Erythromelalgia is a disorder that is characterized by a sharp burning pain in the extremities. Apart from the burning sensation, there is warmth and redness in both hands and feet as well. This burning sensation in feet can be extremely painful and uncomfortable.


The disorder is rare, and there is not much information available about it in medical literatures as well. The disease was first observed in 1830 and the nomenclature was performed by Mitchell. There are two different kinds of erythromelalgia, namely, primary erythromelalgia and secondary erythromelalgia.


Primary erythromelalgia is idiopathic, and secondary erythromelalgia occurs due to any underlying condition such as a hematoma, neuralgia, or any other vascular problems.

Burning soles of feet may be accompanied with skin ulceration and digital necrosis. If there is secondary infection, it can lead to amputation as well. Due to burning feet symptoms, a person may need to have constant cooling to control the symptoms. Females are known to experience burning pain in feet along with other symptoms more than males. Women are twice more likely to experience primary erythromelalgia than males, whereas males are at a slightly higher risk of developing secondary erythromelalgia.

What causes burning feet? In almost 60% of the cases, myeloproliferative disorders are behind the burning feet. If you are experiencing burning feet at night, it could be due to thrombocytosis. In almost 85% of the cases of myeloproliferative diseases, erythromelalgia may manifest itself. Mechanical overload is another one of burning feet at night causes. If you are overweight and are on your feet for majority of the day, at the end of the day, you may feel fatigue, and the feet may experience intense burning sensations. If your feet are especially hot and sweaty, that too could be a cause of burning feet. This condition can also be associated with mechanical overload.  

Burning feet at night and diabetes have another close relation. Diabetic neuropathies are often associated with the burning of feet, especially in the night. It may seem as if you are walking on hot coals and cinders. Any other type of neuropathy may also lead to chronic burning sensation in the feet when running or walking. Some of these neuropathies may be caused by chronic alcoholism, heavy metal poisoning, and vitamin deficiencies. Other causes of the condition include blood disorders such as pernicious anemia and thrombocytopenia, reflex sympathetic dystrophy, complex regional pain syndrome, trauma, nerve entrapments, and tarsal tunnel syndrome in which the nerve inside the ankle joint gets compressed.

There are specific problems that may lead to localized burning sensations in various parts of the body. For instance, metatarsalgia is a condition that can cause burning feet at night symptoms in the forefoot. Fungal infections like athlete’s foot can also cause severe burning and itching in the foot. However, these symptoms are usually only localized. Burning sensation in feet when exercising can also occur due to such fungal infections or contact dermatitis that may be a result of chemicals in socks and shoes.

Burning feet at night treatment can be managed at home if you know the exact cause of the problem. You should, however, get yourself checked to ensure that you do not have a serious problem. Once a cause is established you can get requisite treatment. If the cause is mechanical, burning pain in feet and toes can be treated by changing your shoes. When you wear comfortable and well fitting shoes, you can get rid of your problem. If you have a sweaty foot that remains hot, get help to reduce the sweating. Burning feet syndrome treatment in this case can be done by wearing good socks that absorb sweat, changing socks regularly, and keeping your feet dry. There are some creams and ointments that have cooling properties and therefore can relieve all the pain.

Burning pain in feet and legs can also be cured by the use of magnets. However, magnets should only be used after your physician has recommended them. Soaking feet in cool water, with a few drops of cooling essential oils like eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil can also help you get rid of the painful and burning sensations. If you are overweight, try and lose as much weight as you can. Also, if your feet feel painful and hot, try and void long periods of standing. If you do have to stand for long periods of time, you can use shock absorbing insoles as well as cushions that can make things tolerable.

For burning sensation in feet during pregnancy, get yourself checked by a doctor as soon as possible. Vitamin B12 deficiency may cause the burning sensations. However, before you take any mineral or vitamin supplements during pregnancy, consult your doctor. Vitamin B12 supplements cannot help you if you have burning feet due to neuropathies. If you have diabetes or any other chronic condition, visiting a doctor and getting the requisite treatment may be able to help you. Since vitamin B12 deficiency is a rather rare disorder, it is very uncommon as a cause of the burning foot condition.

If you have burning soles of feet, the best burning feet remedy that you can use is to take good care of your feet. Cleaning them regularly and moisturizing them often enough, can help you take better care of your feet. Medical treatment of the burning feet can only be established when you find out what causes burning feet at night. A consultation with a podiatrist or a neurologist can help you establish the cause. If mechanical overload is the problem that is causing the burning sensation, you can get required treatment. For localized symptoms in case of fungal infections, sweaty feet and nerve entrapment, medical assistance can be sought accordingly.

Foot supports and other orthopedic accessories are available for those who experience problems in the feet due to mechanical overload. However, if the pain and discomfort is not caused by mechanical overload, these accessories may not be able to help you treat the problem at all.