Burning feet is a common issue that we get asked about and it is often hard to get to the bottom of and difficult to deal with as it will often not be apparent what is causing the symptoms. The burning feet syndrome is frequently characterised by the sensation of burning and a heavy feeling that occurs within the legs and feet. In the past, it was first described by Grierson in 1826 who had been the first person to report the signs and symptoms of burning feet. An even more comprehensive account was written about by by Gopalan in 1946, so for a while the burning feet syndrome has also been often known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome.
There is normally not any specific cause of burning feet and the cause is often not found. It might be connected with nutritional or endocrine causes such as a vitamin B insufficiency, the painful neuropathy occurring in diabetes, in those with kidney failure especially if on renal dialysis, or with hypothyroidism. The could be a local pinched or irritated nerve problem. Burning feet tend to be more common in people older than 50 years but it could and does come about at all ages. The signs and symptoms are typically characterised by way of burning sensation, a heaviness, a numbness or a boring ache that occurs predominantly in the foot. It tends to follow a ‘sock’ distribution rather than be patchy. In most cases it is just on the bottom of the feet but may ascend to affect the top of the foot, ankles or up the lower legs sometimes. The forearms and palms of the hands are typically not impacted, but when they can be, then this really needs to be investigated further. Sometimes people may possibly report ‘pins and needles’ or tingling kind of discomfort in the feet rather than just the ‘burning’. Normally, the symptoms are usually a whole lot worse during the night and are somewhat improved throughout the day time. They’re also not really made worse with an increased levels of activity or standing which may signal a musculoskeletal condition as opposed to the neural involvement in burning foot syndrome. Evaluation of your feet and legs by a health professional frequently locates no objective signs and symptoms. A range of investigations, especially blood tests are generally often carried out to look for any of the particular problems that might cause the condition.
The therapy for burning feet syndrome will either have specific measures which can be aimed at what’s causing it (eg diabetic neuropathy, pinched nerves, thyroid conditions) and general steps that can be useful in most cases. These common options range from the using of open and comfortable shoes, perhaps those having arch supports, as well as wearing natural cotton socks might possibly be somewhat helpful. Relief from the signs and symptoms may be obtained by immersing the feet in chillier water for around 15 minutes. It’s also vital that you steer clear of exposing the feet to sources of heating. There are pharmacological therapies that include tricyclic antidepressants and other drugs such carbamazepine and gabapentin which can be used in the more significant conditions. You will find side affects associated with these drugs, but they are essential at giving reduction to the symptoms when it’s necessary. Despite having the usage of drugs, the treating of the symptoms could be a tough and some individuals will have to be evaluated by a specialist pain facility and presented strategies to help live with the pain sensation.