Do you also experience burning sensation on the soles of your feet? (Burning Feet Syndrome) Let's talk about this

Do you sometimes, especially at night, experience unbearable burning and pain in the soles of your feet, as if they were on fire? No matter how hard you try, you can't sleep with that discomfort? In fact, this condition, which many people experience, is what we simply call 'sore feet'. While this may be very mild for some, it can be so severe that others cannot even perform their daily activities. So, let's talk about it all today.

What are the symptoms that come with this foot inflammation?

Foot pain is not just one symptom. It can also be caused by a number of other conditions. While these can vary from person to person, there are some common symptoms.

Why do we get this burning sensation in our feet?

There are many possible causes for this. It's hard to pinpoint one specific cause. Sometimes it can be a symptom of an underlying medical condition. Let's look at some of the main causes.

1. Nerve Damage

Our body's sensations are carried to the brain through nerves. If these nerves are damaged, incorrect signals start to go to the brain. Problems with these nerves are a major cause of foot pain.

• Peripheral Neuropathy: This is the most common cause. This condition occurs due to damage to the peripheral nerves that run from our spine to our limbs. People with diabetes , especially those who have not been able to control their blood sugar levels for a long time, are at higher risk. High blood sugar levels damage the nerves and the blood vessels that supply them. In addition, this condition can also be caused by certain cancer drugs (chemotherapy), kidney disease, vitamin B deficiency, and excessive alcohol consumption.

• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: Imagine the main nerve that runs through your ankle being trapped in a narrow tunnel. This compression of the nerve can cause inflammation, numbness, and pain in the soles of your feet.

• Morton's Neuroma: This pain can occur due to a thickening of the nerve tissue between the bones at the base of the toes. It is often caused by wearing shoes that are too tight .

2. Endocrine or Metabolic Disorders

• Diabetes Mellitus: As we discussed earlier, both Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, if left uncontrolled, can damage nerves and cause foot inflammation.

• Hypothyroidism: When thyroid hormone levels are low, weight gain, dry skin, and extreme fatigue may occur along with swollen feet.

3. Infections

• Athlete's Foot / Tinea Pedis: This is a fungal infection. This fungus thrives in moist, warm environments, especially inside sweaty socks and shoes. It is characterized by itching, burning, and soreness on the soles of the feet and between the toes.

4. Other reasons

• Ill-fitting shoes: Wearing shoes that are tight and don't fit your feet can cause pressure on the nerves in your feet and cause inflammation.
• Allergies: Your skin may be allergic to certain materials used to make shoes or socks, causing a condition called contact dermatitis, which can cause inflammation.
• Erythromelalgia: This is a very rare condition that causes intense burning, heat, and redness of the skin in the feet and sometimes the hands.

How do you find this, Doctor?

When you go to see a doctor, he will first ask you about your symptoms, the medications you are taking, and your medical history.

1. Physical examination: Your feet will be carefully examined to check for infections, injuries, or other problems. Your reflexes will also be tested.

2. Blood tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check blood sugar levels (blood glucose), nutritional deficiencies such as vitamin B, and hormone levels.

3. Nerve function tests: If there is suspicion of nerve damage, there are special tests to confirm it.

• Electromyography (EMG): This tests the health of the muscles and the nerves that control them.
• Nerve Conduction Velocity Test: This measures the speed at which electrical signals travel along a nerve. This can help determine if there is any nerve damage.

What are the treatments for this?

Treatment depends on the cause of your burning feet. Treating the cause will help control the symptoms.

Things you can do at home

• Soaking your feet in cool water: Soaking your feet in a basin of cool water for about 15 minutes provides temporary relief. But do not use very cold or ice water.
• Keeping your legs elevated: When sitting or lying down, keep your legs elevated like a pillow.
• Treatment for ringworm: If you have ringworm, use antifungal creams as directed by your doctor.
• Painkillers: Take appropriate painkillers only on the advice of your doctor.

Medical treatment

Depending on the cause of your condition, your doctor will prescribe various treatments.

• Diabetes control: If the condition is caused by diabetes, it is essential to control blood sugar levels well with insulin or other medications.
• For vitamin deficiencies: If there are deficiencies such as vitamin B, appropriate supplements will be provided.
• Medications for nerve pain: Your doctor may prescribe special medications (e.g. Gabapentin, Pregabalin) to control nerve pain.
• Other treatments: In some cases, physical therapy, dietary changes, or orthotic devices may be recommended.

Burning feet, burning feet syndrome sinhala, diabetes and burning feet, nerve symptoms, depa dawilla, pethul gini gannawa