The sensation of burning feet is a common symptom of neuropathy.

Neuropathy can be caused by disease, injury, or other conditions that affect the nervous system.

It is estimated that up to 20 million people in the United States are affected by some form of neuropathy. Burning feet can range from mild discomfort to extreme pain and can have a negative impact on quality of life.

This article will discuss the causes and treatments for fiery feet.

✅ Symptoms of Burning Foot Syndrome

Common symptoms of fiery foot pain include numbness or a sharp scorching feeling in the affected area. 

- Tingling in the toes and/or heels

- Pain that is worse at night and when sitting or standing for long periods of time

- Itching on the soles of the feet

- Redness and swelling of the feet

- Blisters or open sores on the bottoms of the feet

In more severe cases there could be loss of sensation as well as paralysis and other motor impairments such as balance problems or difficulty walking.

✅ Common Causes of Burning feet Sensation and Tingling

Neuropathy is a type of nerve damage that causes burning in the arms and legs.

It is caused by a number of different conditions. It commonly begins in the feet and may be accompanied by muscle weakness or loss of sensation.

The common causes of burning feeling in your feet are:

⚫ Peripheral Vascular Disease PVD

PVD occurs when blood vessels in the extremities are blocked or narrowed due to plaque buildup from fatty deposits. This blockage reduces oxygen-rich blood flow to the limbs, leading to complications such as muscle weakness.

6 exercises to help manage Peripheral Neuropathy pain symptoms ⤵️  

⚫ Complex Regional Pain Syndrome CRPS

CRPS is a chronic pain condition caused by damaged nerves in an affected area of the body. Symptoms include extreme sensitivity to touch, swelling, stiffness, decreased range of motion, and changes in skin temperature.

CRPS can lead to neuropathy because they interfere with proper communication between the brain and nerves by disrupting nerve pathways.

⚫ Rheumatoid Arthritis RA

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a type of inflammatory arthritis that affects the joints, and in some cases, can cause damage to the nerves.

Typically it is described as an intense fiery sensation that often spreads up the leg but does not usually cause any visible skin changes. 

⚫ Fungal Infections

A fungal infection may also be responsible for the symptoms. A fungal infection causes nerve cells damage and burning in the feet

Fungal infections are typically caused by fungi like mold, which live in humid or damp environments. When too many of these fungi enter the body, they can attack the nerves, causing inflammation and damage to them.

✅ Peripheral Neuropathy

It is a medical condition that affects the nerves of the peripheral nervous system, leading to pain in the feet. This causes a burning feeling can be caused by a variety of different medical conditions, such as;

⚫ Diabetic Neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is among the most common possible causes of foot pain and leads to severe discomfort and even limits mobility if left untreated.

High blood sugar levels can cause damage to the peripheral nerves in the lower legs, feet, and ankles.

It occurs when there is nerve damage that happens due to diabetes or other diseases.

High blood sugar levels affect the nerves by affecting their ability to transmit messages back and forth between the brain and the rest of the body.

As a result, individuals with high blood sugar may experience pain in their hands and feet.

⚫ Plantar Fasciitis

The common disease that causes nerve damage is plantar fasciitis. Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain, often resulting from overuse and strain on the tissues of the foot and pain in the heel.

Plantar fasciitis occurs when small tears form in the thick band of tissue connecting your heel bone to your toes as a result of repeated stress and strain.

⚫ Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease

CMT is an inherited disorder that affects nerves outside of the brain or spinal cord. The condition can lead to painful numbness or weakness in the extremities.

⚫ Morton's Neuroma

Morton’s neuroma is a condition that occurs when the tissue around a nerve in the foot becomes inflamed, leading to pressure on the nerve itself. This pressure causes symptoms including burning in the toes.

Doctors believe Morton's neuroma develops when the tendons, ligaments, or bones of the feet put pressure on one of the nerves that run between your toes.

Many individuals develop Morton’s Neuroma due to overuse of their feet or wearing tight-fitting shoes for an extended period of time. Women are more prone to this condition than men due to narrow shoe sizes and higher heels.

⚫ Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Tarsal tunnel syndrome is a condition that affects the nerves in the lower leg and foot, causing pain. It occurs when the tibial nerve located within the tarsal tunnel—a small area of connective tissue beneath the ankle—becomes compressed or irritated due to injury, inflammation, or other medical conditions.

Common symptoms associated with tarsal tunnel syndrome include blistering in the heel and arch of the foot.

Pain also radiates into the ankle joint or calf muscles while walking or standing for long periods of time. Additionally, patients may experience muscle weakness in their feet and toes as well as difficulty moving their ankles up and down.

⚫ Autoimmune Disease

In some cases, pain in the heel can be caused by autoimmune diseases or damage to the blood vessels.

Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks its own tissues, causing inflammation and damaging nerves in the process. Damage to blood vessels can also restrict oxygen and nutrients from reaching damaged nerve cells.

✅ How Stress Hormones and Anxiety Cause Burning Foot Pain Along Nerve Pain

Stress and anxiety disorders can have a severe impact on physical and mental health. One of the most serious consequences of chronic stress and anxiety is neuropathy.

It occurs when the nerves are overworked and become damaged from continuous exposure to stress hormones such as cortisol. The symptoms of this condition may vary depending on the type of nerve affected; however, common symptoms include tingling in the hands or feet, burning pain in the feet, and extremities, loss of coordination, muscle cramps or spasms, hypersensitivity to touch or temperature changes, loss of bladder control, fatigue or difficulty sleeping.

It’s important to note that not all cases of stress or anxiety. Other factors such as diabetes or certain medications can also cause this condition.

Can anxiety cause arm pain? A deeper look!

✅ 15 Treatment Options for Burning Sensation in Foot or Peripheral Neuropathy

Burning Foot Syndrome can be caused by a variety of conditions, including chronic alcohol use, spinal cord injuries, and certain medical histories.

1. Rest: Taking a break from activities that cause pain or discomfort can help reduce symptoms.

2. Ice/cold therapy: Applying an ice pack to the affected area may help reduce inflammation and pain.

3. Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or topical medications can be helpful in reducing burning and pain. 

4. Footwear modifications: Wearing shoes with wider toe boxes and avoiding high heels can help alleviate pressure on the feet and reduce symptoms.

5. Physical therapy: Exercises to strengthen the muscles in the feet can help reduce strain and improve posture, which can relieve pain and burning in your feet symptoms. Explore the best essential oils for mindfulness and physical therapy.

6. Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS): TENS is a type of device that sends a low-voltage electrical current through electrodes placed on the skin to stimulate nerve fibers and reduce pain signals sent to the brain.

7. Massage therapy: Massage techniques may help relax tight muscles in the feet which could be contributing to scorching foot symptoms.

8. Orthotics: Custom orthotics are designed to provide cushioning, support, and alignment for your feet, which improve posture and reduce strain on your feet, leading to reduced burning and pain.

9. Hot/cold compresses: Alternating between hot and cold compresses may help increase circulation to the area as well as reduce inflammation, thus providing relief.

10 . Acupuncture: Acupuncture is an ancient form of Chinese medicine that involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body in order to release energy blockages and promote healing within certain areas of the body.

11 . Herbal remedies: Herbs such as ginger, turmeric, meadowsweet, willow bark extract, wintergreen oil, lavender oil, menthol crystals, peppermint oil, black cohosh root powder, cayenne pepper powder, licorice root extract, ginkgo Biloba extract, chamomile tea bags, capsicum ointment, St John’s Wort capsules, eucalyptus oil have all been used traditionally as home remedies.

12 . Magnetic therapy: Magnetic field therapy has been used for centuries in traditional medicine for many different types of ailments including chronic pain conditions.

Treatment for this condition often includes medication, lifestyle changes such as proper nutrition and exercise, physical therapy, and sometimes even surgery when necessary.

Other treatment options for burning include taking B vitamins, making dietary changes, exercising on a daily basis, and doing deep breathing exercises. Moreover, see the benefits of mindful movement meditation in relieving anxiety.

Additionally, padding the bottom of the foot or applying ice to the ball of the foot can also provide relief from symptoms.

While these treatments are effective in providing short-term relief from pain, they may not provide long-term solutions to this condition. As such, it is important to consult with your doctor if you are experiencing any symptoms causing a burning sensation in the feet as they will be able to recommend an appropriate treatment plan for your individual needs.

✅ Bottom Line

Neuropathy is a condition that can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, including exercise, weight management, proper nutrition, and avoiding smoking. In addition to these modifications, medications may also be required to reduce nerve damage. Patients should seek medical advice if they experience any of the symptoms outlined in this article and talk over all treatment options with their doctor.