Treating Foot Burns

Treating Foot Burns

The clearest indication that there’s a problem with your feet is pain or a strange sensation. The next is a physical manifestation of a sore or wound, which is sometimes called a foot burn. If you’re having a problem with foot burns or a burning sensation in your feet that doesn’t seem to go away, it’s important that you talk to a podiatrist about these symptoms right away. This is a common condition that occurs in athletes and people who have certain medical issues, like hypothyroidism and diabetes.

What Are Foot Burns?

A foot burn most commonly refers to a wound that develops on the feet due to friction with a surface, such as a shoe. It usually begins as a sensation in the feet that the patient feels when running or participating in a high-energy activity. The sensation is often felt between the toes, on the sides of the feet and on the balls of the feet. If it goes untreated, actual red, swollen wounds that resemble burns can develop.

Causes of Foot Burns and “Burning” Feet

Sometimes foot burn or the sensation of “burning feet” is simply due to wearing shoes or sneakers that are too tight. The friction of the shoes against the feet causes redness, swelling, the burning sensation and eventually what looks like a foot burn to appear. Foot burns can also develop due to contact dermatitis or an actual burn to the foot due to contact with heat. Another common cause of “burning feet” is uncontrolled diabetes, which can lead to nerve damage (also called peripheral neuropathy) and ulcers. If any burn wounds to the feet go untreated, they can become infected.

Treatments for Foot Burns

When foot burns develop, they must be properly treated as soon as possible by a skilled podiatrist. Treatment options include thorough cleansing of the burn, applying medication to the area and bandaging the feet to aid the healing process. Orthotics may be designed to relieve pressure on the wound and prevent the burn from reoccurring. Orthotic devices can also help stop the burning sensation due to friction with shoes. To address burning or tingling feelings in the feet that are caused by medical conditions, like hypothyroidism or diabetes, it’s important for patients to take steps to get their symptoms under control with better diet and prescribed medication.

If you’re struggling with painful foot burns or a burning sensation in your feet, talk to a podiatrist about your symptoms today. Without proper treatment, burns on the feet or a burning sensation can progress into more complicated problems.