Overview
Burning Feet Syndrome (BFS) is a condition characterized by a persistent burning, tingling, or aching sensation in the feet, often accompanied by numbness or sensitivity to touch. It can affect one or both feet and may worsen at night, interfering with sleep and daily activities. Burning Feet Syndrome is not a disease itself but a symptom associated with underlying neurological, metabolic, or vascular disorders.
In South Korea, neurology clinics, podiatry centers, and integrative medicine facilities offer comprehensive evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment plans for BFS, providing relief and management of underlying causes.
Key Facts
Highlights:
➡️ Burning Feet Syndrome is often caused by peripheral neuropathy, a disorder of the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord.
➡️ Symptoms include burning, tingling, numbness, and sensitivity, particularly in the soles of the feet.
➡️ Causes may include diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, infections, toxins, or nerve compression.
➡️ Early diagnosis is essential to prevent progression and improve quality of life.
➡️ South Korea provides advanced neurological and podiatric care, including diagnostic tests, medical therapy, and supportive treatments.
What is Burning Feet Syndrome?
Burning Feet Syndrome is a neurological condition that affects the sensory nerves of the feet, resulting in abnormal sensations.
Characteristics include:
- Persistent burning or aching sensations
- Tingling or prickling (“pins and needles”) feeling
- Numbness or reduced sensitivity in some areas
- Pain or discomfort that worsens at night
- Often associated with underlying metabolic, nutritional, or nerve disorders
Burning Feet Syndrome can significantly impact daily activities, sleep, and overall quality of life, especially if left untreated.
What Symptoms are Related to Burning Feet Syndrome?
Symptoms of BFS include:
- Burning, tingling, or stinging sensations in the soles of the feet
- Numbness or loss of sensation in some areas
- Pain that worsens at night, often disturbing sleep
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in the affected areas
- Muscle weakness or difficulty walking in severe cases
- Sensitivity to touch, making footwear uncomfortable
Highlights:
➡️ Symptoms often start gradually and may progress over time.
➡️ Nighttime worsening is a hallmark symptom, which can severely affect rest and quality of life.
What Causes / Possible Causes of Burning Feet Syndrome?
Highlights:
➡️ Peripheral Neuropathy: Often due to diabetes, chronic alcohol use, or nerve injury.
➡️ Vitamin Deficiencies: Lack of vitamin B12, B1, B6, or vitamin E can damage nerves.
➡️ Metabolic Disorders: Diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney or liver dysfunction.
➡️ Infections: Lyme disease, HIV, or other viral/bacterial infections affecting nerves.
➡️ Toxins and Medications: Exposure to heavy metals, chemotherapy drugs, or alcohol.
➡️ Vascular Causes: Poor circulation or peripheral artery disease may contribute.
➡️ Other Causes: Tarsal tunnel syndrome, spinal cord disorders, or autoimmune diseases.
➡️ Mechanism: Burning sensations arise due to nerve damage, inflammation, or impaired blood supply, resulting in abnormal nerve signaling.
When Should I See My Doctor?
Highlights:
➡️ If symptoms are persistent, worsening, or affecting sleep and daily activities.
➡️ If accompanied by numbness, weakness, or mobility issues, which may indicate severe neuropathy.
➡️ If there is redness, swelling, or signs of infection in the feet.
➡️ For early evaluation and diagnosis, especially in patients with diabetes or metabolic disorders.
➡️ Prompt consultation ensures proper treatment and prevents progression of nerve damage.
Care and Treatment
Management focuses on treating underlying causes and relieving symptoms:
Highlights:
➡️ Medical Treatment:
- Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory medications, or neuropathic pain medications
- Vitamin supplementation for deficiencies
- Blood sugar control for diabetic neuropathy
➡️ Lifestyle and Home Care:
- Avoid alcohol and neurotoxic substances
- Proper foot hygiene and care
- Wearing comfortable, supportive footwear
- Regular exercise to improve circulation
➡️ Physical Therapy: Stretching and strengthening exercises for the feet and lower legs
➡️ Alternative Therapies: Acupuncture, TENS therapy, or topical creams for symptom relief
➡️ Monitoring: Regular neurological evaluation and monitoring of underlying metabolic or vascular conditions
➡️ Patient Education: Awareness of triggers, symptom management, and early warning signs of complications
Treatment Options in Korea
South Korea provides advanced neurological and podiatric care for Burning Feet Syndrome:
Highlights:
➡️ Neurology Clinics: Comprehensive nerve testing, EMG, and diagnosis of peripheral neuropathy.
➡️ Podiatry Centers: Foot care, orthotics, and supportive therapies to reduce discomfort.
➡️ Nutrition and Metabolic Clinics: Management of vitamin deficiencies, diabetes, and metabolic disorders.
➡️ Pain Management Programs: Medications, topical treatments, and neuropathic pain interventions.
➡️ Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation: Exercises to improve circulation, strength, and mobility.
➡️ Integrative Medicine Approaches: Acupuncture, TENS therapy, and herbal supplements for symptom relief.
➡️ Multidisciplinary Approach: Collaboration between neurologists, endocrinologists, and podiatrists for holistic care.
➡️ Medical Tourism Support: Multilingual consultations, diagnostic evaluations, and follow-up care for international patients.
