We’ve written a couple blogs on frostbite and other reasons why you may be experiencing cold feet, but what if you’re dealing with a problem at the other end of the heat spectrum? For some people, they have to deal with hot feet or a burning sensation in their feet each and every day. What could be causing this sensation, and how can a foot specialist help you treat it? We answer those questions and more in today’s blog.
Causes of Hot Feet
There are a number of different conditions that could be contributing to a hot or tingling sensation in your feet, and many of them center around nerve damage. Some of those causes include:
Nutrient Deficiencies – Nerves need certain nutrients to work properly, and if they can’t get these nutrients, the risk of damage and hot feet increases. Some common nutrient deficiencies include folate, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12.
Alcohol Abuse – Excessive alcohol consumption over the years can also contribute to nerve damage and an increased risk of hot feet.
Diabetic Neuropathy – Uncontrolled blood sugars can also lead to nerve degeneration, so you want to be very careful about managing your glucose levels if you have diabetes.
Pregnancy and Menopause – Hormonal changes at these stages in life can increase body temperature and leave it feeling like your feet are burning.
Foot Infection – A foot infection like athlete’s foot can lead to a burning sensation on and around your feet.
Treatment For Hot Feet
Treatment for hot feet or a burning and tingling sensation depends on the root cause of the issue. For some patients, small daily changes can resolve the issue, while for others, treatment is focused on ensuring symptoms don’t get any worse.
For example, with patients who are suffering from hot feet as a result of nutrient deficiencies, they may only need some dietary changes or nutrient supplements in order to get control over their feet. For patients who are going through hormonal changes that are causing hot feet, lifestyle changes to manage flareups can help. Eventually, your hormones should balance out and symptoms will resolve, but it may take some time. For patients whose warm sensations are caused by a fungal infection, topical treatments or medications may be able take care of the bacteria and the symptoms.
For those individuals dealing with nerve damage from alcohol or diabetes, management focuses on limiting symptoms and preventing problems from getting worse, because this type of nerve damage won’t heal back to full health. Diet, exercise and condition management should help limit flareups and provide relief.
If you’re dealing with hot feet and want to get to the bottom of your condition, including how to best treat it, contact Dr. Silverman’s office today.