Hot Feet
- This is a common medical condition that is characterized by severe aches, itching, stinging, and burning sensations in the feet. Most often, sweating and inflammation can also be observed on the affected foot or feet.
- There are times wherein the pain that is felt in the feet will extend towards the ankles and the lower portions of the legs.
- The pain in hot feet can be described like having pins and needles poked through the affected area.
- Symptoms of the condition usually worsen when the patient goes to sleep at night.
Hot Feet Causes
- A major cause of having hot feet includes wearing hot shoes that also have hot insoles and hot socks. The leather dye or the fabric used in the shoe can cause allergic reactions that lead to hot feet. Cotton and wool socks on the other hand can also cause hot feet.
- Fungal feet infections like athlete’s foot can create itchiness in the affected area which in turn inflames the area and creates burning sensations.
- Erythromelalgia. This is a medical condition that is commonly known as burning feet syndrome which can cause mild to severe aches and burning sensations in the feet.The cause of this condition includes poor blood circulation, problems related to the nervous system, and deficiencies in thiamine.
- Alcohol. Patients who are addicted to alcohol or have chronic alcoholism have great risks in damaging the nerves in the feet which will result in hot feet.
- Peripheral Neuropathy. This happens when there is nerve damage and is mainly caused by diabetes.
- Gastric Bypass Surgery. The procedure results in the weakening of muscle tissues which can develop hot feet.
- Hypothyroidism.
- There are also other medical conditions that can cause hot feet. These conditions include liver and kidney failure, blood disorders, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, vitamin deficiencies, and stress.
Hot Feet Treatment
- Soak feet in cold water without ice.
- Wear shoes that are made of mesh and have an arch for support.
- Change socks twice a day. This is especially true if patient has been walking or standing for quite some time.
- Regular exercise and massage of the feet.
- Eat more green leafy vegetables.
- Niacin or Vitamin B3 should be added in the regular diet. A good source of this is brewer’s yeast.
- Cooling creams and pain relievers can help weaken symptoms.
- Regular intake of vitamin supplements that contain B vitamins.
- Patients should avoid standing for long hours.
- It would help to consult a doctor when symptoms persist to properly evaluate underlying cause of the condition which may need immediate treatment.