Burning Feet – Ask a Naturopath

Burning feet syndrome is a condition aptly named due to people experiencing burning and aching of the feet, ankles and lower legs, sensitivity to stimulus, pins and needles and tingling feelings, numbness and heaviness of the lower limbs, sweating and heat on the soles of the feet including the feet. These symptoms are often experienced with no apparent tenderness or pain to the surrounding muscles and are worse at night.

CAUSES OF BURNING FEET SYNDROME:

Mechanical pressure on the peripheral nerves which nourish thefeet such as sciatica, traumatic nerve compression, injuries, tarsaltunnel syndrome, feet and postural problems.
Circulatory conditions which affect circulation such asdiabetes, alcoholism, peripheral neuropathies, renal failure or chronickidney problems requiring haemodialysis, hypothyroidism or arthritis.
Digestive conditions which affect the absorption B vitamins(malabsorption) such as Chrones Disease, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Coeliacs Disease, inflammatory bowel diseases.

SYMPTOMS OF INSUFFICIENT PERIPHERAL CIRCULATION ARE COMMONLY TREATED WITH B VITAMINS.

A deficiency in these vitamins can cause adisturbance in cellular metabolism resulting in an accumulation ofintermediate metabolites in the tissues. This may cause abnormal andexcessive stimulation, or lower the pain and temperature threshold ofperipheral sensory nerve endings.

Some sources of B Vitamins in the diet are;

Potatoes, bananas, lentils, tempeh, liver, turkey, fish, tuna, brewers yeast, molasses, grains and green leafy vegetables (e.g.broccoli, spinach, kale and dark lettuces).

DIET TIPS FOR BURNING FEET

Ensure that you are properly hydrated as dehydration greatly contributes to circulatory sluggishness, reduces heat and there have been recent studies linking dehydration to chronic health conditions such as pain, decreased circulation and inflammation
Increase foods which contain essential fatty acids such as fish, nuts, seeds, avocados and flaxseed oil
Aim for a healthy lifestyle with plenty of fresh fruits and veges, plenty of water, quality organic dairy products a wide range of quality protein sources in your diet such as legumes, nuts and seeds, minimise the intake of red meats, processed foods and simple sugars

LIFESTYLE TIPS FOR BURNING FEET

Wear comfortable shoes which don’t compress the feet and ensure that they have good support for the arches to minimise any postural misalignments
Address liver congestion which may cause heat in the body and circulation
Address Kidney deficiencies
If you spend a lot of time on your feet at work, when you get home lay on the couch or floor with your feet raised on the couch or some cushions so that your legs are above the level of your heart for about 15 minutes. This facilitate the back flow of congestion blood pooling in the feet due to gravity during the day
Hydrotherapy may bring you some relief, this can be done by putting your feet in cold (not icy water) for 15 minutes
Avoid alcohol and smoking and enjoy gentle exercise and fun loving activities
Further testing may be of benefit rule out any related conditions such as thyroid function, liver enzymes, full blood test, kidney insufficiencies and diabetes

NATURAL REMEDIES FOR BURNING FEET

B Vitamins may help to address any possible nutrient deficienciesand to assist with adequate circulation
Gingko Biloba is a herb traditionally used to improveperipheral circulation to the feet, hands and brain which may help toreduce heat by reducing congestion and oxygenation
Fish oil is a potent anti-inflammatory for the cardiovascularsystem which supports circulation and reduces capillary congestion
Vitamin E is an antioxidant for cardiovascular health, a bloodthinner, improves circulation and is also an anti-inflammatory
Chinese Medicine aims to reduce the heat by increasing coolingherbs such as treating the liver and circulation with herbs such as St Marys Thistle, Chlorophyll, Bupleurum, Dandelion, Schizandra, Gingko, Brahmi, Gotu Kola and Grape seed