(Message in Diabetes)

#: 746926 S8/Complications  (CIS:DIABETES) 07-Aug-97  08:04:21 Sb: Burning
	Feet Fm: SYSOP-Curtise McKenzie 71172,2135 To: All Replies: 0    TID:
	105931    Par: 0         Chd: 0         Sib: 0

Burning feet

A common problem with many possible causes

June 5 1997

If your feet burn and sting almost constantly, you may have a condition called
"burning feet."

Burning feet are common in people more than 65 years of age. Discomfort ranges
from mild irritation to severe pain.

The disorder may be temporary. Possible culprits include irritating fabrics,
poorly fitted shoes, a fungal infection such as athlete's foot or an encounter
with a toxic substance like poison ivy.

The cause often is difficult to pinpoint. Generally it's not serious, but
burning feet can signal a significant problem. For example, the following
characteristics could suggest a nerve or blood vessel disorder:

     Burning, along with prickling sensation, accompanied by weakness or
	 change of sensation in your legs

     Burning associated with nausea, diarrhea, loss of urine or bowel control,
	 or impotence

     Occurrence in family members

     Persistence of the condition

If the condition persists, you may have what's called a peripheral neuropathy
(pe-RIF-er-ul nu-ROP-ah-thee).

Your peripheral nerves connect your brain and spinal cord (central nervous
system) to your sense organs, skin, muscles, glands and internal organs.
Peripheral neuropathy refers to damaged or diseased peripheral nerves.

If the burning sensation is due to nerve damage, more than 100 causes may
underlie the problem. The most common causes are:

     Diabetes mellitus Inherited disorders Poor nutrition due to fad dieting
	 or alcoholism Use of certain medications Exposure to poisons such as
	 arsenic or lead Chronic kidney failure Liver disease

In diagnosing this ailment, your physician will first rule out a superficial
irritant or a blood vessel disorder; then he or she will consider a nerve
disease and its underlying cause. A neurologist may help make the diagnosis.

If your doctors can determine the cause, long-term relief is sometimes
possible. Restoring an adequate diet may be enough to allow nerves to heal.

Peripheral nerves heal, but they heal slowly, and it can take months for
symptoms to subside.

Regardless of the cause of your symptoms, here are self-help measures you can
try:

     Socks - Choose nonirritating socks made of cotton or a blend of cotton
	 and synthetic fibers.

     Shoes - Select shoes made from natural materials that breathe. A good fit
	 is important because it helps distribute your body weight evenly. A
	 specially fitted insole also may help. Make sure the insole is in good
	 condition.

     Activities - Reduce or eliminate activities that aggravate your
	 condition. For example, avoid standing in one place for long periods. If
	 you must stand still, try to take frequent breaks.

     Foot bath - Cool your feet in cold, but not icy, tap water for 15 minutes
	 twice a day.

     Rest - Get enough sleep.

     Relax - Reduce your level of stress. Stress can aggravate symptoms.

Prescription and over-the-counter analgesics (such as aspirin or
acetaminophen) also may provide relief.

Although the cause of your burning feet may be difficult to determine,
conscientious treatment of your symptoms might lessen the pain and make life
more pleasant.

© 1997 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research