Burning Feet
Why do I have burning sensation on the bottom of my feet? Could there be a reason for this?
Burning feet syndrome is a condition aptly named due to people experiencing burning and aching of the feet, ankles and lower legs, sensitivity to stimulus, pins and needles and tingling feelings, numbness and heaviness of the lower limbs, sweating and heat on the soles of the feet including the feet. These symptoms are often experienced with no apparent tenderness or pain to the surrounding muscles and are worse at night.
Causes of Burning feet syndrome:
- Mechanical pressure on the peripheral nerves which nourish the feet such as sciatica, traumatic nerve compression, injuries, tarsal tunnel syndrome, feet and postural problems.
- Circulatory conditions which affect circulation such as diabetes, alcoholism, peripheral neuropathies, renal failure or chronic kidney problems requiring haemodialysis, hypothyroidism or arthritis.
- Digestive conditions which affect the absorption B vitamins (malabsorption) such as Chrones Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliacs Disease, inflammatory bowel diseases.
Symptoms of insufficient peripheral circulation are commonly treated with B Vitamins.
A deficiency in these vitamins can cause a disturbance in cellular metabolism resulting in an accumulation of intermediate metabolites in the tissues. This may cause abnormal and excessive stimulation, or lower the pain and temperature threshold of peripheral sensory nerve endings.
Some sources of B Vitamins in the diet are;
Potatoes, bananas, lentils, tempeh, liver, turkey, fish, tuna, brewers yeast, molasses, grains and green leafy vegetables (e.g. broccoli, spinach, kale and dark lettuces).
Natural remedies to increase circulation to your feet and reduce the sensation of Burning feet :
- Take a complete B Vitamin supplement which contains all of the B Vitamins at good doses to address any possible nutrient deficiencies and to assist with adequate circulation. Intramuscular B Vitamin injections performed by your doctor may be of benefit by providing initial symptom relief. Routine supplementation of B Vitamins orally may be of benefit to maintain nutrient levels. The brand Thompsons Ultra B manufactures a good B Vitamin supplement which also contains other nutrients such as Magnesium, Potassium and Zinc which are needed to ensure healthy circulation.
- Gingko Biloba is a herb traditionally used to improve peripheral circulation to the feet, hands and brain which may help to reduce heat by reducing congestion and oxygenation.
- Ensure that you are properly hydrated as dehydration greatly contributes to circulatory sluggishness, reduces heat and there have been recent studies linking dehydration to chronic health conditions such as pain, decreased circulation and inflammation.
- Fish oil is a potent anti-inflammatory for the cardiovascular system which supports circulation and reduces capillary congestion.
- Vitamin E is an antioxidant for cardiovascular health, a blood thinner, improves circulation and is also an anti-inflammatory.
- Wear comfortable shoes which don't compress the feet and ensure that they have good support for the arches to minimise any postural misalignments.
- Chinese Medicine aims to reduce the heat by increasing cooling herbs such as treating the liver and circulation with herbs such as St Marys Thistle, Chlorophyll, Bupleurum, Dandelion, Schizandra, Gingko, Brahmi, Gotu Kola and Grape seed.
- If you spend a lot of time on your feet at work, when you get home lay on the couch or floor with your feet raised on the couch or some cushions so that your legs are above the level of your heart for about 15 minutes. This facilitate the back flow of congestion blood pooling in the feet due to gravity during the day.
- Hydrotherapy may bring you some relief, this can be done by putting your feet in cold (not icy water) for 15 minutes.
In addition,aim for a healthy lifestyle with plenty of fresh fruits and veges, plenty of water, quality organic dairy products a wide range of quality protein sources in your diet such as legumes, nuts and seeds, minimise the intake of red meats, processed foods and simple sugars. Avoid alcohol and smoking and enjoy gentle exercise and fun loving activities.
This information is provided to increase general knowledge about the body, health and natural medicine. Under no circumstances is this advice intended to provide diagnosis or to replace a private consultation with a health practitioner. We encourage you to seek the advice and guidance of a health care professional regarding your symptoms as only a full face to face consultation will provide you with a well informed diagnosis of your condition. They may also refer you on for any further testing which may be required to rule out any related conditions –i.e. thyroid function, blood test, diabetes.