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.
- Hypothyroidism.
Home care
Soak in cool water, elevate the feet and wear breathable shoes.
See a doctor
If burning persists or worsens, especially at night.
Diabetes
Check blood sugar.
Nerve causes
Burning feet are often related to nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). It’s one of the most common symptoms of neuropathy and tends to be worse at night.
Diabetes
About half of people with diabetes eventually develop neuropathy, according to the American Diabetes Association. Keeping blood sugar controlled slows the damage.
Other medical causes
- Vitamin B deficiencies (B12, B6, B1) and folate deficiency.
- Alcohol-related nerve damage.
- Hypothyroidism.
- Kidney failure.
- Small fiber neuropathy.
- Chemotherapy or other drugs.
- Chronic regional pain syndrome.
- Erythromelalgia, a rare condition with burning, redness and warmth in the feet.
- Heavy metal exposure.
Foot conditions
Athlete’s foot, plantar fasciitis, tarsal tunnel syndrome, Morton’s neuroma, and tight or synthetic footwear.
Home care
- Soak feet in cool (not ice cold) water for a few minutes.
- Elevate your feet.
- Wear breathable, well fitting shoes and cotton or moisture-wicking socks.
- Check feet daily for sores.
- Treat fungal infections with antifungal cream.
- Avoid alcohol and quit smoking.
- Eat a balanced diet and consider B12 if deficient.
Medications
Prescription options for neuropathic pain include duloxetine, pregabalin, gabapentin and capsaicin patches.
Diabetes foot care
Inspect feet daily, wear shoes and socks, never walk barefoot, have yearly foot exams and see a doctor for any wound that does not heal.
See a doctor if
Burning is persistent, worsening, with numbness, weakness, color changes, sores or if you have diabetes.
Nerve pain basics
Burning feet are commonly linked to peripheral neuropathy, in which nerves in the feet are damaged. Diabetes is the leading cause: the CDC estimates about 38 million Americans have diabetes, and roughly half of people with diabetes develop some neuropathy during their lives. Other causes include vitamin B12 deficiency, chronic alcohol use, kidney disease, hypothyroidism, chemotherapy, HIV and inherited disorders. Athlete’s foot and heat or tight footwear can also cause a burning feeling.
Self care and testing
Doctors may order blood tests for glucose, A1c, vitamin B12, thyroid hormones and kidney function, and nerve conduction studies. Comfortable shoes, cool foot soaks (not ice), moisture control and checking feet daily for sores help. Medications for nerve pain include duloxetine, pregabalin and gabapentin. People with diabetes should check feet every day and report any blister, cut or color change quickly.
Based on data from the CDC and the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
