Recently your nights have been disturbed by an unusual guest: a tingling, burning and painful sensation in your feet. While unpleasant, this is a common occurrence. If you’re concerned about the causes and seeking treatment options, rest assured that in most cases, there’s no immediate cause for alarm. Nevertheless, a burning sensation in your foot at night is far from enjoyable. So, what might be causing it?
Possible explanations include peripheral neuropathy, where nerve damage disrupts communication between the brain and extremities. Restless leg syndrome (RLS) is another potential cause, creating an irresistible urge to move the legs accompanied by discomfort or a burning sensation, often exacerbated during rest or inactivity.
Additionally, foot conditions like plantar fasciitis, Morton’s neuroma, or tarsal tunnel syndrome may induce a burning sensation. Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for determining appropriate treatment options.
In most cases there’s no need to worry, but a burning sensation in your foot at night isn’t exactly pleasant. Reclaim peaceful nights by visiting our blog to uncover insights into causes and treatment approaches. Here’s why it might be happening…
Is It A Burning Feeling Or Something Else?
Every night, the same nightmare begins. As soon as you start relaxing you feel your feet burning in quite a painful way.
But in order to help a foot health practitioner assess your condition you should try and analyse precisely what this sensation feels like, as it might have different causes.
Is it painful or is it just unpleasant? Is it tingling or do you just feel your soles warming up in a discomforting way? Do you have any numbness that comes along with the burning sensation? And, most importantly, do you have any pre-existing health conditions such as diabetes?
All of this information can be crucial to avoid any delay in the diagnosis. The other thing to consider is if you’re experiencing foot pain at night or in the morning, which can indicate different issues.
Main Causes Of The Foot Burning Sensation?
Foot pain when walking is bad enough, but experiencing a persistent burning sensation in your feet at night should never be taken lightly. Even if it doesn’t cause you significant inconvenience, it is advisable to make an appointment with a medical professional for a thorough check-up. This symptom, particularly the burning of feet at night, could potentially indicate underlying conditions such as:
Neuropathy – Especially In Diabetic Patients
Nerve damage caused by diabetes can lead to a burning sensation in the feet, known as diabetic neuropathy. Proper management and treatment of diabetes are crucial to address this condition. Diabetic sores can be very serious, and there are a lot of implications for your feet that come with diabetes.
It’s important to understand that diabetic neuropathy can manifest in various forms. The most common type affecting feet is peripheral neuropathy. It typically starts with a loss of sensation in the toes and feet, making it hard to feel temperature changes or pain. This can lead to unnoticed injuries or infections. Regular foot examinations become crucial to prevent complications.
Prevention
Additionally, managing blood sugar levels is paramount in slowing the progression of neuropathy. Alongside prescribed medication, lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding alcohol and smoking can significantly impact the control of diabetes and, consequently, neuropathy symptoms.
Moreover, specialised foot care is often recommended. This includes wearing shoes that fit well and provide proper support, using moisture-absorbing socks, and being vigilant about foot hygiene. Regular visits to a podiatrist for check-ups can help in early detection of potential foot complications. They can also provide tailored advice and treatment, including orthotics or braces, to alleviate symptoms and prevent further damage.
Consequences of Neuropathy
In severe cases, diabetic neuropathy can lead to complications such as foot ulcers, infections, and even the risk of amputation. Therefore, early intervention and consistent management are key to reducing these risks. It’s essential for individuals with diabetes to work closely with their healthcare team, including their doctor, diabetes educator, and podiatrist, to effectively manage their condition and maintain foot health.
Remember, every individual’s experience with diabetic neuropathy can vary, so personalised medical advice is always the best course of action. If you’re experiencing symptoms of neuropathy, it’s imperative to consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive evaluation and tailored treatment plan.
By taking proactive steps in managing diabetes and its complications, such as neuropathy, you can maintain your foot health and overall well-being.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland is underactive, can have a wide range of effects on the body, including the health of your feet. When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, it can lead to peripheral neuropathy, which is a type of nerve damage that often affects the extremities like your feet. This neuropathy can manifest as a burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the feet.
The thyroid hormones play a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and their deficiency can slow down bodily functions, leading to symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. In relation to neuropathy, the decreased metabolic rate can impair the nerves’ ability to function properly. This impairment can cause a variety of sensations, with a burning feeling in the feet being one of the more common complaints.
Early detection and treatment of hypothyroidism are vital in preventing or minimising the effects of peripheral neuropathy. Treatment typically involves hormone replacement therapy, where synthetic thyroid hormone (levothyroxine) is administered to compensate for the underactive thyroid. This therapy can help in normalising body metabolism, which in turn can alleviate the symptoms of neuropathy.
Managing Hypothyroidism
In addition to medical treatment, certain lifestyle adjustments can be beneficial. Regular exercise can improve circulation and nerve health, while a balanced diet can support overall thyroid health and aid in the management of hypothyroidism. Foods rich in selenium and iodine, such as fish, dairy, and eggs, are often recommended as they are essential for thyroid hormone production.
It’s also important for patients with hypothyroidism to pay special attention to foot care. Regular foot examinations, either self-examined or by a healthcare professional, can help in early detection of any abnormalities or complications arising from neuropathy. Comfortable and supportive footwear is advised to reduce the risk of foot injuries, especially for those experiencing numbness or reduced sensation.
Continuous monitoring and follow-up with a healthcare provider are essential for anyone diagnosed with hypothyroidism, especially if symptoms of peripheral neuropathy are present. Adjustments in the treatment plan, including medication dosage, may be necessary based on the individual’s response to therapy and changes in symptoms.
Managing hypothyroidism effectively is key to reducing or preventing the burning sensation in the feet caused by peripheral neuropathy. Through a combination of medical treatment, lifestyle changes, and regular foot care, individuals with hypothyroidism can manage their symptoms and maintain their overall health and well-being.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Inadequate intake or absorption of certain vitamins and minerals, such as vitamin B12 or folate, can contribute to neuropathy and result in a burning sensation in the feet. Correcting nutritional deficiencies through dietary changes or supplements may help alleviate the symptoms.
Infectious Diseases – Like Lyme Disease
Certain infections can affect the nervous system and cause neuropathy, leading to a burning sensation in the feet. If you have a known history of exposure to tick bites or live in an area where Lyme disease is prevalent, it is important to consider this possibility and seek appropriate medical evaluation.
Athlete’s Foot Or Other Fungal Infections
Fungal infections on the feet, like athlete’s foot, can cause itching, burning, and discomfort, particularly at night. Proper hygiene, topical antifungal medications, and keeping the feet clean and dry can help manage these infections.
It is important to note that if you are generally in good health and do not have a family history of these conditions, there may be no immediate cause for concern. However, it is always recommended to consult a medical professional for a proper evaluation and to rule out any underlying issues.
Prioritising your health and seeking medical advice will provide you with peace of mind and ensure that any potential underlying conditions are addressed promptly. Remember, early detection and appropriate management are key to maintaining overall well-being.
Just get your feet and general health checked and find out what seems to be the problem!
What Are My Treatment Options For Burning Of Foot At Night?
Whatever the cause might be, a licensed medical professional will visit you, ask for your detailed health history and may ask you to do some further tests.
The best place to start is by booking a first appointment with a foot health practitioner, that will not only assess your current problem, but will also perform an evaluation of your general feet’s health and might suggest you make some changes.
For example, if what’s causing you to have burning feet at night is athlete’s foot, a podiatrist might prescribe you an antifungal medication and give you some advice on the shoes you wear.
If you have other conditions, like diabetes, a podiatrist might help you through manipulation and foot care suggestions.
There are plenty of treatments available to successfully tackle your issue for good.
Make An Appointment
If you’re currently plagued by the burning of your foot (or feet) at night, early assessment of the issue is essential. Pop into our clinic in Northwich, Cheshire, and we’ll be able to got to the cause of the problem and treat it.
Book your first appointment with one of our licensed podiatrists today through our online tool or give us a call at 01606 45077.
