burning feet syndrome (BFS) is characterised by a sensation of burning and heaviness in the feet and lower extremities
Grierson was, in 1826, was the earliest to document the symptom of burning feet. However a detailed description was given by Gopalan in 1946, hence, BFS is also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome
no specific aetiology for BFS - often is idiopathic
may be associated with nutritional/endocrine causes e.g.
vitamin B deficiency
diabetes mellitus
renal failure (dialysis patients)
hypothyroidism
most common in those over 50 years; although can occur in any age group
symptoms characterised by a burning sensation, heaviness, numbness, or a dull ache in the feet
burning is usually limited to the soles of the feet but may ascend to involve the dorsum, ankles or lower legs
arms and palms of the hands are spared
sometimes a patient may complain of 'pins and needles' or tingling in the lower extremities
symptoms show worsening at night and a day time improvement
on examination, there is a paucity of objective signs
investigations
first line investigations include FBC, ESR, U+Es, B12, TFTs, fasting glucose
treatment
specific measures
depend on the cause
general measures
wearing open and comfortable shoes, particularly those with arch supports, and wearing cotton socks is helpful (1)
symptomatic relief can be brought about by soaking the feet in cold water (not ice cold) for around 15 minutes
avoidance of feet exposure to heat
pharmacological therapies include tricyclic antidepressants and membrane stabilising agents (such as carbamazepine or gabapentin)
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