Burning feet syndrome (BFS) is a disorder commonly seen in elderly individuals. Although no specific caused is identified, it can occur as solely just a symptom or the manifestation of internal disease. Individual with burning feet syndrome may experience burning or stinging sensation and numbness and sometimes heaviness in the feet that may sometime accompanied by swelling and redness of the skin.
Although burning sensation is often limited to the soles of the feet, it may sometime involve the ankles and lower legs. Palms and arms are usually not affected. Symptoms usually worsen at night with slight relief during day time. Individual may also experience tingling or pricking sensation with pins and needle in the lower legs. In some cases, the eyes may also be affected.
What causes burning feet syndrome
Although in most of the cases the actual cause is unknown, burning feet syndrom may sometimes be due to nerve damage, chronic alcohol abuse, fungal infection, thyroid problems, kidney failure, liver damage, blood disorders, and ill-fitting shoes.
Burning Feet Syndrome Treatment
First measures in management are to find out the underlying cause and avoid or treat it. Check for diabetes, hypothyroidism etc. and manage them accordingly. Besides that, there are several home measures you may follow for symptomatic management of burning feet syndrome.
- Wear loose fitting and comfortable shoes
- Soak your feet in cold water for 10-15 minutes (don’t use ice)
- Avoid excess exposure to heat.
- Massage your feet every day that will help promote circulation.
- Go for regular walks every day. This can improve peripheral circulation of the feet
- Take adequate rest.
For symptomatic relief in a patient with burning feet syndrom following medications may be used or prescribed by your doctor.
- Ibuprofen
- Gabapentin (Neurotin)
- Pregabalin (Lyrica)
- Amitriptyline
- Carbamazepine
- Duloxetine