Do you have Burning Feet Syndrome?
Do you have pain in your feet at night?
This funny affection is called Gierson-Gopalan syndrome.
The studies on this subject are not very enlightening but the involvement of the nerves seems to be the cause.
We are going to take an interest in it together and try to find the best natural remedies to deal with these burning feet and pain in the ankles.
Contents
What is Gierson-Gopalan syndrome?
The studies dealing with this condition are not very explicit and this Gierson-Gopalan syndrome is an enigma.
However, it is very painful and its intensity increases even more at night.
The feeling results in heat, chills, red feet, tingling or numb and pain.
The cause of burning feet syndrome
At the time this syndrome was discovered in the 19th century by Dr. Gierson and confirmed in the 1940s by Dr. Gopalan, it was essentially linked to a total deficiency of B vitamins linked to malnutrition.
Science does not draw the same conclusion these days and these burning sensations are now defined as peripheral neuropathy, damage to the peripheral nerves in charge to disseminate information from the central nervous system to the rest of the body.
Treating neurological disease remains difficult and even based on thousands of studies, too many different causes can trigger peripheral neuropathy to find an effective treatment.
The other possible cause of this particular pain is back injury which results in sciatica pain due to the compression of a nerve.
Indeed, a pinched nerve in the lower back diffuses pain going up to the foot, especially when sitting.
Finally, the athlete’s foot, a mycosis of the skin of the feet, can also trigger burns, a red and burning foot.
If you suffer from it, regular foot baths with Epsom salt are highly recommended.
How to diagnose Gierson-Gopalan syndrome?
The specialist to consult first is a podiatrist.
Indeed, you should know that it is not necessarily a neurological condition and that this health concern can be quickly controlled.
The podiatrist performs a thorough examination because sometimes burning feet or sore legs can be related to a skin problem, muscle disorder, tendon, or a fragile ligament and not a neurological problem.
So the podiatrist prescribes x-rays to assess the condition of the foot, looking for arthritis, residual injury, or muscle weakness.
He then examines the skin carefully to determine if there is any infection, present or old injury.
A nerve biopsy can sometimes be done to assess the density of nerve fibers and confirm the neurological damage that increases sensitivity.
Finally, a blood test is established to rule out any possibility of diabetes, vitamin and nutrient deficiency, or kidney or heart problems.
The blood circulation is finally assessed to rule out any slowing down that can cause intermittent claudication, a narrowing of the arteries that can trigger pain in the feet.
Aggravating factors of burning feet syndrome
- Tobacco
Smoking causes blood circulation problems.
As red blood cells carry less oxygen, blood vessels narrow.
- Alcohol
Alcohol is a major cause of nerve pain.
There is even alcoholic peripheral neuropathy.
If you experience burning, numbness, tingling and continue to drink, a link is established between blood sugar, alcohol, and neurological disease.
How to relieve pain?
Are massages and ice effective for burning feet?
These methods don’t work for everyone, but for some, they are a real relief.
Have a massage gun (#ad) and treat the soles of the feet and calves regularly, then stretch the leg muscles for 2 to 3 minutes each day.
Ice on the other hand doesn’t help, but some capsaicin creams (#ad), an alkaloid made from chili peppers, may be beneficial.
Home remedies for burning feet
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Alpha-lipoic acid
Alpha-lipoic acid is a sulfur acid found in all cells of the body.
It provides an antioxidant role that helps relieve pain and tingling while neutralizing toxic metals.
This acid is found in organ meats (especially liver), spinach, and broccoli.
But to get a therapeutic dosage, it is better to use an alpha-lipoic acid supplement (#ad).
The recommended dosage is 100-200mg 3 times a day to reduce symptoms of peripheral neuropathy.
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Gamma-linolenic acid
Gamma-linolenic acid is an essential omega-6 fatty acid.
Its role is to ensure optimal hydration of the skin and to maintain its suppleness.
This acid additionally helps in the production of prostaglandin which improves blood circulation and nerve function while having a powerful anti-inflammatory effect.
Gamma-linolenic acid is found in certain vegetable oils such as evening primrose or borage oil.
However, it is easier to use a gamma-linolenic acid supplement (#ad) to achieve a recommended dosage of 240mg twice a day.
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Acetyl l-carnitine
Carnitine transports fatty acids to the mitochondria for energy production.
It is therefore essential for the functioning of muscles and is widely used for the treatment of diabetic peripheral neuropathy.
If you want to supplement yourself, choose acetyl l-carnitine (#ad) which is fat-soluble, and not carnitine alone which is water-soluble.
The recommended dosage is 500mg three times a day with a meal.
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Vitamins b6 and b12
B vitamin deficiency is the main cause of peripheral neuropathies.
Vitamins B6 and B12 can be very effective in reducing pain, numbness, and tingling.
Choose a B complex (#ad) to restore balance and prevent vitamin B6 overload which can trigger nervous problems.
Be careful not to exceed the dose of 25 to 50mg of vitamin B6 per day.
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Vitamin E
Vitamin E deficiency induces peripheral neuropathy and neuromuscular dysfunction.
Its highly antioxidant role makes it a perfect cellular protector while slowing skin aging.
The recommended dosage is 400IU per day by a natural Vitamin E supplement (#ad) containing all the tocopherols necessary to enjoy all of its benefits.
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Magnesium
Magnesium is an essential mineral directly involved in proper muscle function.
A dose of 350mg per day is recommended.
If you want to supplement yourself, choose magnesium bisglycinate (#ad), a form more easily assimilated by the body and devoid of digestive side effects.
Burning feet prevention
Peripheral neuropathy pain can also be relieved by simple means such as, for example, significantly reducing anything that can put pressure on the feet or legs.
This includes:
– exercise regularly but not walk too much
– don’t stand too long
– avoid shoes and socks that are too tight
– avoid a blanket or quilt that is too heavy on the lower limbs
– take cold foot baths regularly
– consider methods of treatment with acupuncture or acupressure
Neuropathy tends to decrease sensation or produce numbness in the feet.
Be sure to examine them carefully every day so you don’t miss a sore or crack that could make the situation worse.
Burning feet natural treatment
Burning foot syndrome can be simply caused by sciatica, a fungal infection of the feet at best.
It may be aggravated by heavy drinking or toxic cigarette smoke.
Sometimes it has a genetic origin or can be the result of some imbalance in the body.
Then a disease arises, peripheral neuropathy just as difficult to bear as it is to treat.
Some natural supplements can help control pain and reduce uncomfortable sensations.
Read more:
Burning mouth natural treatment
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