Feet can really cause trouble — burning feet at night often keeps patients from sleeping, and athletes and expectant mothers complain of it too. Besides restless legs syndrome and increased physical strain, burning feet can also indicate serious health complications.
Burning feet while walking and during sports
Burning in the feet and hands can be a sign of physical overload. If your feet burn while walking or during sports, the discomfort may be caused by pressure from unsuitable shoes and non-breathable socks. Friction inside the shoe generates heat that has nowhere to escape, so the foot overheats. Ill-fitting shoes can also lead to Achilles tendon problems, flat feet, overloaded ligaments and tendons, and the development of a heel spur.
How can you fight burning feet caused by physical exertion? Cool your feet with cold water or ice wrapped in a cloth for about 20 minutes. Stretch your limbs before and after sports, including your calves and glutes. Quality shoes with a suitable insole that fit perfectly are also essential. Stretching the tendons and muscles of the foot by walking barefoot on stones, grass, and other uneven surfaces also helps.
Restless legs syndrome
Itching and burning feet at night often appears as a symptom of restless legs syndrome. This mainly troubles people at night and while falling asleep, when the patient feels twitching in the lower limbs. The condition is related to genetic predispositions and is not dangerous in itself. However, it can point to more serious health problems — vitamin B deficiency, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, lipid metabolism disorders, and others.
Diabetic foot initially shows up as tingling and burning
Burning and tingling in the foot can also indicate the initial stage of diabetic foot syndrome. If you are troubled by the problems described and also suffer from diabetes, be sure to see a doctor and tell them about your condition. Insufficient blood supply to the foot can result in a very complicated condition, and in the worst case, even amputation.
Patients with diabetes should go for regular walks and engage in sports where possible, for example cycling. Foot care and pedicures are also important, as they prevent small cracks and injuries, which can be dangerous for a diabetic due to the risk of infection.
Burning feet and neurological problems
Burning feet in the evening with no obvious cause can be related to nerve compression or a nerve disorder. Neuropathy of the limbs arises from a disorder of the peripheral nerves and manifests as unprovoked pain and burning. For this health condition, doctors recommend alternating warm and cold foot baths and regular rehabilitation.
Burning feet and palms
If you feel burning in your palms and soles, see a neurologist. Sensory changes at the ends of the limbs can signal a herniated disc pressing on a nerve. Also consider a possible allergy — a burning sensation in the limbs can be caused by external contact with an irritating substance.
Burning feet during pregnancy
Expectant mothers experience burning feet quite often. This is mainly caused by nerve compression and swelling of the feet, although the health complications mentioned above cannot be ruled out either. When you have a check-up, discuss your discomfort with your GP or gynecologist, who may issue a referral for a specialized examination if needed.
Burning feet due to skin disease
Feet can also burn due to a fungal infection. Microorganisms living on human skin cause redness, itching, and peeling. In later stages, cracks and small wounds appear on the skin. Treatment is done using over-the-counter medications — creams, ointments, and solutions. Relief is felt after the very first application, and the treatment itself is not complicated — for example, Exoderil only needs to be applied once a day.
Bad shoes, or a sign of more serious complications
Burning feet should not be underestimated. It can be a sign of unsuitable footwear or flat feet, but also of health complications related to diabetes, or nerve compression from a herniated disc. If your problems persist over the long term, see your GP, who will recommend further examination.
Source: silnezdravi.cz
