A burning sensation can best be described as a kind of pain which is quite different from stabbing, dull or aching. More often than not, a burning pain can be attributed to nerves. However, there are a number of other causes responsible for the pain. The other causes of pain or nerve damage could be injuries, infections, wear and tear of the body as well as autoimmune disorders. While a burning sensation may not really have a cure, it can be treated effectively. Burning foot pain is a common complaint, usually as a result of damage to the nerves of the foot or leg. It may develop due to an injury or medical condition. Symptoms may be constant or come and go, vary in intensity and be accompanied by other sensations such as pins and needles or numbness. Accurate diagnosis of burning foot pain is vital to ensure appropriate treatment is started as soon as possible to prevent further damage.
While fatigue or a skin infection can cause temporary burning or inflamed feet, burning feet are most often a sign of nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). Nerve damage has many different causes, including diabetes, chronic alcohol use, exposure to certain toxins, certain B vitamin deficiencies or HIV infection.
Possible causes of burning feet:
- Alcohol use disorder
- Athlete’s Foot
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease (a group of hereditary disorders that affects the nerves in your arms and legs)
- Chemotherapy
- Chronic kidney disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Diabetic Neuropathy (diabetes-related nerve damage)
- Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (chronic pain due to a dysfunctional nervous system)
- Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Tarsal tunnel syndrome
- Vitamin Deficiency Anemia
Causes of a burning sensation
One of the most common reasons for burning pain is damage or dysfunction in the nervous system. This system is made up of the Central Nervous System (CNS) and the Peripheral Nervous System (PNS). The CNS is the primary command center, and includes the brain and spinal cord. The PNS consists of the nerves that branch out from the brain and spine, connecting the rest of the body to the CNS. Several different types of nerve and spine conditions that may cause burning pain as a symptom include.
- Central pain syndrome is a brain disorder that occurs when the nerves in the CNS are damaged. The condition can cause different types of painful sensations, including burning and aching.
- Cervical spondylosis is a result of aging. Wear and tear on the bones and cartilage in the neck cause compression on the nerves. This leads to chronic neck pain along with a burning sensation.
- Herniated disk occurs when a disk in the spine slips out of place. The disks protect the bones in the spinal cord by absorbing shock from daily activities, such as walking and twisting. When a disk moves out of place, it can compress a nerve and cause a burning pain. It may also cause numbness or muscle weakness.
- Mononeuropathy is a group of conditions that can cause damage to a single nerve. The damage often results in a tingling or burning sensation in the affected part of the body. There are several types of mononeuropathy, including carpal tunnel, ulnar nerve palsy and sciatica.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS) is a disease that affects the CNS. Researchers believe that ms causes the body’s immune system to attack myelin, which is an insulating coating around nerve cells. Once myelin erodes, communication between nerve cells in the CNS is disrupted. When this happens, some parts of the body don’t receive instructions from the brain. This results in a variety of symptoms, including burning pain and spasms.
- Neuralgia is burning and stabbing pain that occurs along a damaged or irritated nerve. The affected nerve may be anywhere in the body, but it’s most often in the face or neck.
- Peripheral neuropathy is a disorder that develops when a peripheral nerve is damaged, affecting its ability to function correctly. It may trigger a burning sensation. When at least two nerves or areas are affected, as can happen in leprosy, the condition is called mononeuritis multiplex.
- Radiculopathy, also referred to as a pinched nerve in the spine, is a natural part of aging. It occurs when surrounding bones, cartilage, or muscle deteriorates over time. The condition may also be triggered by injury or trauma to the spine. Radiculopathy causes burning pain in some cases, but not all.
Accidents, injuries, and traumas are other possible causes of burning sensations.
- Frostbite occurs when skin and the tissue under it freeze. Before numbness sets in, frostbite produces a burning sensation.
- Stings and bites from insects or animals that are venomous, such as snakes, produce a burning sensation at the affected area.
- Whiplash is an injury that occurs when someone’s head moves back and forth very suddenly with great force. The injury is most common after a car accident. It can cause a burning pain and stiffness in the neck.
Certain nutritional deficiencies can also include burning pain as a symptom.
- Beriberi is a deficiency in thiamine, or vitamin B-1.
- Hypoparathyroidism is a rare disease characterized by an underproduction of parathyroid hormone, a hormone produced by glands in the neck. This can lead to a calcium deficiency.
- Megaloblastic anemia may be related to a vitamin B12 or folic acid deficiency.
- Pernicious anemia causes a vitamin B-12 deficiency.
There are other potential causes of a burning sensation in different parts of the body.
- Canker sores are mouth ulcers or sores caused by a virus. They are usually very painful.
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is chronic acid reflux, which occurs when stomach contents flow back up into the esophagus. The condition can cause a burning sensation in the esophagus, chest, or stomach.
- Peripheral Vascular disease (PVDs) is a blood circulation disorder that affects veins and arteries outside of the heart and brain. It often causes burning pain that gets worse when walking.
- Rosacea is a skin condition that produces red, pus-filled bumps on various areas of the body. The affected areas can sometimes feel hot.
Article is posted by MBT Physiological Footwear.
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