Burning Feet Symptom Checker

What May Cause Burning Feet?

Burning feet can have different causes. Some are temporary, while others need medical attention. Here are the most common reasons:

• Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Often caused by diabetes (diabetic neuropathy), excess alcohol use, chemotherapy, or HIV/AIDS.
• Poor Circulation: Conditions like peripheral artery disease (PAD) can reduce blood flow to the feet.
• Infections: Athlete’s foot (a fungal infection) can cause burning, itching, and peeling skin.
• Chronic Kidney Disease: Waste buildup in the body due to kidney problems can cause nerve pain in the feet.
• Nerve Compression: A pinched nerve in the foot or leg (such as tarsal tunnel syndrome) can cause burning pain.
• Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid): Low thyroid hormone levels can lead to poor circulation and nerve issues.
• Vitamin Deficiency Anemia: Lack of B vitamins (B12, B6, or B1) or iron can damage nerves, leading to a burning sensation.
• Heat or Overuse: Standing for long hours or wearing tight shoes can trigger burning sensations.
• Nerve Compression: Tarsal tunnel syndrome (a pinched nerve in the ankle) or Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (a genetic nerve disorder) can cause burning pain.

Symptoms You May Also Have

Burning feet rarely come alone. They often bring some extra annoying (or even worrying) symptoms. Here’s what else you might notice:

Tingling or Numbness 

Like your feet are full of pins and needles? That’s usually a nerve problem. If they go completely numb, it could mean poor circulation or vitamin deficiency.

Pain That Won’t Quit 

Some people feel a deep ache, others get sharp, stabbing pains. If even light touch feels like fire, your nerves might be overreacting.

Itching Like Crazy 

If your feet burn AND itch, check your skin. Fungal infections (like athlete’s foot) can make feet red, flaky, and uncomfortable.

Sweaty or Freezing Feet 

Too much sweat can make your feet overheat, while poor blood flow can make them ice cold until they suddenly start burning.

Swelling or Color Changes 

Puffy, swollen feet might mean fluid buildup. If your toes look blue or purple, it could be a circulation issue.

Weakness or Balance Problems 

Burning feet and trouble walking? If your muscles feel weak, your nerves might not be sending the right signals.

Self-Assessment Questions

These questions will help you understand your condition better and be prepared for your visit to a doctor:

• When did the burning start? Was it sudden or gradual?
• Do both feet burn, or just one? (Both feet usually mean a medical condition, while one foot might mean a nerve issue.)
• Does the burning happen at night? (Neuropathy pain often gets worse at night.)
• Do you have diabetes or poor circulation? (Both can cause burning feet.)
• Are your feet also numb or weak? (This may signal nerve damage.)
• Do your feet feel better when you rest? (Burning from overuse improves with rest, while neuropathy does not.)
• Have you noticed peeling skin or redness? (This could mean an infection like athlete’s foot.)

Share your answers with a doctor to help them assess your condition and recommend the best treatment.

How to Relieve Burning Feet?

Burning feet can be annoying, painful, and sometimes even scary. If your feet feel hot, tingling, or like they’re on fire, don’t worry - there are ways to cool them down and feel better.

Here are some simple and effective ways to get relief:

1. Cool Them Down

• Soak your feet in cold water for 15–20 minutes. This can help numb the burning sensation.
• Avoid ice baths! Extreme cold can make things worse.

2. Give Your Feet a Break

• If you’ve been standing or walking for too long, sit down and elevate your feet.
• Take off your shoes and let your feet breathe.

3. Massage and Stretch

• A gentle foot massage improves circulation and helps reduce burning.
• Try stretching your toes and ankles to keep the blood flowing.

4. Use a Good Moisturizer

• Dry skin can make burning worse. Apply a cooling lotion with aloe vera or menthol.

5. Choose the Right Shoes and Socks

• Avoid tight shoes as they can trap heat.
• Wear breathable, cotton or moisture-wicking socks to keep your feet dry.

6. Check for Triggers

• Spicy food, alcohol, or too much caffeine can sometimes make burning feet worse. Try cutting back to see if it helps.
• If your feet burn at night, check if your blanket is too heavy - extra heat can make it worse.

7. When to See a Doctor

If the burning doesn’t go away, or you also have numbness, pain, or swelling, it could be a sign of nerve damage or another condition. It’s best to get it checked by a doctor.

Your feet work hard every day - take care of them, and they’ll take care of you!