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Burning Sensation Under The Feet. No Gout Or Diabetes. What Are The Other Chances?

Posted on Fri, 29 Jun 2012

Question: What does it mean when the bottom of your feet feel sunburnt but are not ?
I have tried lotion,soaking,new slippers, socks,elevating, and I do not have gout ,or diabetis..

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (3 hours later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing in.
The condition that you are currently experiencing is called peripheral neuropathy.
The burning sensation in your feet can be attributed to a variety of causes.
Potential causes could include hypothyroidism, rheumatoid arthritis, alcohol abuse.
To help me narrow down the causes, please help me help you better by answering the following questions:
a. When you say it feels sunburnt, do you refer to pain or a burning sensation or some tingling in the soles?
b. Does the skin appear normal in colour? Have you noticed any rash?
c. Is the burning sensation present in both the feet?
d. Do you have a family history of diabetes?
e. Have some investigations like kidney function tests, or thyroid hormone levels? If yes, can you please share the reports?
f. Are you currently receiving any medication? If yes, can you provide the details?
g. Are you vegetarian?
h. DO you feel any pain in your legs while walking?
i. Do you use alcohol?

They may seem like an awful lot of questions but answers to these will help me narrow down the causes and order fewer investigations for you. This is turn will help you get to the right treatment sooner.

Awaiting your response
Appreciate your cooperation.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (35 minutes later)

yes, burning sensation in both feet from toes to heels, no rash, color normal, no pain in legs when walking or standing, i take thyroid medication for the last 30 years which is at normal levels, i do not drink alcohol or take unperscribed drugs, diabetis in family but I am not , not a vegetarian, arches are good. and I do not have athelits foot. What exactly is peripheral neuropathy and what do I do to stop this.

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (23 minutes later)

Hi,
Thanks for writing back.
Peripheral neuropathy is a condition when there is damage or some kind of disturbance in your peripheral nerves. These nerves are responsible for the sensations and the movements in the arms and legs.
When these nerves start functioning abnormally, sensations are generated ( like the burning in your case) in the absence of any stimulus.
Apart from unprescribed medication, even prescribed medication can cause peripheral neuropathy. But in some cases, the cause of the neuropathy is unknown.
However, there are certain drugs which are available which can help in the treatment of these conditions. These include carbamazepine, lamotrigine and valproate. However, these are prescription drugs and you would need to see your general physician for that.
Apart from that, a folic acid supplement and a vitamin B12 supplement can possibly help.
I hope I have addressed your concerns.
Warm regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli

Follow up: Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (31 minutes later)

Dear Dr. Paven XXXXXXX Gupta:
Thank you for answering my question on the feet feeling sunburnt. I am very impressed with your professional response and recommendation. I wished that my own physician had given me the same quick response instead of dismissing my concern. I will try the B-12 and folic acid right away and keep track of the progress. Once again Thank You .

Sincerley XXXXXXX XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Pavan Kumar Gupta (26 minutes later)

Hello XXXXXXX
I hope you get well soon.
Wish you the very best.

Regards

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli