Burning feet syndrome
4270907
195801118
2008-03-04T14:22:25Z
Arcadian
104523
Eponym
'''Burning feet syndrome''', also known as '''Grierson-Gopalan syndrome''', is a medical condition that causes severe burning and aching of the feet, [[hyperesthesia]], and [[vasomotor]] changes of the feet that leads to excessive [[sweating]]. It can even affect the eyes, causing [[scotoma]] and [[amblyopia]]. The condition occurs more frequently in women, and usually manifests itself when a person is between 20 and 40 years old.
==Presentation==
The burning heat is usually limited to the soles of the feet, but may extend up to the ankles or lower legs of some patients. The burning can sometimes be accompanied by feelings of 'pins and needles' or tingling in these regions. Nighttime is when almost all sufferers of this syndrome report the heat symptoms being the worst, with the condition getting better as morning comes. Those who have [[psychosomatic]] disorders sometimes display psychological symptoms along with the burning of feet associated with the syndrome. For most, there is no [[erythema]] of the skin of their feet during the heat sensations, and almost never is there accompanying tenderness along with it.
==Causes==
Burning feet syndrome can be inherited, or it can be caused by pressure being put on the [[peripheral nerve]]s. Links also exist between this syndrome and diseases such as [[hypothyroidism]], [[diabetes]], and [[rheumatoid arthritis]]; links are also ''believed'' to exist between this syndrome and [[vitamin B]] deficiencies and [[renal]] failure.
==Treatment==
Some ways of treating burning feet syndrome include wearing open and comfortable shoes that have arch supports, along with [[cotton]] socks. Cold water usually soothes the heat for many patients, and there are creams and vitamin B supplements that can also provide relief.
==Eponym==
It is named for [[Coluther Gopalan]] and J. Grierson.<ref>{{WhoNamedIt|synd|1369}}</ref><ref>J. Grierson. On the burning feet of natives. Transactions of the Medical and Physical Society of Calcutta, 1826, 2: 275-280.</ref><ref>C. Gopalan. The "burning feet syndrome." Indian Medical Gazette, Calcutta, 1946, 81: 22-26. Journal of the American Medical Association, Chicago, 1946, 131: 1177.</ref>
==See also==
[[Tarsal tunnel syndrome]]
==References==
{{reflist}}
[[Category:Foot diseases]]