Burning feet, medically known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a set of symptoms in which the feet become uncomfortably hot and painful. The burning sensation is usually more intense at night, but does not bother the person much during the day. Symptoms may be mild in some people, while in others they may be more severe. While the causes can include many different factors, it is usually caused by neuropathy. Treatment depends on the underlying causes.
In some people who experience burning sensation in the feet, this can be so severe that it keeps them awake at night and can lead to sleep disturbances. There may also be a tingling sensation or numbness in the feet, or both at the same time. The heat and pain may be limited to the soles of the feet, but may also affect the tops of the feet, ankles and even the lower legs. If such complaints have a sudden onset and persist for a long time, a doctor should be consulted and the underlying cause should be determined.
What is Burning Feet? What are the Symptoms?
It is a syndrome that is seen as a degree of heating and pain in the soles of the feet that makes the person uncomfortable. In some cases, symptoms such as tingling and numbness can be seen in addition to heat and pain. The severity of pain and burning may vary from person to person. Many people experience this condition as hyperesthesia.
Hyperesthesia is a disorder of the skin's ability to feel and perceive stimuli. While intense sensitivity can be experienced in cases of contact with the foot, the symptoms of burning feet can be listed as follows:
- Sensation of heat, burning and pain that increases and intensifies at night
- Numbness in the feet or progressing to the legs
- A sharp sensation of pain
- Feeling of heaviness in the feet
- Dull pain in the feet
- Skin redness or intense heat
- Tingling and numbness
What are the Causes of Burning Feet?
Many different conditions or diseases can be among the causes of burning feet. While the syndrome can often be caused by neuropathy, neuropathy is known as a condition of damage to nerves or nerve cells. People who have had diabetes for a long time or whose blood sugar levels are poorly controlled are at higher risk of developing it.
In addition to this condition, there are also different causes of burning feet problems. Conditions that can cause burning in the feet can be listed as follows:
- Diabetes (Type 1 diabetes and Type 2 diabetes)
- Hypothyroidism
- Chronic renal failure
- Nutritional disorders
- Vitamin B deficiency
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Shoes that are too narrow or ill-fitting
- Allergies
Determining the cause of burning in the feet is important in terms of treatment planning and applying the right treatment.
Why does burning feet occur at night?
The heat and pain that develops in the feet intensifies especially at night. Temporary burning sensation may develop in the feet due to fatigue of the feet during the day or an infection that occurs in the skin. If this situation recurs and is experienced for a long time, some kind of nerve damage may develop.
People who experienceburning feet at night may experience sleep problems and insomnia. In such cases, some methods can be applied to reduce the complaints experienced. These applications are as follows:
- Feet should be kept in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes
- Lying on your back, feet should be lifted up and stay that way for a while
- Pain medication, cream or ointment can be used on doctor's advice
Foot Burn Diagnosis
For the diagnosis of burning feet, there are some tests performed by specialist doctors and examined in laboratory environments. In addition, there is no special application that can evaluate burning sensation or pain. However, experts can determine the underlying cause with some physical examinations and some tests. Diagnostic methods on the syndrome can be listed as follows:
Medical History and Physical Examination
The patient's medical history is obtained in detail and a physical examination is performed. During the examination, the patient's reflexes may be tested and the presence of any wounds or rashes will be checked. The doctor may also ask questions about the patient's past illnesses and medications, as these may also be a factor.
Electromyography (EMG)
Electromyography, also known as EMG, is a test to determine the functionality of muscles and aims to measure the electrical function of muscles during contraction and relaxation. It is performed to determine the underlying cause of the syndrome.
Blood Tests
A blood sample is taken from the patient and blood values are checked. As a result of the test, the person's nutritional deficiency, vitamin deficiency and different disorders are evaluated.
Nerve Function Test
It is a test to assess the functionality of nerves. If a particularly suspicious nerve is present, it is stimulated and its response in the muscle it controls is measured. It is applied to determine whether it is the result of a nerve disorder or a nerve injury to the muscle.
How does burning feet go away?
Treatment of burning feet is done depending on the underlying cause of this condition. Therefore, treatment may vary from person to person. In the syndrome determined to be caused by neuropathy, treatment is applied by preventing nerve damage. In the syndrome caused by conditions such as athlete's foot, treatment can be done with methods such as cream or lotion determined by the specialist.
In some cases, the underlying cause may not be determined. In this case, efforts are made to improve the quality of life of the individual and reduce the complaints experienced. There are some suggestions and methods that can be good for conditions such as burning sensation or pain in the feet. These are as follows:
- Supplements for vitamin B deficiency
- Stopping alcohol consumption and abstaining from alcohol
- Dialysis may be preferred in cases such as chronic renal failure
- In cases such as thyroid hormone deficiency, meet it with external supplements
- Dietary changes and medication for people with diabetes
This type of syndrome is not a serious threat to a person's health. However, if it is severe at night, it can disturb the quality of sleep and cause discomfort. Although there is no diagnosis and diagnostic method applied to evaluate the pain and heat condition, it can be determined which condition is caused by a number of tests performed by specialists. Specialized doctors make the most appropriate treatment plan for the person to reduce and eliminate the complaints experienced as a result of the syndrome.