Burning feet syndrome is a frequent issue and difficult to reach the bottom of and difficult to deal with since it can quite often not really be clear why you have it. The burning feet syndrome is generally characterised by a strange experience of burning and a heavy feeling occurring from the legs and feet. In the past, it was first explained by Grierson in 1826 who had been the first to document the signs and symptoms of burning feet. An even more detailed explanation was given by Gopalan in 1946, so at time the burning feet syndrome has also been named Grierson-Gopalan syndrome.
There is typically no specific aetiology or reason for burning feet syndrome and the reason is usually idiopathic or unidentified. It could be related to nutritional or endocrine causes for example a vitamin B insufficiency, the painful neuropathy occurring in diabetes mellitus, in individuals with kidney failure particularly if on dialysis, or with hypothyroidism. Burning feet are more prevalent in people over the age of 50 years but it may and does come about at any age. The signs and symptoms are typically characterised by way of burning discomfort, a heaviness, a tingling or a dull ache that occurs principally in the foot. It is usually only on the bottom of the feet but may go up to involve the top of the foot, ankles or up the lower legs in some instances. The arms and palms of the hands are generally not affected, but in the event that they can be, then this really needs to be looked into further. At times individuals could complain of 'pins and needles' or tingling type of sensation in the lower limbs. Usually, the signs and symptoms are usually even worse at night and are relatively better throughout the day time. Also, they are definitely not made more painful with increased amounts of activity or weightbearing which would indicate an orthopaedic condition rather than the neural involvement in burning feet syndrome. Assessment of the feet and legs by a health professional usually locates no objective signs or symptoms. A selection of investigations, especially blood tests are often performed to search for some of the particular conditions that may cause the condition.
The management of burning foot syndrome can either have specific measures which can be directed at the cause (eg diabetic neuropathy, pinched nerves, thyroid disorders) and general actions that could be useful in every case. These types of general methods include the using of open and comfortable shoes, possibly those having arch supports, as well as using cotton socks might possibly be beneficial. Respite from the symptoms can be as a result of the soaking the feet in chillier water for about 15 minutes. Additionally it is important to steer clear of exposing the feet to sources of heat. There are pharmacological treatments including tricyclic antidepressants and membrane layer stabilizing substances (for example carbamazepine and gabapentin) that happen to be utilized in the much more serious situations. There are actually side affects associated with these drugs, but they're significant at giving reduction for the signs and symptoms when it's necessary. Despite having the use of drugs, the management of the symptoms might be a complex and a few individuals will should be evaluated by a specialist pain center and presented strategies to help live with the pain.