Link Between Nerve Damage, Burning Feet and Diabetes
Do you experience a burning sensation on your feet during the nighttime? Also called nerve damage, neuropathy is a condition that causes a sensation of it. The pain can range from mild to severe. It is accompanied by numbness, tingling, or a feeling of needle pricks.
Diabetes is one of the primary reasons for nerve damage that eventually results in burning feet. Let us understand the causes and treatment of this condition.
Syndrome causes
The following are various health conditions that cause burning feet.
Diabetic Neuropathy
Uncontrolled diabetes can lead to a complication called diabetic neuropathy. It is also known as nerve damage that affects most parts of the body, especially the feet. According to studies, a whopping 50% of people with diabetes experience this complication.
What are the symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?
- Pain in the feet
- Tingling and burning sensation on the feet
- A continuous sensation of pricking on the feet
In some cases, the burning or warm sensation in the foot has no pain. However, in most cases, a person with it can feel severe inflammation. If not the sole part, the burning pain on top of the foot is what the majority experiences.
Excessive alcohol use
Aside from diabetes, excessive consumption of alcohol can also cause nerve damage. When this occurs, a burning foot sensation can eventually happen. People who love to feast on alcoholic beverages frequently are at a higher risk of developing burning feet syndrome.
The reason why excessive use of alcohol is related to the condition remains debatable. However, medical experts believe that oxidative stress is a major cause. When oxidative stress is not addressed well, it can slowly damage the nerves.
Another reason for this factor is the activation of certain cells, such as microglia, and mGlu5 receptors in the spinal cord. These cells can inflame the nerves and destroy their functions.
Athlete’s foot
A fungal infection can also trigger a burning feet syndrome. One of these infections is called the athlete’s foot. Its symptoms include flaky skin, dry appearance of the dermis, and whiteness of the feet’s soles. Not to worry, though. An athlete’s foot is treatable. There are medications available to treat this condition and prevent burning feet from happening more often.
Other conditions that cause burning feet:
- Chronic kidney disease
- HIV/AIDS
- Amyloid polyneuropathy
- Vasculitis (inflammation of blood vessels)
- Sarcoidosis
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)
- Hypothyroidism
- Small fiber neuropathy
- Lyme disease
- Vitamin deficiency
Treatment options for burning feet
In order to treat burning feet, it is necessary to its causes first. This way, it becomes easier to treat and prevent it.
- If it happens because of diabetes, proper blood sugar management is necessary. It involves taking regular insulin shots and oral medications. It also includes exercising regularly and eating only nutritious and healthy foods.
- If it’s due to excessive alcohol consumption, it’s just about abstaining from drinking alcoholic beverages. This will help the nerves to heal.
Besides following the mentioned treatment and preventive options, medications are also available to treat this disease
- Amitriptyline
- Carbamazepine
- Desipramine
- Duloxetine
- Gabapentin
- Pregabalin
- Topiramate
- Venlafaxine
