A lot of people feel this weird burning in their feet, especially at night. Some people describe the feeling of their feet as if they were on fire, tingling, or very hot. Many people have this issue, which is also known as Burning Feet Syndrome. But why do my feet hurt? What makes this feeling bad? And most importantly, how can you feel better?
The whole guide explains what causes burning feet, what deficits are associated with it, what stress can do to worsen it, home cures, and when to consult a doctor.
What is the condition of burning feet?
People with Burning Feet Syndrome have very hot, tingly, or painful feet. The feeling typically worsens at night and improves a bit during the day.
This disorder is usually associated with:
- Nerve injury
- Nutrient deficiencies
- Stress or concern
- Diabetes
- Poor circulation of blood
Determining why your feet are burning will, in turn, help you find the best way to get relief.
Why do your feet burn? What causes burning feet?
These are the main reasons why your feet can be burning.
- Lack of vitamins, which is the main cause
Among the most widespread explanations for feet pain is the lack of nutrition that the feet receive, especially:
✔ Inadequate supply of vitamin B12
The most common cause of burning feet syndrome is a lack of Vitamin B12.
B12 is good for your nerves. Neuropathy, or nerve injury, starts when levels drop.
✔ Deficiency of Vitamin B6 and B9
These vitamins help the nerves work. When levels are low, you may feel tingling and ✔burning.Deficiency in vitamin D
Weak nerves and bones can make the feet ache, feel hot, and cramp up.
Specific signs of a vitamin deficiency:
- Tingling in the feet
- Feeling of heat
- Pain that feels like it's burning
- Weakness
- Numbness
2. Diabetes and nerve damage
Over time, diabetes damages nerves, causing a burning feeling in your feet. High sugar levels damage the nerve endings and may cause pain, heat, and tingling.
This is what is known as diabetic neuropathy.
3. Stress and Anxiety: A big problem that many don't talk about
Many people seek to know whether stress can make your feet burn. Yes, stress may definitely make burning feet worse or start them.
When you're anxious, your nerves become overactive.
- Alteration in blood flow
- Muscles tighten up.
- The neurological system becomes oversensitive.
This makes you feel anything from heat to tingling, burning sensations.
4. Poor blood circulation
If your blood flow is weak, your feet may feel warm.
- Burning
- swollen
- Heavy
You can develop circulation problems if you remain seated for long periods of time.
- Overweight
- Too much cholesterol
- Varicose Veins
- Heart problems
5. Drinking too much alcohol
Alcohol damages nerves and depletes Vitamin B levels, thus leading to burning feet syndrome.
6. Peripheral neuropathy or damage to the nerves
Burning feet may occur with nerve damage:
- Injuries
- Infections
- Diseases that attack the immune system
- Bad things that happen when you take drugs
7. Inadequate production of thyroid hormone
Low thyroid slows down metabolism, makes you hold on to fluids, which then puts pressure on nerves, therefore making your feet burn.
8. Athlete's Foot (Fungus Infection)
People generally mistake it for a burning feet syndrome.
Fungal infections make you feel burning.
- Itchy
- Redness
- Peeling skin
9. Any impairments of the liver or kidneys
If these organs don't function correctly, toxins accumulate and damage the nerves; thus, they feel like they are burning.
10. Shoes and other things that affect your lifestyle
Your shoes can be the major reason your feet hurt.
Shoes that are too tight, made of synthetic materials, or do not allow for breathing may trap heat and injure nerves.
Burning Feet Syndrome Signs
You might feel:
- Burning or hot feeling in the feet
- Tingling or feeling like you have pins and needles
- Feeling numb
- Pain that is quite sharp
- Swelling
- Redness
- Pain that worsens at night
If the following symptoms fail to subside, the sooner the intervention, the better.
Why Do My Feet Hurt at Night?
Nocturnal burning is relatively common and occurs because of the following reasons:
- Nerves become more active while sleeping
- Your blood flow changes when you lie down.
- Sensations are more powerful when there are no distractions.
- Blankets keep your feet warm.
- Vitamin deficiency or neuropathy might be a reason for your burning feet to worsen at night.
HOME REMEDIES FOR BURNING FEET (QUICK RELIEF)
Here are the best home remedies for burning feet if you are looking for some natural ones.
- Soak in cold water
- Put your feet in cold water for 10 to 15 minutes.
- This instantly stops the burning and swelling.
- Epsom salt baths for feet
- Put 1 cup of Epsom salt in a gallon of warm water.
- Let it soak for 20 minutes.
- This soothes the nerves.
- It improves blood circulation.
Lessens burning
- Turmeric Milk
- Curcumin, which is in turmeric, eases nerve pain.
- One glass at night.
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Mix one tablespoon into warm water and drink it every day.
- It helps in maintaining nerve function and reducing acidity.
- Supplement with vitamin B12.
- Vitamin B6
- Folic Acid (Vitamin B9)
- D Vitamin
These are the vitamins that restore nerves and prevent burning of the feet when deficiencies occur.
- Massage your body with coconut oil
- Warm coconut oil helps by increasing: Blood flow
- Nerve relaxation
- Reducing pain
- Aloe Vera Gel
Put it right on your feet to chill them off. - Elevate Your Feet
To improve circulation, elevate your feet for 15 minutes daily.
Medical treatment options
- If your feet keep burning, the doctor may suggest:
- Vitamin B complex injections
- Managing diabetes
- Painkillers for Nerve Pain
- Creams for nerve pain
- Physical therapy
- Blood tests to check for nutritional deficiencies
When Should You Be Concerned About Burning Feet?
- Get help if the burning has lasted longer than two weeks.
- Pain is worse at night.
- Numbness in the feet
- You have diabetes.
- You cannot walk without pain.
Burning Feet – Quick Q&A
What are the common causes of burning feet?
Vitamin B12 deficiency, nerve damage, stress, diabetes, and poor circulation.
Can stress cause burning feet?
Yes. Stress overstimulates the nerves, creating burning and tingling sensations.
Why do my feet burn more at night?
Nerves are more active at night, and heat gets trapped under blankets, increasing the burning feeling.
Is burning feet a serious problem?
Not always. But persistent or severe burning can indicate neuropathy or vitamin deficiency.
Which deficiency causes burning feet?
Deficiencies in Vitamin B12, B6, B9, and Vitamin D are common triggers.
How can I treat burning feet at home?
Cold water soak, Epsom salt bath, turmeric milk, aloe vera, coconut oil massage, and vitamin supplements.
Can dehydration cause burning feet?
Yes. Low water intake affects nerve function and increases heat sensation.
Do tight shoes cause burning feet?
Yes. Tight or synthetic shoes trap heat and reduce circulation, causing burning.