Burning Feet at Night: What Could Be Causing It?
Burning feet can make it hard to fall asleep or stay comfortable through the night. You might also notice tingling, numbness or extra sensitivity when the sheets touch your feet.
It is easy to blame your shoes or a long day on your feet. But if it keeps happening, it is worth getting checked.
Ron’s example shows how easily these symptoms can be overlooked. At 64, he had spent years standing on concrete floors in his cabinet shop near Rockton. When his feet started burning at night, he assumed his work boots were the problem.
He tried new insoles and different shoes. Months passed before he sought help, after noticing that he could not feel his truck’s pedals as clearly as before.
Ron is a composite example, not an individual patient.
Why Do Feet Burn or Feel Numb?
Burning, tingling and numbness can happen when nerves are irritated or damaged. One possible cause is peripheral neuropathy, which affects nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
These nerves help you feel touch, temperature and pain. When they are not working properly, they can send pain signals even when there is no injury or heat. They may also stop passing on sensations as clearly.
That is why your feet can feel numb and painful at the same time.
However, burning feet do not always mean neuropathy. Skin conditions, pressure on a nerve and other problems can cause similar symptoms. An assessment can help identify what is happening.
Why Does It Feel Worse at Night?
Some people notice burning or tingling more when they settle into bed. During the day, activity and other sensations may make the discomfort less noticeable.
At night, there are fewer distractions. Even light contact from bedding can feel uncomfortable when nerves are sensitive.
If the symptoms regularly interrupt your sleep, mention this during your appointment.
What Can Cause These Symptoms?
There are several possible causes. Sometimes more than one contributes.
Diabetes and blood sugar problems: Diabetes is a common cause of peripheral neuropathy. Nerve changes can also occur in some people with prediabetes.
Low vitamin B12: Your nerves need B12 to function properly. A deficiency may be linked to diet, difficulty absorbing the vitamin or certain medicines.
Other health conditions: Thyroid problems, kidney disease and some autoimmune conditions can affect nerve function.
Alcohol and certain medications: Long-term heavy drinking and some medicines, including certain chemotherapy drugs, can damage nerves.
Pressure on a nerve: A trapped nerve in the back or leg can cause burning, tingling or numbness in the foot. This needs to be distinguished from other forms of neuropathy.
Sometimes the cause remains unclear even after testing. An assessment can still help guide symptom management and foot care.
When Should You Get It Checked?
Book an appointment if burning, tingling or numbness keeps returning, affects your sleep or starts interfering with daily activities.
Also mention any changes in balance, difficulty walking or symptoms spreading beyond your toes.
Reduced feeling can make it harder to notice a blister, cut or pressure from a shoe. Some conditions, including diabetes and poor circulation, can also make wounds harder to heal.
If you cannot feel your vehicle’s pedals properly, avoid driving until you have been assessed.
Seek prompt medical care for a foot wound, redness, swelling or signs of infection. Sudden weakness or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent assessment.
What Happens During an Assessment?
Your clinician will ask when the symptoms started, where you feel them and whether anything makes them better or worse. They will also review your health conditions, medications and alcohol use.
The examination may include checking sensation, reflexes, strength, balance and circulation in your feet and legs. Your lower back may also be examined if a trapped nerve is suspected.
Depending on the findings, blood tests may check blood sugar, vitamin B12, thyroid function or kidney function. Some people need nerve tests or a referral to a specialist.
These checks help identify possible causes and provide a starting point for tracking changes.
How Is Burning Foot Pain Treated?
Treatment depends on the cause.
If testing finds a vitamin deficiency, blood sugar problem or another underlying condition, addressing that is an important part of care. Treatment may also include medication for nerve pain, physical therapy, balance exercises or advice on protecting your feet.
Improvement varies. Some people feel better after the cause is treated. Others need ongoing help managing symptoms and maintaining mobility.
At Life Balance, an assessment can help you understand your symptoms and discuss appropriate next steps. You can learn more about our approach on our nerve pain page.
If additional therapies are suggested, ask about the evidence, possible risks and expected benefits for your specific condition.
How to Look After Your Feet at Home
A few daily habits can help protect your feet, especially if you have reduced sensation:
- Check your feet every day. Look at the soles, tops and between your toes for cuts, blisters or redness. Use a mirror if needed.
- Wear shoes that fit well. Check inside them before putting them on, and avoid walking barefoot.
- Avoid direct heat. Heating pads, hot water bottles and very hot baths can cause burns you may not feel.
- Check bathwater safely. Use a thermometer or your elbow rather than relying on the feeling in your feet.
- Choose activity that is safe for you. Ask about suitable exercise if numbness, poor balance or a foot wound makes walking difficult.
These steps can help protect your feet, but persistent symptoms still need an assessment.
Get Help for Burning or Numb Feet
You do not have to wait until the discomfort becomes severe. If your feet regularly burn at night, feel numb or affect your balance, arrange a check to find out what may be causing it.
Life Balance is based in Roscoe and welcomes patients from Rockford, Loves Park, Machesney Park, Rockton, South Beloit, Beloit and Janesville.
Call (815) 623-0444 or schedule an assessment.
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