Burning-feet (Erythromelalgia)

Clinically called erythromelalgia, burning-feet syndrome causes feet to suddenly burn and redden with heat. In some cases, the burning is an intensely painful experience. For others, it is only bothersome. Walking on a cold floor relieves symptoms and feels good. With this condition the feet feel quite hot to the touch, and often appear swollen. Rest, cooling applications, and raising the legs usually offer some relief. Burning feet are most common at night.

Most cases of burning-feet syndrome are due to circulatory and nervous system problems. Persons suffering from diabetes, polyneuropathy of the nerves, liver problems, high blood pressure, blood-sugar instability or a B-vitamin deficiency are susceptible.

Burning feet are a symptom of thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency in some cases. Thiamine is not stored by the body and must be provided daily through the diet. The best sources are whole grains, nutritional yeast, brown rice, peanuts, raw wheat germ, green and yellow vegetables and milk.

Poor circulation can be improved through a radical change in diet to a whole foods regimen of natural, fiber-rich, unrefined living foods including plenty of raw fruits and vegetables, whole grains, nuts and seeds. Raw foods supply enzymes, the immune-system boosters which help the body absorb vitamins and minerals.

Supplements and herbs

Painful, burning feet are often the result of nerve or circulatory problems. A lack of either pantothenic acid or vitamin B6 will cause the feet to burn. When supplementing with any B vitamin, it is best to add the entire complex to prevent further imbalances.

If the problem lies in poor circulation from arteriosclerosis or diabetes, vitamin E is recommended to improve the blood's oxygen supply. Vitamin C is also useful, as it helps combat the effects of toxic substances on the body. Chromium helps regulate blood-sugar instabilities. These vitamins need to be taken for several weeks for noticeable results. Continue for a few months after the problem has resolved. In addition, the diet must be changed to ensure that these vitamins are adequate at all times.

Herbal remedies can assist a proper diet in stimulating circulation and relieving burning feet.

• If there is no known cause, bathe the feet in a mallow or sanicle infusion.
• Hawthorn helps improve circulation by dilating blood vessels. Take 1 tbsp. of juice or 20-25 drops of tincture with water before breakfast and before bed. Hawthorn is effective with long-term application only (three months or more), and does not cause side-effects.

What else you can do

• Since lead poisoning, polycythemia, fungal or candida infections and syringomyelia cause burning feet, a medical diagnosis and/or hair mineral analysis and fungal infection testing should rule out any of these problems first, before applying any external or herbal therapies.
• The burning-feet syndrome experienced by older people is caused by strictured vessels. Alternating hot and cold thyme foot baths help relieve this problem. Put feet in hot bath for three minutes and then in cold for three seconds. Repeat for twenty minutes.
• Stress can also cause overtired feet to feel like they are burning. Get plenty of rest and walk barefoot on lawns, sandy beaches or natural fiber mats. Do not walk barefoot on concrete or synthetic carpets.
• Rest, cool compresses and raising the legs will provide some relief.

How much to take

• Vitamin B complex, 50 mg
• Vitamin B6 or Pyridoxal-5-Phosphate, 50 mg
• Vitamin E, with mixed tocopherols, 400 IU twice daily
• Vitamin C, with bioflavonoids, 1,000 mg three times daily

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