Introduction:
Burning feet, a common complaint among grandparents and parents, should not be neglected. While it may appear harmless, it could be the result of an underlying medical issue. It’s known as burning foot syndrome or Gierson-Gopalan Syndrome.
Although it is a frequent problem, it has hitherto gotten little medical attention. It is characterized by heaviness and burning sensations in the legs and can be caused by a variety of unrelated medical issues. The heat and agony felt may not be limited to the soles of the feet, but may also affect the tops of the feet, ankles, and even the lower thigh.
What Causes Burning Feet?
A variety of conditions can cause burning foot syndrome, including:
Nutritional causes: Burning foot syndrome can be caused by a lack of B complex vitamins, including riboflavin. It may also result from insufficient nutrient absorption, as shown in malabsorption syndrome.
People with certain metabolic illnesses, such as diabetes, may suffer burning feet as a result of nerve damage in the foot region. It is also seen in persons suffering from thyroid problems such as hypothyroidism, which is characterized by decreased thyroid hormone production.
Hereditary causes: Burning feet syndrome can run in families due to its hereditary origin. As a result, if someone in your family has this condition, you are more likely to have it yourself.
Mechanical causes: Burning feet can be caused by nerve compression or entrapment between muscles, bones, or other structures. It is seen in disorders such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, sciatic mononeuropathy, and spinal arteriovenous malformation.
Psychological causes: People with psychological illnesses were reported to have burning feet.
Other causes: Other, less common causes of burning feet include erythromelalgia (episodic heat and pain in various body parts), Leishmaniasis (parasitic infestation of the body), chronic mountain sickness (in high-altitude residents), multiple sclerosis (damage to nerve coverings by our own body), and Geitelman syndrome (kidney disorders caused by electrolyte imbalance). It is also seen in people with persistent alcoholism and those who have been on dialysis for a long time.
Idiopathic: When the cause of why your feet are on fire cannot be determined despite many studies, it is said to be idiopathic in nature, which means it is caused by an unknown factor.
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Symptoms of Burning Feet:
Some common symptoms include:
Feet could feel heavy.
You may get “pins and needles”, tingling, or a pricking feeling in your feet.
Foot burn that may worsen at night.
Warm sensation in the feet.
Pain may be subtle, acute, or shooting.
Skin redness, excessive warmth, or numbness in your feet.
Home Remedies for Burning Feet:
To effectively treat burning feet, it’s important to identify the underlying reason. A few home treatments can help relieve your pain and discomfort.
They are as follows.
1. Epsom Salts:
A natural source of magnesium sulfate. It is often used by individuals to have foot baths. We can utilize it by mixing Epsom salt into water and bathing our feet in it for a few minutes every day. NOTE: Using Epsom salt raises the risk of foot injury in diabetics. Please with your doctor before using it if you have diabetes.
2. Ice Bath or Cold Bath
Soak your feet in cold water for relief from discomfort and burning sensations. Drinking enough of water is just as beneficial as soaking your feet in cold water.
3. Ginger:
Ginger is commonly utilized in Ayurveda for its therapeutic benefits. Ginger extract is water and oil soluble, therefore it absorbs quickly when applied to the skin. Ginger has anti-inflammatory qualities, which could explain its pain-relieving effects. Due to its anti-inflammatory properties, it can also be used to cure burning feet.
4. Ginkgo:
This herb has nerve-protecting qualities. It has been shown to be beneficial in the treatment of dementia and localized cerebral ischemia (poor blood supply to certain areas of the brain). Ginkgo’s nerve-protective activity is attributed to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and enzyme-inhibiting qualities. It can treat burning feet, which are caused by peripheral nerve injury.
5. Black Cumin:
Diabetes can lead to burning feet, and black cumin has been shown to lower blood sugar levels. It enhances insulin availability. This effect is highly useful to the nerves in your foot. Black cumin has been shown in animal tests to alleviate pain, but further human study is needed to confirm this.
6. Holy basil:
It has been used for many years in India to cure a variety of ailments. Tulsi has been shown in a study to be useful in relieving sciatica pain in the legs. It’s also helpful at relieving pain produced by peripheral nerve damage, which is a typical cause of burning feet.
7. Citrullus Colocynthis
Citrullus Colocynthis, often known as bitter apple, is used to alleviate pain. It contains pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory effects. Bitter apple has been shown in numerous studies to be useful in alleviating pain in painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN; diabetic nerve injury). When bitter apple was put to the affected location, it provided pain alleviation.
8. Turmeric:
Turmeric has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. This is due to the presence of curcumin, a bioactive molecule found in turmeric. Studies have demonstrated that it is useful against nerve and neuron illnesses, as well as preventing their development.4 We can use it by producing a thick paste, using it as a pack, and including it into our dietc.
9. Apple Cider Vinegar:
Adding apple cider vinegar to warm water and soaking our feet will help relieve burning feet. There is no scientific evidence to support it, yet it has been widely utilized by people around the world.
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Other options for burning feet:
1. Foot massage:
Massaging the foot can help relieve burning sensations. To minimize friction, the foot can be rubbed dry or with oils.
2. R.I.C.E: Is an acronym for Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. This treatment involves resting your feet, then using ice and compression, and finally keeping them elevated to reduce swelling.
When To Seek Medical Help:
Because burning feet can be an indication of a serious disease, please seek emergency medical help if the burning, redness, or numbness in your feet does not go away with self-care measures and home cures. A doctor can do tests to diagnose the problem and recommend a treatment plan for you.
Conclusion:
Burning feet might occur owing to many reasons. Whatever the cause, a few home treatments can help ease the pain and suffering. However, the fundamental problem must be identified and addressed. Self-care is the key to relive burning feet on a daily basis.
