Burning feet, when feet feel painfully hot, is a condition that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It is especially common in diabetics and people over the age of 50. The symptoms may be mild or severe and can be indicative of everything from tired feet to a more serious medical condition, like neuropathy.

The most important aspect of treating burning feet is proper diagnosis of the underlying condition. Burning sensation in the feet is often a symptom of nerve damage and it requires immediate medical care.

Causes of a burning sensation

Burning sensation in the feet can be caused by many different factors. In some cases, it may simply be the result of fatigue. Sometimes feet just ache and burn at the end of a long day. Foot infections, like athlete’s foot, may also cause a burning sensation in the feet. More than likely, a persistent burning sensation is a symptom of nerve damage.

The most common causes of a burning sensation in the feet are:

• Alcoholism. 
• Athlete’s foot. 
• Blood disorders. 
• Circulatory disorders. 
• Diabetic neuropathy. 
• Fatigue. 
• HIV/AIDS. 
• Metal poisoning. 
• Other foot conditions, including metatarsalgia or Morton’s neuroma. 
• Tarsal tunnel syndrome.
• Underactive thyroid. 
• Vitamin deficiency.

Burning sensation treatment

The most important aspect of treating burning feet is to establish the cause of the symptom. Methods of diagnosis include: 

• Blood tests.
• Nerve testing. 
• Physical examination. 
• X-rays.

A full battery of tests may need to be ordered to identify the source of the pain.

When a burning sensation in the feet is being caused by a local problem, it is easily treatable with medication or use of orthotics. If the burning sensation is a symptom of a more serious medical condition, your physician will discuss strategies to help manage the symptom while also addressing the underlying cause. Accurate diagnosis is essential to begin treatment.