Burning Feet Remedy

A common complaint among people over the age of 50 years is the sensation of burning in their feet. Burning feet is a medical condition that is characterized by severe aching, stinging and burning sensation of the feet. This may also be accompanied by sweating, swelling and inflammation of the affected foot. While usually the burning sensation is limited to the soles of the feet, at times the pain may extend up to the ankles and the lower legs. The sensation has often been described as the feeling of "pins and needles" tingling the affected area. Although the pain is persistent throughout the day, it is usually at night that the throbbing increases to a great extent. Before we look into an effective burning feet remedy let us look at the causes of this medical condition.

Cause-specific Remedies for Burning Feet
There are many causes of burning feet which range from tired feet to foot infections like Athlete's foot. In certain severe cases a burning foot may also be a signal of nerve damage caused due to diabetes. Here are some of the primary causes of burning feet.

Inappropriate Footwear: A sensitivity or allergic reaction to the leather dyes used in leather footwear, or the material of the socks one is wearing can trigger off the burning foot sensation. Sometimes dampness in the foot caused by perspiration retaining cotton or woolen socks may lead to a mild and local form of burning feet.
Remedy - Choose mesh shoes over leather ones. Also opt for socks made of cotton. This will allow the feet to breathe and prevent sweaty feet.

Erythromelalgia: Erythromelalgia - also known as the burning foot syndrome - is a medical condition which results in severe burning and aching of the feet. This is caused by circulatory and nervous system related problems or thiamine deficiencies.
Remedy - Consuming foods that are rich in vitamin B (like whole grains, nutritional yeast and brown rice, peanuts and raw wheat germ, many types of green and yellow vegetables and dairy products including milk and butter) can help relieve the problem.

Alcoholism: An alcohol addiction or chronic alcoholism, characterized by excessive consumption of alcohol, may lead to damaged foot nerves and burning feet.
Remedy - Alcoholism can be treated by medication, counseling, self-help groups and other therapies.

Diabetic Neuropathy: People suffering from diabetes may develop some form of nerve damage and this may result in burning feet. This medical condition is known as diabetic neuropathy. While the presence of high levels of blood sugar can affect the nerves in any part of the body, the nerves in your feet and legs are much more susceptible to the condition.
Remedy - Appropriate treatment to control diabetes and keep blood sugar levels within normal range along with opting for a healthy lifestyle can help control the problem.

Fungal Foot Infections: Fungal infections like Athlete's foot develops in moist areas between your toes and on other parts of your foot, thus resulting in itching, inflamed red skin, stinging and burning sensations in the foot.
Remedy - The best way to prevent Athlete's foot is by washing and drying the feet. A doctor may also be able to recommend the correct powders or other medication forms as remedies for Athlete's foot.

Gastric Bypass Surgery: Gastric bypass surgery is a weight loss surgery which restricts the food intake. This results in a decreased ability to absorb calories and nutrients from food resulting in weakened muscle tissues and bone disorders. This may manifest in the form of burning feet.
Remedy - It is best to consult your physician, or you may take the advice of the doctor who performed the operation.

Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism results in an inadequate production of certain hormones. This results in joint pain and burning feet, obesity and heart diseases.
Remedy - Treatment using a synthetic thyroid hormone is usually a safe and effective way of relieving the pain once the proper dosage is established.

Other Remedies for Burning Feet
Along with the treatment for the underlying condition you can also try out these simple home remedies that will help you know how to relieve painful or burning feet.

• People suffering from burning feet sensation should wear mesh shoes or ones with an arch support. If possible, socks should be changed halfway through each day. Magnetic therapy insoles can also help provide relief.
• Regular exercising and massaging your feet can improve the circulation in the feet and help relieve the symptoms.
• Eat green leafy vegetables containing vitamin B complex as it is very healthy in this condition and helps in early recovery.
• Niacin (Vitamin B3) should be added to the diet, the richest form of which in brewer's yeast. Other sources are wheat bran, wheat germ, whole grain products, milk, green vegetables, beans, peas, peanuts, yogurt and egg yolk should be taken regularly.
• Intake of certain vitamin supplements especially vitamin B1, vitamin B2 and pathothenic acid can reduce or eliminate the nerve inflammation and burning feet. In addition to that the intake of vitamin B6 and B12 supplements can eliminate the pins and needle sensation.
• Cold foot baths will stimulate and give strength to the feet.
• Avoid long periods of standing.
• Certain cooling creams or ointments can help relieve the symptoms.
• Pain relievers like aspirin or acetaminophen can also help provide relief.
• Do not leave ice packs on your feet.

Addressing the underlying conditions or these home remedies might be effective but treatment of burning feet needs the cause to be established. For this you would need to consult a podiatrist, rheumatologist or a neurologist.