There are several factors that may be responsible for burning feet. These factors may range from fungal foot infections to more chronic conditions like diabetes and peripheral neuropathy. Nutritional deficiencies are also responsible for burning feet. Though burning feet can occur at any time during the day, it is more pronounced at night and is more frequently observed among the elderly population.
The treatment of burning feet depends primarily on the underlying cause of the condition. Often simple home remedies and change in footwear might help in management of burning feet, on other occasions a complete dietary alteration and medical evaluation may be required.
Cause Of Burning Feet At Night
- Fungal infection also referred to as athlete foot is one of the most common reasons for burning feet. Fungal infection may result in irritation of the skin and is more pronounced in humid climatic conditions. Changing footwear and keeping the area clean and dry are adequate to treat the condition
- Excessive consumption of alcohol is also closely related to burning feet at night.Though dietary deficiencies play a crucial role in burning feet at night, specific deficiency of Vitamin B12 is strongly associated with burning sensation. Vitamin B12 is required for proper functioning of the nerves. Occasionally Vitamin B6 and Thiamine deficiency may also result in burning in the feet
- Some studies have indicated that low platelet count or infectious disease conditions like leishmaniasis or scabies can also result in burning in the feet.
- Hormonal imbalance including thyroid disorders and adrenal disorders may also be responsible for burning feet at night.
- Peripheral neuropathy either due to damage of the nerves or due to infectious condition is a more serious cause of burning in the feet. This is often observed among patients with diabetes.
Treatment For Burning Sensation In Feet
- Correcting nutritional deficiencies plays a crucial role in the management of this condition. Include nutritional supplements in your diet or increase the intake of low fat dairy products like milk, yoghurt, low fat cheese and butter. Vitamin B12 deficiency is more pronounced among vegetarian diet and less frequently observed in a non vegetarian diet
- Often changing footwear can be beneficial in the management of burning feet at night
- Include herbs like cinnamon, cardamom, saffron, etc in your regular diet. These foods help regulate blood sugar levels and in turn prevent nerve irritation and reduce the frequency of burning pain in feet.
- Magnet Therapy has been effective in the management of burning feet problem. Massaging the feet also improves blood circulation and helps reduce localized nerve irritation.
- In some cases which are attributed to nerve entrapment or nerve damage, surgical intervention is essential. Surgical intervention helps reduce the strain/compression of the nerve, which may be responsible for the burning and painful sensation in the feet.
- Homeopathic drugs like Arsenic Alb and Apis Mel taking in low potency can be beneficial in alleviating the burning in the feet. However it is essential to identify the underlying cause for the problem prior to using homeopathic drugs.