9 Home Remedies For Burning Feet - Medical News Today

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Medical News TodaySubscribe9 home remedies for burning feet

Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Adam Rowden — Updated on February 25, 2025

Cold water
RICE
Epsom salt
Apple cider vinegar
Supplements
Lidocaine or capsaicin
Massage
Causes
Contacting a doctor
Summary

The sensation of burning feet can occur as an isolated issue or as a symptom of another condition. Home remedies such as massage or soaking the feet may relieve the sensation.

Medical professionals may call the sensation of burning in the feet or lower leg burning feet syndrome (BFS). BFS can cause the feet to become uncomfortably hot and painful. Symptoms may be mild or severe, depending on the cause.

BFS is common in older adults and can become more intense at night. BFS can affect the soles or tops of the feet, the ankles, and the lower legs.

The treatment for burning feet may depend on the underlying cause. However, doctors may prescribe medications or recommend home remedies to try.

This article lists nine home remedies to manage burning feet, potential causes of the sensation, and when to seek help.

Soaking feet in cold water or an ice bath

a person soaks their feet in a foot spa - one of many home remedies for burning feet — Jasmin Merdan/Getty Images

Soaking the feet in cold water may help temporarily relieve the symptoms of BFS.

However, people with erythromelalgia should avoid this, as it may damage their skin.

Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE)

A person may be able to reduce the symptoms of tarsal tunnel syndrome by using RICE. This involves:

resting the foot
applying ice to the ankle
using compression
elevating the foot

RICE can help reduce swelling and inflammation, which may help reduce the symptoms of BFS.

Epsom salt

People use Epsom salt as a remedy for various issues. A 2020 study suggests that warm salt water baths may significantly reduce foot pain in people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy, which may involve a burning sensation.

Epsom salt is a natural compound that contains magnesium sulfate.

People can place Epsom salt in warm water and soak their feet in the mixture.

People should always speak with a healthcare professional before trying Epsom salt baths. A healthcare professional can advise whether it is a suitable remedy and how long to soak the feet.

Apple cider vinegar

Vinegar is a common home remedy for skin problems, potentially due to its antimicrobial and antioxidant properties. Vinegar soaks may offer some benefits for bacterial or fungal issues.

However, some studies suggest apple cider vinegar has no effect on certain skin issues and may actually cause skin irritation.

People can speak with a healthcare professional to learn whether apple cider vinegar may have any potential benefits for their skin.

Supplements

The following supplements may offer some relief for burning feet.

Turmeric supplements

Turmeric contains the compound curcumin. Curcumin has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial effects, and may have therapeutic potential for certain skin conditions. It may also have beneficial effects against certain neurological conditions.

People may be able to use turmeric supplements to help with BFS related to nerve issues. Turmeric supplements may be available in health food stores and online.

A 2020 review concludes that curcumin’s properties may be beneficial in treating peripheral neuropathy. However, more research is necessary.

Fish oil

Some animal research suggests that fish oil can slow the progression and even reverse diabetic neuropathy.

A 2018 review suggests that certain properties in fish oil, including polyunsaturated fatty acids, may encourage wound healing and target skin inflammation.

People can get omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources or buy fish oil supplements over-the-counter (OTC).

Ginger

Ginger oil has anti-inflammatory properties. Many ginger oils are available OTC, and they may be an effective remedy for burning pain in the feet.

A 2020 animal study suggests ginger extract may be an effective treatment for diabetic neuropathy in mice.

A 2022 review also suggests that ginger’s anti-inflammatory properties may offer some benefits for inflammatory conditions, such as psoriasis and lupus erythematosus.

However, more research is necessary to understand whether ginger can be an effective remedy for burning foot pain.

Lidocaine or capsaicin

Lidocaine is a local anesthetic. Medical professionals often use lidocaine to numb the skin before they carry out certain procedures, such as taking blood.

Capsaicin is present in chili peppers. People have historically used it for natural pain relief as a counterirritant. The idea behind this is that causing mild irritation or pain in one part of the body may distract from or relieve pain elsewhere.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a prescription-strength topical capsaicin cream for diabetic peripheral neuropathy affecting the feet.

People can speak with a healthcare professional if they think this may be a suitable remedy for them.

Foot massage

A 2020 study suggests that foot massage may relieve peripheral neuropathy pain in people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and may also improve their sleep.

A small 2020 study involving 25 people with diabetic peripheral neuropathy suggests that Thai foot massage may increase blood flow to the feet, although it does not reduce foot temperature.

People can speak with a healthcare professional about whether massage may be a suitable remedy for them.

What causes burning foot pain?

Peripheral neuropathy, or nerve damage, can cause burning pain. However, nerve damage itself often results from another medical condition.

Medical conditions that can cause nerve damage and pain in the feet include:

diabetes
small fiber sensory neuropathy
nutritional deficiencies
chronic alcohol use
Charcot-Marie-tooth disease
physical injuries
hypothyroidism
autoimmune conditions
infections, such as Lyme disease
exposure to toxins
certain medications, including chemotherapy drugs

Seeking a diagnosis and treatment for the underlying cause of peripheral neuropathy may help a person relieve their foot pain.

When to contact a doctor

People can speak with a doctor if they have burning foot pain that worsens or persists despite home remedies. If people have other symptoms, they should also speak with a doctor.

A healthcare professional can diagnose the underlying cause of a person’s pain and recommend a suitable treatment. Treatment options will typically vary depending on the underlying cause.

Summary

Burning feet syndrome is the name for the sensation of burning or tingling feet. A wide variety of conditions cause BFS, including diabetes, autoimmune conditions, and heavy alcohol use.

Home remedies that may help to relieve burning foot pain include cold water baths, Epsom salts, turmeric supplements, and fish oil.

However, people should speak with a healthcare professional if pain worsens or persists despite home remedies. They may require medical treatment for the underlying cause.

Uncategorized
Diabetes
Supplements
Alcohol / Addiction / Illegal Drugs
Pain / Anesthetics
Complementary Medicine / Alternative Medicine

How we reviewed this article:

SourcesMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We only use quality, credible sources to ensure content accuracy and integrity. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

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Medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH — Written by Adam Rowden — Updated on February 25, 2025

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