Fans of American musical theater (of a certain age!) might recall a Frank Loesser tune that podiatrists hear a version of just about every day. It says “Oooh, my feet! My poor, poor feet!” Turns out the singer is a waitress, on her feet all day. You could be a waitress, teacher, mechanic, or preacher – doesn’t matter. Everyone has those days when we’re standing and moving around all day long and there’s no denying that our feet feel the burn.
Causes of burning feet
Feet can burn for reasons that are not terribly surprising or dangerous:
- Intense exercise – runners, bikers, and anyone who performs repetitive motions, even like the waitress in the song, can experience burning in the feet.
- Age – the sensation of burning feet does get more common in people over 50.
In these cases, relief will usually come with rest. Soothing foot soaks and changing shoes are also great ways to relieve symptoms.
But as the skilled podiatrists at Montgomery Foot Care Specialists in Montgomery, Alabama will tell you, feet can also burn, tingle, or feel numb because of other conditions that do require medical attention:
- Thyroid disease
- Diabetes
- Obesity
- Alcoholism
- Nerve damage
When to see a doctor
Contact Dr. Heidi M. Christie or Dr. Michael L. Rosenberg at our Montgomery podiatry office if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Sudden onset of burning feet that can’t be explained by exercise or exertion
- Burning that doesn’t subside but gets steadily worse or lasts more than a week or two
- Symptoms that appear to be moving up into your leg
- Burning accompanied by an open wound or sore, especially if you have diabetes
A special note about diabetes
Very often, the cause of burning feet can be attributed to diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage in people with diabetes, is a condition in which you lose feeling in your feet, legs, arms, or hands. Tingling, numbness, and burning are symptoms of neuropathy. If you have diabetes and have any of these symptoms, it’s very important for you to see Dr. Rosenberg or Dr. Christie as soon as possible.
If you’re worried about burning in your feet, or have other questions or concerns about your foot health, make an appointment online or call us at (334) 396-3668.