The sensation of burning feet can come from a wide range of conditions. It’s important to determine a cause so you can receive treatment. Some causes, such as a foot fungus like athlete’s foot or shoes that are too tight, can be remedied easily. In some cases, the cause is unknown. 1. Diabetic neuropathy
Years of uncontrolled high blood sugar can gradually damage your blood vessels and nerves. High blood sugar reduces the transmission of signals from the nerves. This can affect sensation to various parts of the body, including the feet. High blood sugar also weakens the blood vessel walls that carry oxygen and nutrients to the nerves.
The nerve damage can occur throughout your body. About 60 to 70 percent of people with diabetes have some form of nerve damage, or neuropathy, according to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. Your risk for neuropathy increases if you:
are obese
have high blood pressure
smoke cigarettes
drink alcohol
When the nerve damage is in your legs and feet, it’s known as peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is the most common type of diabetic neuropathy. This type of neuropathy can cause a burning feeling in your feet. Less frequently, peripheral neuropathy can affect the arms and hands.
Additional symptoms of peripheral neuropathy include:
numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
a feeling like you’re wearing a tight sock
sharp, stabbing pains
weakness or heavy feeling in your legs or arms
excessive sweating
It’s important to see your doctor if you notice any signs of neuropathy. Controlling your blood sugar can prevent nerve damage or slow its course.
One study noted that unexplained peripheral neuropathy may be a sign of borderline or undiagnosed diabetes.
2. Small fiber sensory neuropathy (SFSN)
SFSN is a painful neuropathy that often results in painful burning in the feet. Other symptoms include loss of feeling in the feet and short bursts of pain. It occurs as a result of a loss of the myelin sheath, which covers and protects nerve fibers. Although the cause isn’t known in most cases, diabetes can be involved.
3. Heavy alcohol use
Heavy alcohol use can lead to another type of nerve damage called alcoholic neuropathy. In addition to burning feet, symptoms include:
muscle weakness, muscle spasms, and loss of muscle function
urinary and bowel dysfunction
dizziness
impaired speech

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