Causes of Burning Pain in the Feet and Treatment Methods

Causes of Burning Pain in the Feet and Treatment Methods

What is a neuroma?
Neuromas are one of the sources of burning and pain in the feet. It is a condition that occurs as a result of enlargement and inflammation of the connective tissue around the nerves in the foot and manifests itself with complaints such as burning, pain, tingling, restlessness, cramps and sensory impairment. Morton's neuroma is the most common neuroma in the foot. It is especially common in women over the age of 30. It usually occurs due to the use of inappropriate and high heeled shoes. It occurs due to compression of the nerve between the metatarsal bones of the 3rd and 4th fingers in the foot. Symptoms can be listed as burning pain in the problem area, numbness, sensation of crumpled socks, sharp and/or radiating pain and pain that increases when shoes are worn and decreases when shoes are removed.

How is neuroma treated?
Neuroma pain is usually reduced by removing the shoe and massaging the area. For treatment, wide shoes, various foot or toe pads and cortisone injections can be applied to the painful area. In cases where these treatments are inadequate, surgical treatment may be used.

What is metatarsalgia?
Pain in the area where the metatarsal bones, also known as metatarsal bones, are located on the sole of the foot is called "metatarsalgia". It may occur due to trauma, length differences, structural deformities such as flatfoot, hallux valgus, hallux rigitus, some disorders, bone and soft tissue disorders. Patients experience pain when touching the scallop bone and joint.  It also causes the feeling of having a stone under the scallop bones on the sole of the foot. Pain occurs especially during joint movement. The diagnosis is made according to the results of a detailed examination and foot X-ray.

How is metatarsalgia treated?
The first choice in treatment is to determine the right choice of shoes and use insoles. Surgery is rarely needed.

What is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome?
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome is a condition that occurs due to compression of the nerve passing through a narrow channel on the inside of the heel. It is triggered by ankle sprains, fractures around the ankle, inappropriate footwear or a mass that compresses the nerve. It is usually unilateral. If it occurs on both sides, it should be considered that there may be nerve involvement due to a systemic disease and care should be taken. 

Patients may complain of sensory disturbance in the heel and sole of the foot, burning pain, sometimes even color changes, and pain in the calf. The pain usually wakes them up at night. The diagnosis is made after a detailed physical examination and EMG (nerve test).

How is Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome treated?
Orthotics and specially designed shoes can be used for treatment. Injection therapy may also be required. In advanced cases where these methods are insufficient, surgery may be needed.