Burning feet can be caused by nerve damage (neuropathy), diabetes, athlete’s foot, or vitamin deficiencies. See a doctor if it persists.
Common causes
- Peripheral neuropathy.
- Diabetes.
- Athlete’s foot.
- Vitamin B deficiencies.
- Alcohol use.
- Kidney disease.
- Erythromelalgia.
Home care
Cool soaks, elevate feet and wear breathable shoes.
See a doctor
If burning persists or worsens, or comes with numbness.
Diabetes
Nerve damage affects up to half of diabetics.
Burning feet explained
Burning sensation in the feet is often neuropathic. Diabetic neuropathy affects up to 50 percent of people with diabetes over time and typically starts in the feet. Other causes include alcohol-related neuropathy, vitamin B deficiency, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, athlete’s foot, chemotherapy, small fiber neuropathy and erythromelalgia.
- Burning at night that eases with cool floors is typical in neuropathy.
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton neuroma compress nerves in the foot.
- Heat and tight shoes also cause temporary burning.
Care and diagnosis
Cool soaks (not ice), elevating the feet and wearing breathable shoes help. Doctors check blood glucose, HbA1c, B12, thyroid, kidney function and nerve conduction. Treatments for neuropathic pain include duloxetine, gabapentin, pregabalin and topical capsaicin. Check the feet daily if you have diabetes, and see a doctor for sores, color change, spreading numbness or persistent burning.
Burning feet explained
Burning feet may be due to diabetic neuropathy, vitamin B deficiency, alcohol use, thyroid disease, athlete’s foot, kidney disease or chemotherapy. Erythromelalgia is a rare condition with burning and redness.
Care and diagnosis
Cool the feet, wear breathable shoes and seek testing: blood sugar, B12 and thyroid. Persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
Medical causes of burning feet
Peripheral neuropathy is the leading cause. Diabetes accounts for roughly 30 percent of neuropathy cases. Alcohol use, B12 deficiency, hypothyroidism, chronic kidney disease and HIV neuropathy are other causes. Small fiber neuropathy specifically produces burning pain, tested with skin biopsy. Erythromelalgia is rare.
Self care and treatment
Wear breathable shoes and moisture wicking socks, cool the feet, and check blood glucose. Pregabalin and duloxetine have strong trial evidence. Capsaicin cream can help. Inspect feet daily for injuries if numbness is present. See a doctor for new burning with numbness, ulcers or skin color change.
Based on data from the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke and the American Diabetes Association
