Burning feet: main causes and how to treat

Burning feet is a painful sensation that usually happens due to damage to the nerves in the legs and feet, usually due to situations such as diabetic neuropathy, alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies, infections or injuries that affect the spine or the pathways of the nerves, for example.

However, many people may experience a burning sensation or heat in their feet for several other reasons, from changes in blood circulation, excessive use of the feet, especially with inappropriate shoes, hormonal changes, skin lesions or due to injuries to ligaments and muscles. region, as in plantar fasciitis, for example.

Due to these several causes, when the burning sensation in the feet appears, it is necessary to consult with the general practitioner or family doctor so that the first assessments are made and, thus, the changes are identified. To alleviate this sensation, it is necessary to make the treatment indicated by the doctor, according to its cause, which may include the control of glycemia in diabetes, wear comfortable or adapted shoes and perform exercises indicated by the physiotherapist.

What can it be

Some changes in the body can contribute to the appearance of foot burns, such as skin lesions caused by dermatitis, allergies or fungal infections or even situations such as hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle and other endocrine problems that cause an increase in body temperature., for example. However, the most common causes of foot burns are:

1. Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is a condition that arises as a result of decompensated diabetes mellitus and is characterized by progressive degeneration of nerves, with decreased sensitivity in various parts of the body, especially in the feet and other extremities, such as the hands. This type of complication is more common in people who do not adequately treat diabetes, with constant high blood glucose levels. See how to identify diabetic neuropathy.

In addition to people with uncontrolled diabetes, neuropathy can also occur due to other situations, such as chronic alcoholism, nutritional deficiencies, such as lack of vitamin B12, neurological diseases, tumors or intoxication by drugs or heavy metals.

2. Plantar fasciitis

Plantar fasciitis is inflammation of the fascia, a fibrous tissue located on the sole of the foot that extends from the heel to the toes, and causes symptoms such as pain in the sole of the foot, a burning sensation and discomfort when walking and running. This situation usually happens more often in people who are overweight, who practice high-impact activities, such as long-distance running, or who wear high-heeled shoes for a long time. Learn about other causes of plantar fasciitis.

3. Circulatory changes

Venous or arterial insufficiency, also known as poor circulation, make the blood unable to circulate properly in the lower limbs, which causes the appearance of varicose veins, swelling in the legs and a burning sensation, pain or weight, depending on the location and vessel affected blood.

4. Changes in the feet

During the day the feet can be overloaded by situations such as intense physical exercises, use of inappropriate shoes or by changes in bones and muscles, such as flat feet or changes in the step, for example, which can cause pain and burning, especially at the end of the day. day.

5. Infections

Infections with herpes virus, herpes zoster, cytomegalovirus, HIV and Guillain-Barré syndrome, for example, can also lead to inflammation of the body's peripheral nerves, causing pain, tingling and burning in the affected region, which can include the feet.

How to treat

To relieve the burning in the feet, it is necessary to carry out the treatment according to its cause, indicated by the doctor. Some options include glycemic control, with the use of insulin and other anti-diabetic drugs, in case the burning of the feet is caused by diabetes mellitus.

In some cases of peripheral neuropathy, the use of medications, such as Amitriptyline, Gabapentin or Carbamazepine, for example, may also be indicated, requiring follow-up with the neurologist for guidance on doses, exercises, physiotherapy, weight loss and adoption of health habits. healthy lives that help nerve regeneration and symptom improvement.

Resting your feet, keeping your legs elevated or wearing elastic stockings can be good alternatives for those who suffer from poor circulation in the veins. When arteries are affected, the use of drugs, such as AAS, is indicated. Follow-up with the angiologist is necessary, as in some cases surgery may be necessary.

In the case of changes in the feet or in the way of stepping, correction of the type of shoes or use of insoles may be indicated, which can help to reduce the overload to the muscles and bones of the region. Physiotherapy is also recommended, mainly as a way to relieve deformities and correct posture. Check out more guidelines and homemade techniques to treat pain in the soles of your feet.