Burning Feet Home Remedies: 5 Natural Ways To Treat It Quickly

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by

Grete Waitz – runner

Have you ever experienced a burning sensation in your feet, particularly at night? For some people, the pain can be very intense.

If you answered yes, then let us help you ease your condition. Check out our burning feet home remedies below!

Those who have burning feet may experience sleepless nights. The main objective of this article is to provide information about the condition, including safe and easy burning feet home remedies.

Erythromelalgia is the medical term for burning feet. It is caused by many different factors. 

Causes of burning feet range from minor to severe. However, there is no need to worry because this condition is treatable. 

Another term for burning feet is Grierson-Gopalan syndrome. The primary symptom of burning feet is a burning sensation in the feet, which usually occurs at night. The burning sensation can keep a person up all night.

What Causes Burning Feet?​

Burning feet is normally caused by neuropathy. Damaged nerve fibers are more likely to misfire and become overactive, sending pain signals to the brain even when there is no injury. If you have neuropathy, then the leg nerves have been damaged.

Individuals with neuropathy may experience numbness and tingling in their feet. People complain that their feet are very sensitive to touch and may experience different degrees of burning pain, from tolerable to disabling.

The most common causes of neuropathy in the legs are alcohol abuse and diabetes. Other causes of burning sensation in the feet or neuropathy are:

Besides neuropathy, inflammation and foot infections can also cause a burning sensation in your feet. A skin infection due to fungus and athlete’s foot are the most common.

PAD or peripheral artery disease is another cause of burning feet. Having poor blood circulation may cause tingling, burning, and painful feet, especially while walking.

People who undergo gastric bypass surgery many experience a burning sensation in their feet months or weeks later. This is due to the poor absorption of vitamin B after surgery, leading to neuropathy in the legs and burning feet.

How to Diagnose Burning Feet

People with burning feet likely have a condition that can be diagnosed. Diagnosis of the burning sensation due to neuropathy is pretty straightforward and does not require any additional tests.

In some individuals, the burning sensation is sudden, progressive, or due to an unknown cause. In these cases, further laboratory testing is needed to make the appropriate diagnosis. The patient may be asked to undergo the following tests:

  • Electromyography (EMG). An examination to test muscle function is performed by recording the electrical activity of the muscle. A needle is inserted into the muscle or a probe is placed on the skin for an EMG test.
  • Laboratory tests. Sometimes, spinal fluid, blood, or urine tests may be recommended to aid in diagnosing the cause of burning feet. Vitamin levels can be checked with a blood test as well.
  • Nerve conduction study. This will test the capability of the nerves to transmit impulses. The study is done by stimulating the nerve and measuring how the muscle responds.
  • Nerve biopsy. In some instances, a doctor may recommend cutting out a piece of nerve tissue and analyzing it under a microscope.

5 Burning Feet Home Remedies​

You can try the following home remedies to treat and prevent burning feet.

1. Exercise​

Most cases of burning feet are caused by poor blood circulation to the feet. Thus, good blood circulation throughout body is vital in preventing nervous system disorders as well as tingling and burning sensations in the limbs.

Regular exercise can increase blood circulation in the body. Simple activities like running and jogging will help improve blood circulation.

Exercise prevents and treats burning feet. Even just walking for a few minutes can help ease the discomfort.

2. Keep Feet Dry

Keeping your feet dry and wearing the right shoe size can prevent burning feet.

Wear cotton socks to absorb sweat if your feet sweat a lot. Wear shoes with enough room for movement and air circulation.

3. Massage

Another great way to relieve the discomfort of burning feet is to get a massage. Applying ayurvedic oil on your legs can soothe and prevent burning feet. You can also use ginger extract and warm olive oil.

Massage your feet in an upward motion to increase blood circulation and reduce the burning sensation. This is one of the best ways to control the symptoms of burning feet. You can massage the soles of your feet for 15 minutes in the morning and before going to bed.

4. Vitamin B3

Also known as niacin, vitamin B3 strengthens the nerves and prevents them from collapsing under pressure, making it a very effective remedy for burning feet.

Vitamin B3 can be taken orally if needed. You can also eat foods like peas, yogurt, whole grains, egg yolk, and milk to increase your intake. This will reduce the severity of the burning and even eliminate it completely, depending on how severe the nerve damage is.

5. Cold Soak

The burning sensation can be reduced by soaking your feet in cold water for a few minutes. A cold soak alleviates the pain and discomfort while boosting blood circulation.

Cold water will cool down your feet and eventually eliminate the burning sensation. Blood vessels constrict in cold temperatures, so do not soak for more than a few minutes as it can make the condition worse.

When to Visit Your Doctor

See your doctor if your burning feet persists and you cannot figure out the cause. Your doctor will likely perform some tests to determine the cause of your condition. You can also seek medical attention right away if:

  • The burning sensation occurs suddenly and you have been exposed to some sort of toxin.
  • There is an open wound on your foot that seems to be infected and you have diabetes.

Schedule an appointment with your doctor if:

  • You still experience burning feet, despite several weeks of self-care.
  • The burning sensation is spreading to your legs.
  • You feel numbness in your toes or feet.

Whatever the cause of burning feet, the condition should be addressed right away to stop it from getting worse.

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