Burning sensations in the feet are not an unusual problem. There are many possible causes for burning feet sensations, with the most common being neuropathy. Patients with chronic feelings of burning feet have a condition known as “burning feet syndrome”, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome. It usually creates a painful, hot feeling on the bottom of the feet, though it can affect the top of the feet, ankles, and lets as well. The burning sensation can come and go as the day goes on. Many patients experience the most intense burning at night.

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Identifying the Causes of Burning Foot Pain

Burning pain on the bottom of the foot can be caused by many different conditions. Your treatment plan will depend on the specific cause of your discomfort.

Causes of burning foot pain include:

  • Neuropathy – This is the most common cause of burning foot pain. If the nerves in your feet or legs are damaged, they can start creating a painful burning sensation to let you know that something is wrong.
  • Diabetes – This is one of the most common causes of neuropathy in the legs. High levels of glucose can damage the nerves in the legs and feet, resulting in a burning sensation. Drinking excessive alcohol when you have diabetes has a high risk of causing neuropathy.
  • Morton’s Neuroma– The tissues that cover nerve endings can sometimes become overgrown. This is called Morton’s neuroma. Like other forms of nerve damage, this can cause a burning sensation.
  • Athlete’s Foot – This is a fungal infection that develops in warm, damp areas. Athlete’s foot can create burning, stinging, and itching sensations between the toes and on the soles of the feet.
  • Allergies – Your skin could have an allergic reaction to the materials in your socks or other footwear.

Stress-Related Foot Pain: Understanding the Connection

Stress and anxiety in the body release stress hormones and cause reduced immune function. These side effects to stress can lead to symptoms throughout the human body, including your feet. When the body is stressed out, it may pump more blood to vital organs, leaving less blood for the feet and ankles. This can often result in tingling or pain in the feet, especially following an anxiety attack.

Frequently Asked Questions

How quickly can I expect to feel relief from burning foot pain once I start treatment at Newbury in Thousand Oaks?

The timeline for experiencing relief from burning foot pain varies significantly depending on the underlying cause, the severity of your condition, and the specific treatments implemented at Performance Foot and Ankle. Some patients may experience noticeable improvement within a few weeks of starting conservative treatments like medication, orthotics, or physical therapy. However, for more complex conditions or those involving significant nerve damage, it may take several months to achieve substantial pain reduction. We prioritize open communication and will provide you with realistic expectations based on your individual diagnosis and treatment plan. Regular follow-up appointments will allow us to monitor your progress and adjust your treatment as needed to optimize your comfort and recovery.

What are the potential long-term complications of untreated burning foot pain, and how can Newbury help prevent them?

Ignoring burning foot pain can lead to various long-term complications, including chronic pain, difficulty walking, muscle weakness, balance issues, and an increased risk of falls. If the underlying cause is nerve damage (neuropathy), untreated conditions can worsen over time, potentially leading to permanent nerve damage and loss of sensation. In individuals with diabetes, untreated foot pain can also increase the risk of developing foot ulcers and infections, which can have severe consequences. At Performance Foot and Ankle in Thousand Oaks, our comprehensive approach to diagnosis and treatment aims to address the root cause of your pain and prevent these long-term complications. Through personalized treatment plans, regular monitoring, and patient education, we empower you to take proactive steps in maintaining your foot health and preventing the progression of underlying conditions.

Comprehensive Treatment Strategies

If your burning feet is caused by nerve damage, then the first order of business is to numb the nerves or stop the damage being done to them. Burning pain at the bottom of the feet is usually a symptom of an underlying medical condition, so the goal of care is to help patient’s manage the symptoms while treating the source of the problem. Medications can often help reduce burning foot sensations.

At Performance Foot and Ankle, we will search for the cause of your burning foot condition and apply the most direct treatment possible while helping you manage the symptoms. Our podiatrists are all board certified or board qualified, and we are dedicated to providing every patient with optimal care.