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22-05-2025 Team Medicover infectious-diseases

Written by Medicover Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr Prasad Kuvalekar, General Medicine

7 Common Causes of Burning Feet and Effective Treatments

The sense of heat, tingling, or even severe pain in the soles of the feet is a common description of burning feet, which can be an uncomfortable and occasionally frightening symptom. Burning that occurs frequently or persistently may be a sign of an underlying medical disease however it may be transitory for some people. Long-term alleviation and successful therapy depend on knowing the underlying reason. Numerous reasons, including infections, systemic disorders, and nerve injury, can cause this sensation. The most frequent reasons for burning feet are discussed below, along with how each may affect the condition of your feet.

What Causes Burning Feet?

A burning sensation in the feet is often referred to as Burning Feet Syndrome (BFS). A burning feeling in the feet is often linked to nerve problems, especially peripheral neuropathy. This condition can affect the soles, tops of the feet, ankles, and even the lower legs. Some people may feel mild discomfort, while others experience sharp pain, tingling, or numbness. Many notice these burning sensation in feet at night, making it hard to sleep. Understanding the causes, diagnosis, and treatment options can help manage this condition effectively.

Top 7 Causes of Burning Sensation in Feet

• Alcoholic neuropathy: Drinking a lot of alcohol for a long time can hurt your nerves. This damage is called alcoholic neuropathy and can cause your feet to burn, tingle, or feel numb.
• Kidney Problems: When the kidneys are damaged, waste products accumulate in the body, affecting the nerves and leading to a burning or prickling feeling in the legs and feet.
• Fungal Infections: Athlete’s foot typically start with itching or rashes between the toes but can also cause a stinging or burning sensation as the infection spreads.
• Hypothyroidism: A sluggish thyroid can lead to fluid retention and nerve damage, both of which may trigger burning sensations in the feet.
• After Bariatric Surgery: Some individuals experience nerve-related symptoms, like burning feet, a few weeks after weight loss surgery. This is often linked to vitamin B deficiencies that can follow procedures like gastric bypass.
• Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS): This is a rare but painful condition that usually follows an injury or surgery. Burning pain in the limbs, including the feet, is a hallmark symptom.
• Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome: This condition occurs when the tibial nerve running through the ankle becomes compressed, leading to burning, tingling, or shooting pain in the sole of the foot.

Several health problems or lifestyle habits can lead to burning feet and legs. These can also be the reasons behind foot burning:

• Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of vitamins, especially B vitamins, can damage nerves. This may cause burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet.
• Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the legs and feet due to narrowed arteries can lead to pain, cramping, and a burning sensation.
• Diabetic Neuropathy: High blood sugar over time can damage nerves in people with diabetes, often causing burning, tingling, or sharp pain in the feet.
• Certain Medications: Some antibiotics and cancer treatments may damage nerves, leading to burning, tingling, or numbness in the feet.

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Diagnosis Methods for Burning Feet

To determine the root cause, a health care provider may recommend the following tests:

• Nerve Conduction Test: Measures how quickly signals move through the nerves.
• Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates the electrical activity of muscles.
• Nerve Biopsy: A small nerve sample may be tested for damage in rare cases.
• Physical Examination: Assessing foot health, reflexes, muscle strength, and nerve sensitivity.
• Blood Tests: To check for diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid disorders, kidney problems, or infections.
• Urine Tests: May be done to detect metabolic or kidney-related issues.
• Imaging Tests: X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to look for bone or nerve compression problems such as tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Nerve Conduction Test: Measures how quickly electrical signals move through the nerves to detect damage.
• Electromyography (EMG): Evaluates the electrical activity of muscles and how they respond to nerve signals.
• Nerve Biopsy: In rare cases, a small nerve sample is tested for damage or underlying neuropathies.
• Skin Biopsy: Sometimes performed to assess small fiber nerve damage in the skin.

Burning Sensation in Feet due to Diabetes

​People with diabetes often experience burning, tingling, or numbness in their feet, a condition called diabetic neuropathy. High blood sugar over time damages the nerves, especially in the legs and feet, leading to discomfort, sharp pain, or a burning feeling.

This condition can also make the feet more sensitive to touch or, in some cases, reduce sensation completely, increasing the risk of unnoticed cuts, sores, or infections.

Managing blood sugar levels, eating a healthy diet, regular exercise, and proper foot care are key to reducing symptoms. In some cases, doctors may prescribe medications, supplements, or special creams to relieve nerve pain.

Treatment for Burning Sensation in Feet

Treating burning feet depends on the cause. Here are common treatments doctors recommend:

• Lifestyle: Manage blood sugar, eat healthy, and avoid alcohol to protect nerves.
• Physical Therapy: Exercises improve blood flow and reduce discomfort.
• Foot Care: Wear comfortable shoes and keep your feet clean to prevent problems.
• Supplements: Vitamins like B12 may be needed if you have a deficiency.
• Healthy Lifestyle: Keep your blood sugar under control, eat a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, and stop smoking to protect your nerves.
• Exercise & Therapy: Simple foot exercises or physical therapy can improve blood flow and reduce pain.
• Foot Care: Wear soft, well-fitting shoes, avoid walking barefoot, and wash your feet daily to prevent infections.
• Vitamins & Supplements: If you have low vitamin B12 or other deficiencies, your doctor may suggest supplements.
• Medicines: Painkillers or special medicines for nerve pain may be given if the burning is severe.
• Creams & Ointments: Cooling gels, lidocaine, or capsaicin creams can help soothe the burning feeling.
• Home Remedies: Soaking your feet in warm or cool water may give quick relief.
• Special Treatments: If burning is due to thyroid, kidney, or nerve compression (like tarsal tunnel syndrome), treating those conditions can help.
• Surgery (rare cases): Sometimes, surgery may be needed if nerves are severely compressed.

For better treatment and personalized care, visit Medicover Hospitals. Our General Physician teams help to provide the right diagnosis and treatment plan.

When Should You Visit a Doctor?

You should see a doctor if you experience:

• Burning feet that last for a long time or get worse.
• Severe pain that makes it hard to do daily tasks or sleep well.
• Numbness, weakness, or loss of feeling in your feet.
• Sores, cuts, or infections on your feet that don’t heal.
• Other symptoms like fever, swelling, or redness.
• Burning or tingling that spreads to your legs or hands.
• Sudden onset of burning feet without a clear reason.
• A history of diabetes, thyroid problems, or kidney disease along with foot discomfort.
• No relief even after trying home remedies or basic treatments.

Home Remedies for Burning Sensation in Feet

You can try simple remedies at home to ease burning feet:

• Cold Water Soak: Soaking your feet in cool water for 15–20 minutes can help reduce heat and burning.
• Epsom Salt Bath: Add Epsom salt to warm water and soak your feet to soothe pain (avoid if you have diabetes unless approved by your doctor).
• Foot Massage: Gently massaging your feet improves blood flow and relieves discomfort.
• Aloe Vera Gel: Aloe vera can cool the skin and reduce irritation.
• Turmeric Paste: Turmeric has natural anti-inflammatory effects. Mix with water and apply to the feet for a few minutes.
• Comfortable Footwear: Wear cushioned shoes and soft socks to reduce pressure and friction.
• Apple Cider Vinegar Soak: Mixing apple cider vinegar in warm water may help restore pH balance and reduce burning.
• Essential Oils: Oils like lavender or peppermint mixed with a carrier oil can provide a cooling effect when massaged on the feet.
• Elevation of Feet: Raising your feet on a pillow for 10-15 minutes can reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water daily helps flush out toxins and keeps nerves and muscles healthy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long does burning in the feet last?

It depends on the cause. In temporary conditions like vitamin deficiency, symptoms may go away in weeks. Chronic cases like neuropathy may last longer or require ongoing care.

Is burning feet a serious condition?

Burning feet can indicate an underlying health issue, and while it may not always be serious, it should not be ignored. If left untreated, the underlying cause of burning feet, such as diabetes or nerve damage, can lead to complications.

Can walking reduce burning feet?

While walking can improve circulation and alleviate symptoms associated with conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD), it may not directly reduce burning sensations in the feet caused by neuropathy or other underlying factors.

Can burning feet syndrome be prevented?

Burning feet syndrome cannot always be fully prevented, especially if it is linked to health conditions like diabetes or nerve problems. However, you can lower the risk by maintaining healthy blood sugar levels, eating a balanced diet, and avoiding alcohol and smoking. Wearing comfortable shoes and caring for your feet daily can also help prevent symptoms from getting worse.

How do you test for burning feet?

Doctors usually test for burning feet by asking about your symptoms and doing a physical exam. They may check nerve function, blood sugar levels, vitamin levels, or blood circulation. Sometimes tests like nerve conduction studies or imaging are done to find the exact cause.

Can heart problems cause burning feet?

Heart problems themselves may not directly cause burning feet, but poor blood circulation due to heart or blood vessel disease can lead to a burning or tingling feeling. Reduced blood flow can make the feet feel weak, numb, or painful. If you already have heart issues and notice burning feet, it’s important to consult a doctor.

Should I be worried about burning my foot?

If the burning sensation happens once in a while and goes away quickly, it may not be serious. But if it keeps happening, worsens over time, or is linked to numbness or weakness, you should be concerned. Long-term burning feet can signal conditions like diabetes, vitamin deficiency, or nerve problems that need medical care.

Can stress cause feet burning?

Yes, stress and anxiety can sometimes trigger burning or tingling in the feet. This happens because stress affects nerve activity and blood flow in the body. While it may not be harmful, frequent stress-related burning feet should not be ignored, and relaxation techniques can help.

Which doctor to see for burning feet?

The best doctor to see first is a neurologist (for nerve problems) or a general physician who can guide you. Depending on the cause, you may also need to see an endocrinologist (for diabetes), a cardiologist (for circulation issues), or a dermatologist (for skin infections). A doctor will decide the right specialist after basic tests.

Which vitamin deficiency causes feet burning?

Vitamin B12 deficiency is the most common cause of burning feet. Lack of other B vitamins, like B6 and folate, can also damage nerves and cause tingling or burning sensations. Taking a balanced diet or supplements (as advised by a doctor) usually helps improve symptoms.

What diseases cause a burning sensation?

Many diseases can cause burning feet, including diabetes, peripheral artery disease, kidney disease, liver disease, hypothyroidism, vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and chronic alcohol use. Infections like an athlete's foot can also trigger it. Finding the exact cause is important for proper treatment.

Can blood pressure cause burning feet?

High blood pressure itself may not directly cause burning feet, but it can damage blood vessels over time. This damage reduces circulation, which can make feet feel painful, numb, or burning. People with both high blood pressure and diabetes are at higher risk.

Why do the bottoms of my feet burn after walking?

If your feet burn after walking, it may be due to friction, poor footwear, or tired muscles. Sometimes, nerve irritation or circulation problems can also worsen the burning after activity. Wearing cushioned shoes, taking breaks, and treating underlying conditions can reduce discomfort.

What is the fastest way to relieve burning feet?

The quickest relief is soaking your feet in cool (not ice-cold) water for 15-20 minutes. You can also elevate your feet, massage them gently, or apply soothing aloe vera gel. For long-term relief, treating the underlying cause-like controlling diabetes or taking vitamin supplements-is most important.

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