A burning sensation in the feet can be a minor annoyance if it's simply from standing all day. However, persistent burning, especially at night, could indicate a more serious issue, such as diabetes.
Understanding the connection between diabetes and burning feet is crucial. Diabetic neuropathy, or nerve damage potentially caused by decades of high blood glucose levels, is the most common complication of diabetes. The nerves in the legs and feet are particularly susceptible, often resulting in significant pain that may feel like burning, tingling, numbness, or sharp, stabbing pains, known as peripheral neuropathy. Since the longest nerves are targeted, the feet are usually affected first.
We spoke to Dr Ravi Kesari, MBBS, MD (General Medicine), Apollo Spectra Hospital, Bengaluru, who explained this link, warning signs, causes, and management tips.
Early Warning Sign
“A burning sensation in the feet can be an early warning sign of diabetic neuropathy, even before diabetes diagnosis. To put it simply, pre-diabetes is where your blood sugar level is indicating a rise, but not high enough to be considered having type 2 diabetes,” said Dr Kesari.
Many diabetics often exhibit abnormal glucose levels as an early indication of potential nerve damage. If left unaddressed, this can lead to permanent damage due to high glucose concentrations. Seeking timely medical treatment and a proper diagnosis is essential to prevent further harm.
Also Read: Addressing India's Diabetes Dilemma: Never Too Early To Test But May Be Too Late To Treat
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Signs To Be Aware Of
In addition to burning feet, diabetics also exhibit numbness or absence of pain or temperature perception. Here are some listed by the expert:
- Stabbing or severe stabbing pain
- Increased touch sensitivity
- Poor balance or coordination
- Disrupts sleep, activities of daily living, and quality of life
- Facial weakness and muscle weakness
If you feel like your feet are burning all the time, then there is a big possibility that you are at risk. It can be because you are overweight, have high blood pressure, have a history of diabetes in your family, or are not active. In such situations, going to a good doctor and taking a basic blood test will tell you whether you have diabetes or have high blood sugar.
Early diagnosis is perhaps followed by prevention of complications by control measures. Diabetic neuropathy, if left untreated, can then result in complications, such as ulcers, infection, and, worse still, amputation.
According to a 2020 study, diabetic neuropathy is a condition that results in a loss of sensory function, starting in the lower extremities and often accompanied by pain and significant discomfort. Eventually, at least half of those with diabetes will experience diabetic neuropathy.
How To Control Diabetic Neuropathy
Controlling diabetes is crucial for preventing the development of neuropathy. To manage it effectively, diabetics can adopt these simple expert-recommended measures:
- Maintain a balanced diet to regulate blood sugar levels.
- Incorporate regular exercise into your daily routine.
- Consider medication as a treatment option under a doctor's supervision.
- Regularly monitor your blood glucose levels.
- Quit smoking to promote blood circulation in the body.
Bottomline
Dr Kesari concluded, “A burning sensation should never be ignored, especially if it has lasted over time and the sensation does not go away. It may be due to transient causes, such as fatigue or ill-fitting shoes, but it can also be a useful early indicator of diabetes. Therefore, getting to know your body and moving early on based on the recommendations of a doctor can be worth a lot in terms of your health in the long term and prevent anything critical from occurring.”
[Disclaimer: This article contains information provided by an expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to consult your professional if you are dealing with any health issue to avoid complications.]