Burning feet at night, often referred to as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome or simply burning feet syndrome, is a common and distressing symptom that can severely disrupt sleep and overall quality of life.

The sensation is typically described as a burning, heat, tingling, or prickling feeling in the feet, which can range from mild to excruciatingly painful.

In some cases, it may also be accompanied by redness, increased foot temperature, or numbness.

What is Feet Burn?

The sensation of feet burning is a type of paresthesia—an abnormal sensation—that stems from an issue with the nerves in the feet. While it can occasionally be temporary and caused by factors like prolonged standing, unsupportive footwear, or a fungal infection like athlete’s foot, persistent or worsening burning is often a telltale sign of a more significant underlying medical condition.

The problem usually lies in the peripheral nervous system, the network of nerves that transmits information between your central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and the rest of your body, including your limbs.

When these nerves are damaged or malfunctioning, they can send pain signals to the brain even when there is no actual injury, resulting in a burning sensation.

Why Do My Feet Burn at Night?

The burning sensation frequently intensifies or becomes exclusively noticeable at night. While the exact reason for this nocturnal worsening isn’t fully understood, several factors are thought to contribute:

• Reduced Distractions: During the quiet of the night, there are fewer external stimuli or activities to distract the mind from internal pain signals, making the discomfort more pronounced.
• Body Temperature Regulation: As the body prepares for sleep, it naturally lowers its core temperature by increasing blood flow to the extremities, including the hands and feet. This increased peripheral blood flow, while typically helpful for sleep onset, can exacerbate the burning sensation if there’s an underlying vascular or nerve dysfunction.
• Rest and Nerve Activity: Some theories suggest that nerves can become more “active” during periods of rest, potentially amplifying the burning or tingling feelings.

However, the primary cause of chronic burning feet at night is usually nerve damage, known as peripheral neuropathy.

Conclusion

A persistent, uncomfortable burning sensation in the feet at night is a signal from your body that should not be ignored. While temporary burning might be addressed with simple remedies like changing footwear or treating athlete’s foot, chronic symptoms are most often a manifestation of peripheral neuropathy caused by an underlying health issue.

If you regularly experience burning feet, especially at night, it is crucial to consult a healthcare provider. A proper diagnosis, often involving a physical exam and blood tests, is the first step toward managing the root cause and finding targeted treatments to alleviate the pain and restore your restful sleep.

Treating the underlying condition, whether it’s diabetes, a vitamin deficiency, or another disorder, is the most effective way to address the burning feet syndrome.

Dr. Navin Tiwari
Consulting Neurologist