The sensation of burning heels is a distinct and often disturbing symptom. Medically, this feeling is a form of paresthesia or dysesthesia, describing an abnormal sensation that can range from a mild warmth to intense pain. This discomfort is not a disease itself but rather a signal from the nervous system indicating an underlying issue. The origins of a burning sensation in the feet are diverse, including problems starting directly in the foot, those related to the nervous system, or conditions affecting the whole body.
Neurological Explanations for Burning Heels
The most direct cause of a burning feeling involves irritation or damage to the sensory nerves themselves. This nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy, is a malfunction where nerve fibers misfire, sending pain signals to the brain. This condition frequently begins in the longest nerves, those that reach the feet and legs, creating a symmetrical pattern of discomfort. The burning is often accompanied by tingling, numbness, or a heightened sensitivity to light touch, and it can worsen during the nighttime hours.
A more localized neurological cause is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome, often described as the foot’s equivalent of carpal tunnel syndrome. This condition occurs when the posterior tibial nerve, which runs through a narrow passage on the inside of the ankle, becomes compressed. Pressure on this nerve can be caused by ankle sprains, inflammation from repetitive stress, or structural issues like flat feet. This compression results in a burning or shooting pain that radiates along the sole of the foot and into the toes, affecting the heel and arch area.
Localized Foot Conditions and Mechanical Stress
Not all burning sensations stem from deep nerve issues; some are confined to the skin and foot structure. One common localized culprit is Athlete’s Foot (Tinea Pedis), a contagious fungal infection. This fungus thrives in warm, moist environments and causes a rash that can itch, sting, or burn, often affecting the soles and heels. Severe cases can cause the skin to become scaly, cracked, or develop blisters, contributing to the burning sensation.
Another localized cause is contact dermatitis, an inflammatory reaction of the skin resulting from exposure to an irritating substance. The soles and heels are susceptible if they react to chemicals or components found in footwear, such as dyes, adhesives, or rubber compounds. Friction from ill-fitting or tight shoes can also generate heat and mechanical stress, leading to a temporary burning sensation. Removing the offending material or changing shoe type often resolves the irritation.
Systemic Health Factors Affecting the Feet
A burning sensation can often be the first symptom of an underlying body-wide health condition affecting nerve function. Diabetes Mellitus is a prominent cause, where chronically high blood sugar levels damage the small blood vessels that supply oxygen and nutrients to the peripheral nerves. This damage leads to diabetic neuropathy, the most common cause of burning feet, affecting up to 50% of people with diabetes.
Deficiencies in certain B vitamins, particularly B12 and B6, are linked to peripheral neuropathy because these nutrients are essential for nerve health. Poor nutrition, often seen with chronic alcohol use, can lead to these deficiencies, causing a toxic effect on the nerves. Excessive alcohol use can independently damage peripheral nerves, resulting in alcoholic neuropathy, which manifests as burning and tingling in the extremities.
Poor circulation, such as that caused by Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD), contributes to the symptom by reducing blood flow to the feet. When arteries narrow, the tissue and nerves in the feet are deprived of oxygen, which can cause pain, cramping, and sometimes a burning sensation. This circulatory issue is common in people with diabetes, and the combination of poor blood flow and nerve damage increases the risk of foot complications.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
While mild, temporary burning may resolve with simple self-care, professional medical evaluation is prudent in several instances. You should schedule an appointment if the burning sensation persists for more than a few weeks without improvement, or if it begins to spread further up your legs. Seeking prompt medical attention is advisable if the discomfort intensifies rapidly, or if it interferes with your sleep or daily activities.
It is important to consult a healthcare provider if the burning is accompanied by a loss of sensation or numbness in your feet or toes, as this suggests nerve involvement. Immediate medical care is necessary if you notice signs of an infection, such as fever, pus, or an open wound that is not healing, particularly if you have diabetes. Any burning sensation paired with sudden muscle weakness or inability to put weight on the foot warrants rapid evaluation.