adminDr Tendai Zuze Health Matters
DO you get burning feet? Paraesthesia is the medical term for that hot, painful, “pins and needles” sensation in the feet. These sensations can range from mild to severe, and may be short or long term in nature.
The causes of burning feet are numerous and varied, ranging from simple fatigue to more serious conditions such as a nerve damage or circulatory issues. Therefore, the underlying cause should be diagnosed as soon as possible to avoid long-term damage.
Burning feet affects patients in all age groups, although patients over the age of 50 seem to go more often to the doctor’s office for it. Underlying systemic conditions such as diabetes, alcoholism, and nerve injuries to the back can cause neuropathy or loss of sensation in the feet, often causing the tips of the fingers and toes to feel as though they are burning.
As a result of these underlying conditions, people who suffer from pins and needles syndrome can also have problems related to other parts of their bodies.
In addition to the tingling and burning sensation, paraesthesia symptoms can sometimes include redness, swelling, increased sweating and a dull ache. If you are experiencing these additional symptoms, it could be a sign of a more serious condition.
There are several reasons why people experience burning feet, and while some are inconsequential, others signify a more serious problem that requires immediate medical attention. Common causes of burning feet include:
· Overuse
· Obesity
· Nerve damage
· Blood disorders
· Alcoholism
· Circulatory disorders
· Nerve entrapments
· Vitamin B deficiency
· Gout
· Trauma
· Athletes foot
· Peripheral neuropathy
· Diabetes
Many people experience pins and needles at the end of a long day.
This is particularly true for people who are overweight and spend long periods of time on their feet. This condition can sometimes interfere with sleep, which is a more serious problem.
Once you see your doctor about your burning feet, he or she will be able to create an appropriate treatment plan for you. Treatment may be as simple as changing your footwear, or it may involve systemic medication to correct the primary cause of your condition.
Things you can do at home to help alleviate the problem include:
· Wearing the proper footwear
· Wearing socks made of cotton only to decrease sweating
· Adding insoles or other padding to your shoes
· Bathing your feet in cool (not iced) water
· Creams or ointments with cooling properties
· Increase your daily nutritional intake, especially Vitamin B
· Rest your feet as often as possible
· Elevate your feet while resting
· Decrease your intake of alcohol
Treatment options your doctor may use, depending on the cause, include:
· Prescribed medication (fungal, narcotic, nerve, and diabetic medications)
· Prescribed ointments or creams
· Custom-made orthotics or footwear
· Surgery to repair damaged nerves or problems located in the nerves, joints or muscles
· Vitamins
Again, your treatment plan will depend on the diagnosis. The bottom line is, if you are suffering from constant pins and needles in your feet, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Here are some tips to help you rid yourself of burning feet:
· After walking or wearing shoes and socks for a while, change out of them to allow your feet, socks, and shoes to dry thoroughly.
· If you use insoles, pads, or inserts (orthotics), change them regularly in order to allow proper support.
· Stretch and ice your feet regularly after a long day.
· Rest your feet as often as possible.
Dr Zuze can be contacted at Highland Clinic on 020-66364 or [email protected]
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