Burning feet syndrome is a common disorder and hard to reach the bottom of and hard to deal with as it could commonly not necessarily be apparent what is causing it. The burning feet syndrome is generally characterized by an unusual experience of burning and heaviness that happens from the feet and legs. In the past, it was initially explained by Grierson in 1826 who had been the first person to report the symptoms of burning feet. A more detailed explanation was written about by by Gopalan in 1946, so at time the burning feet syndrome had also been termed Grierson-Gopalan syndrome.
There is certainly frequently no particular aetiology or reason behind burning foot syndrome and the reason can often be idiopathic or unidentified. It may be associated with nutritional or endocrine causes for example a vitamin B insufficiency, the neuropathy that occurs in diabetes mellitus, in individuals with kidney failure especially if on dialysis, or with hypothyroidism. It is more prevalent in individuals older than 50 years but it might and does occur at all ages. The symptoms are typically described by way of burning experience, a heavy feeling, a pins and needles or a boring ache occurring principally in the foot. It is almost always just on the bottom of the feet but might go up to include the top of the feet, ankles or up the lower legs in some instances. The arms and palms of the hands are usually not impacted, but when they can be, then this needs to be looked at further. Occasionally individuals might report of 'pins and needles' or tingling variety of discomfort in the feet and legs. Ordinarily, the signs and symptoms tend to be more painful through the night and are relatively better during the day time. They are also not made more painful with an increase of levels of exercise or weightbearing which would signal an orthopaedic condition rather than the neural involvement in burning feet syndrome. Assessment of your feet and legs by a medical expert typically detects no objective signs. A selection of investigations, particularly blood tests are frequently performed to search for any of the distinct problems that might cause the problem.
The management of burning foot syndrome will both have specific actions that are targeted at what caused it (eg diabetic neuropathy, pinched nerves, thyroid disorders) and general measures which can be helpful in most cases. These common measures range from the using of open and comfy shoes, possibly those having arch supports, as well as putting on cotton socks is oftentimes useful. Relief from the symptoms can be as a result of the immersing your feet in colder water for around 15 minutes. It is also essential to steer clear of exposing the feet to sources of heating. There are pharmacological options which include tricyclic antidepressants and membrane stabilising substances (for example carbamazepine or gabapentin) which have been used in the much more serious cases. You will find side affects associated with these drugs, but they are important at offering relief to the symptoms when it's necessary. Despite having the usage of medicines, the treating of the signs and symptoms might be a tough and a few individuals will should be assessed by a consultant pain clinic and given strategies to help deal with the pain.