What Does Burning Inside the Foot Indicate?

Varying factors can contribute to burning feet, including genetics, physical activity and possible disease states. Burning feet are not uncommon and can be easily treated after accurate diagnosis.

High Arches

• According to the American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons, high arches can place excessive weight on the ball or the heel of the foot, causing burning in these areas or leading to pain and instability in other foot areas.

Low Arches

• Low or fallen arches ("flat feet") can stress the foot's bones and tendons due to lack of structural support. According to the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons, flat feet often cause no discomfort but may indicate damage to the posterior tibial tendon or misalignment of the tibia (shinbone) to the talus (anklebone).

Plantar Fasciitis

• Plantar fasciitis is an injury caused by stress on the band of tissue (plantar fascia) that stretches along the bottom of the foot from the toes to the heel. It may be due to repetitive flexion of the foot in activities like running, often manifests as pain in the heel after prolonged sitting, and can worsen with continued activity.

Disease States

• According to the Mayo Clinic, several more serious disease states can be responsible for burning in the feet, including diabetic neuropathy, hypothyroidism, peripheral artery disease, peripheral neuropathy and vitamin deficiency.

Treatments

• Treatments for burning feet can be as simple as choosing a different type of sock, using arch supports or getting custom orthotic insoles from your physician. Always consult your physician to find out if the cause is a more serious disease state that requires other treatment.