Burning feet syndrome

Burning feet syndrome, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a medical condition that causes severe burning and aching of the feet, hyperesthesia, and vasomotor changes of the feet that leads to excessive sweating. It can even affect the eyes, causing scotoma and amblyopia. The condition occurs more frequently in women, and usually manifests itself when a person is between 20 and 40 years old.

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The burning heat is usually limited to the soles of the feet, but may extend up to the ankles or lower legs of some patients. The burning can sometimes be accompanied by feelings of 'pins and needles' or tingling in these regions. Nighttime is when almost all sufferers of this syndrome report the heat symptoms being the worst, with the condition getting better as morning comes. Those who have psychosomatic disorders sometimes display psychological symptoms along with the burning of feet associated with the syndrome. For most, there is no erythema of the skin of their feet during the heat sensations, and almost never is there accompanying tenderness along with it.

Causes

Burning feet syndrome can be inherited, or it can be caused by pressure being put on the peripheral nerves. Links also exist between this syndrome and diseases such as hypothyroidism, diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis; links are also believed to exist between this syndrome and vitamin B deficiencies and renal failure.

Treatment

Some ways of treating burning feet syndrome include wearing open and comfortable shoes that have arch supports, along with cotton socks. Cold water usually soothes the heat for many patients, and there are creams and vitamin B supplements that can also provide relief.

See also

Tarsal tunnel syndrome