk to a doctor before starting supplements or making big changes, especially if burning feet happen often. Getting the right advice helps make sure you get the care you need.
