Burning Feet: Reasons and Solutions Beyond Workouts

Individuals’ feet will heat up when walking or running; however, burning feet could be a symptom of medical conditions like athlete’s foot or a nerve injury or damage. Can awareness of these symptoms help identify solutions to relieve and heal the underlying condition?

Burning Feet

Walkers and runners often experience heat in their feet. This is natural from the increased circulation, heart rate, warm or hot sidewalks, and pavement. But the feet could experience an abnormal hot or burning sensation. Usually, the overheating is caused by socks and shoes and fatigue after a long workout. The first self-care steps include trying new or specialized footwear and workout adjustments. If burning feet persist or there are signs of infection, tingling, numbness, or pain, individuals should see their healthcare provider. (Mayo Clinic. 2018)

Footwear

The shoes and how they are worn may be the cause.

• First, look at the material of the shoes. They could be shoes and/or insoles that don’t circulate air. They can get hot and sweaty without proper air circulation around the feet.
• When choosing running shoes, consider a mesh material that allows airflow to keep the feet cool.
• Consider getting fitted for shoes the right size, as the feet swell when running or walking.
• If the shoes are too small, air can’t circulate, creating more friction between the foot and the shoe.
• Shoes that are too large can also contribute to friction as the feet move around too much.
• Insoles could also contribute.
• Some insoles can make the feet hot, even if the shoes are breathable.
• Swap the insoles from another pair of shoes to see if they are contributing, and if so, look into new insoles.

Tips to help prevent hot feet:

Topical Ointments

• Use an anti-blister/chafing topical cream to lubricate and protect the feet.
• This will reduce friction and prevent blisters.

Lace Properly

• Individuals may be lacing the shoes too tight, constricting circulation, or irritating the nerves at the top of the foot.
• Individuals should be able to slide one finger under the knot.
• Remember that the feet will swell as walking or running commences
• Individuals may need to loosen their laces after warming up.
• Individuals should learn lacing techniques to ensure they are not too tight over the sensitive areas.

Cushioning

• Fatigue from long workouts or long days standing/moving can result in burning feet.
• Individuals may need added cushioning in the shoes.
• Look for work and athletic shoes that have added cushioning.

Shoe Allergies

Individuals may have an allergic reaction or sensitivity to the fabric, adhesives, dyes, or other chemicals (Cleveland Clinic. 2023). The chemicals used in production vary for leather compared to fabric and are different by brand and manufacturer.

• A shoe material allergy may also result in burning, itching, and swelling.
• It’s recommended to note whether symptoms only happen when wearing a specific pair of shoes.
• Recommendations include trying different kinds of shoes and brands.

Socks

The sock fabric could be contributing to hot or burning feet. Steps to take can include:

Avoid cotton

• Cotton is a natural fiber, but it is not recommended for walking and running as it retains sweat, which can keep feet wet.
• It is recommended to use socks made of Cool-Max and other artificial fibers that wick sweat away and cool them down.

Wool

• Wool socks can also cause itching and burning sensations.
• Consider athletic socks made from itch-free wool.

Mindfulness

• Individuals could be sensitive to other fabrics or dyes in socks.
• Take note of which socks cause hot or burning feet symptoms.
• Individuals could also be sensitive to laundry products and should try a different brand or type.

Medical Conditions

In addition to shoes and socks, medical conditions could cause and contribute to symptoms.

Athlete’s Foot

• Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection.
• Individuals may feel a burning sensation in the affected area.
• Typically, it is itchy, red, scaling, or cracking.

1. Rotate shoes.
2. The fungus grows in damp places, so it is recommended that shoes be rotated to allow them to dry out between workouts.
3. Wash and dry the feet after walking or running.
4. Try home and over-the-counter solutions, powders, and remedies to treat athlete’s foot.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Individuals frequently experiencing burning feet apart from when they have been exercising could be due to nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2023) Peripheral neuropathy symptoms include pins and needles, numbness, tickling, tingling, and/or burning sensations.

Examination

• Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy.
• Diabetes can come on at any age.
• Individuals need to learn how to protect their feet, as exercise is recommended for diabetes.

Other conditions that can produce peripheral neuropathy include:

• Vitamin B-12 deficiency
• Alcohol abuse
• Circulatory disorders
• AIDS
• Heavy metal poisoning

Massage and Movement

• Massaging the feet also increases circulation.
• Exercise such as walking is recommended for peripheral neuropathy as it improves foot circulation.

Other Causes

Symptoms could also be caused by other conditions including: (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)

Nerve Entrapment

• Degenerative changes in the spine or back trauma can cause injury/damage to the nerves that can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

• Compression of the posterior tibial nerve in your lower leg can cause tingling and burning in your feet.

Morton’s Neuroma

• Morton’s neuroma, caused by thickened nerve tissue, can cause pain and burning at the base of the toes.

Autoimmune Diseases

• Diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Lupus can also cause burning feet.

Self-Care

Adjustments or additions to routines and habits can help.

1. Don’t walk or run in worn-out shoes.
2. Protect the feet using the right socks, foot powder, and ointments, and cover any areas where rubbing and friction occur.
3. Immediately change out of shoes and socks after exercise, allowing thorough air drying.
4. This will help reduce the risk of the athlete’s foot fungus growth.
5. Soak the feet in cool water. Do not use ice, as it could damage the skin.
6. Soak the feet in Epsom salts to relieve pain and inflammation and dry up blisters.
7. Elevate the feet after exercising.
8. Rotate the shoes and socks between workout sessions and during the day.
9. Try different shoes, socks, and insoles.
10. Overtraining can worsen symptoms.
11. Try gradually building on distance while monitoring symptoms.

See a doctor or specialist healthcare provider if symptoms continue and are not associated with walking or running exercise.

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References

Mayo Clinic. (2018). Burning Feet.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023). Peripheral Neuropathy.

Cleveland Clinic. (2023) Burning Feet Syndrome.