Burning Feet - Dawgs™ Footwear



Burning Feet

Burning feet is common among people, but most common in the older group over 50 years of age. It has a multi-factorial etiology (many different causes for the formation of the symptom of burning feet). This symptom is most prevalent in diabetics who present with a symptom of mixed neuropathy with loss of sensation on the plantar aspect (bottom of the feet).

However, there are many other causes for this symptom. Alcohol is high on the index of suspicion for this complaint. Neuropathy and loss of sensation secondary to alcohol ingestion over long periods of time. Other causes include thyroid dysfunction and gastric restriction in morbid obesity produce symptoms of burning feet.

Some of the infectious diseases, such as leishmaniasis, a rarely reported neurologic change secondary to a bacteria, also cause these symptoms. Thrombocytopenia also produces this symptom. However, the most common denominator for burning foot syndrome is usually a diabetic who has been insulin dependent for many years, producing a variety of secondary complaints such as vitamin deficiency to include thiamin.

Mechanical causes include nerve entrapment syndrome such as tarsal tunnel syndrome, which causes compression of the never as it enters the foot from the ankle. Neuroma pain, a pinched nerve between the 3rd-4th toes has been implicated in the symptom of burning feet.

Treatment

Treatments vary, depending on the cause of the burning foot syndrome. The most important aspect of this symptom is accurate diagnosis. The diagnostic modalities employed in diagnosis are nerve conduction velocity testing, x-ray evaluation, and MRI is helpful in establishing the underlying cause. Blood tests to determine blood dyscrasias (changes) can be helpful. The most important tool for establishment of an accurate diagnosis is adequate history and physical examination by a physician trained in these area. The best physician for this malady is a neurologist, internist, or podiatrist.