What is burning feet syndrome?
Burning feet syndrome is a common disorder and difficult to get to the bottom of and difficult to deal with as it may frequently not necessarily be obvious how you get it. The burning feet syndrome is frequently characterised by an odd experience of burning and a heavy feeling that occurs from the legs and feet. Historically, it was initially explained by Grierson in 1826 who had been the first person to record the symptoms of burning feet. A much more detailed account was written about by by Gopalan in 1946, so for a while the burning feet syndrome has also been often known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome.
There is generally not any particular aetiology or reason behind burning feet syndrome and the reason is frequently idiopathic or unknown. It could be related to nutritional or endocrine causes such as a vitamin B deficiency, the painful neuropathy that develops in diabetes, in those with kidney failure especially if on renal dialysis, or with hypothyroidism. It is more common in people older than 50 years but it can and does come about at any age. The signs and symptoms are generally described by a burning experience, a heaviness, a pins and needles or a boring ache that happens largely in the feet. It is almost always just on the bottom of the feet but can go up to involve the dorsum of the foot, ankles or up the lower legs sometimes. The arms and palms of the hands are typically not affected, however when they may be, then this really needs to be looked into further. Sometimes individuals may report of 'pins and needles' or tingling type of experience in the feet. Frequently, the symptoms usually are more serious during the night and are somewhat improved during the day time. They're also certainly not made worse with an increase of levels of activity or weightbearing which would suggest a musculoskeletal condition rather than the neural involvement in burning foot syndrome. Assessment of your feet and lower limbs by a doctor normally finds no objective signs or symptoms. A selection of investigations, particularly blood tests are usually frequently carried out to look for some of the distinct conditions that may cause the problem.
The treatment of burning feet syndrome will either have specific actions which can be directed at the main cause (eg diabetic neuropathy, pinched nerves, thyroid conditions) and general steps which can be useful in some cases. These kinds of common measures include the wearing of open and comfy shoes, maybe those with arch supports, as well as using cotton socks is sometimes helpful. Respite from the signs and symptoms may be brought about by the soaking the feet in colder water for approximately fifteen minutes. It is also essential to avoid exposing your feet to sources of warmth. There are drug therapies including tricyclic antidepressants and membrane layer stabilising agents (for example carbamazepine or gabapentin) that are utilized in the much more severe conditions. There are side affects connected with these medicines, but they are important at offering reduction to the signs and symptoms when it is required. Even with the use of drugs, the treating of the signs and symptoms might be a problematic and a few individuals will ought to be evaluated by a expert pain clinic and given strategies to help live with the pain sensation.