Best Home Remedies for Burning Feet

Introduction

Burning feet, a common complaint from your grandparents or even parents, should not be ignored. While it may seem harmless, it may be due to an underlying medical condition. It is referred to as burning feet syndrome or Gierson-Gopalan Syndrome. Although it is a common complaint, historically it has received very little medical attention¹.  

Characterised by heaviness and a burning sensation in the legs, it can be due to various unrelated medical conditions. The heat and pain felt may not only be restricted to the soles of the feet, but may also involve the top of the feet, ankles, and even the lower leg.  

What Causes Burning Feet?

A wide range of conditions can be responsible for burning feet syndrome, such as: 

• Nutritional causes: A deficiency of vitamins from the B complex group can lead to burning feet syndrome, particularly riboflavin. It can also occur due to poor absorption of nutrients, as seen in malabsorption syndrome¹.  
• Underlying medical conditions: Burning feet may be experienced by people with certain metabolic disorders like diabetes, due to damage to nerves in the region of the feet. It is also seen in people with thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism, where there is decreased production of thyroid hormone¹.  
• Hereditary causes: Sometimes burning feet syndrome can run in families due to its hereditary nature. So, if someone in your family is suffering from this condition, there is a chance that you might also experience it¹.  
• Mechanical causes: The compression of a nerve or entrapment of it between muscles, bones etc., can lead to burning feet. It is seen in conditions like tarsal tunnel syndrome, sciatic mononeuropathy and spinal arteriovenous malformation¹.
• Psychological causes: It was found that burning feet was experienced by people suffering from psychological disorders¹.
• Other causes: The other, more uncommon causes of burning feet include conditions like erythromelalgia (episodic heat and pain in various body parts), Leishmaniasis (parasitic infestation of body), chronic mountain sickness (in residents of high altitudes), multiple sclerosis (damage of nerve coverings by our own body) and Geitelman syndrome (kidney disorders due to imbalance in electrolyte ions). It is also seen in patients with chronic alcoholism and those who have been on dialysis treatment for a long time¹.    
• Idiopathic: Sometimes, even after performing various investigations, the cause of why your feet are on fire can’t be found; it is then said to be idiopathic in nature i.e. of an unknown cause¹.  

Symptoms of Burning Feet

The following are a few symptoms experienced along with burning feet: 

• Feet may feel heavy  
• You may experience “pins and needles”, tingling or a pricking feeling in the feet  
• Burning of feet, which may aggravate at night  
• Sensation of warmth in the feet  
• Pain may be of a dull aching, sharp or shooting type  
• Skin redness, excess warmth or numbness in feet²  

Home Remedies for Burning Feet

As burning of feet can be due to various factors, treating the underlying cause is the preferred course of action. A few home remedies can help you ease the pain and discomfort. They are as follows: 

1. Epsom Salts

Epsom salt is a natural source of magnesium sulfate². It is commonly used by people when taking foot baths. We can make use of it by adding some Epsom salt to water and soaking your feet in it for a few minutes each day. 

Note: The use of Epsom salt increases the risk of damage to feet in patients with diabetes. Therefore, please check with your doctor before using it if you have diabetes.

2. Ice Bath or Cold Water

Soaking your feet in cold water provides temporary relief from the pain and burning sensation. In addition to soaking feet in cold water, drinking a lot of water is helpful too.  

3. Ginger

Ginger has various medicinal properties and is used widely in Ayurveda. Ginger extract is soluble in water and oil, and when applied to the skin, it is readily absorbed. Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties, and this might be the reason for its pain-relieving effects. It may be used for the treatment of burning feet as well, owing to this anti-inflammatory property³.  

4. Ginkgo

Gingko is an herb, and it has protective properties towards the nerves. It was found to be effective in treating conditions like dementia and focal cerebral ischemia (decreased blood flow to parts of the brain). This nerve-protecting action of Ginkgo is due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and certain enzyme inhibiting properties. It can help with burning feet, associated with damage to peripheral nerves⁴.    

5. Black Cumin

One of the reasons for the occurrence of burning feet is diabetes; black cumin is found to decrease blood sugar. It also increases the availability of insulin. This effect is extremely beneficial for the nerves in the feet. In animal studies, black cumin was also found to reduce pain, however, further research in humans is required to prove this⁴.  

6. Holy Basil or Tulsi

The scientific name of holy basil is Ocimum sanctum. It has been used in India for a long time to treat many diseases. In a study, it was found that Tulsi is effective in reducing pain in the legs caused by sciatica. It is also effective in reducing pain caused due to peripheral nerve damage, which is a common cause of burning feet⁴.  

7. Citrullus Colocynthis

Commonly known as bitter apple, Citrullus colocynthis, is used to relieve pain. It has pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties. In various studies, it was found that bitter apple is effective in relieving pain in painful diabetic polyneuropathy (PDPN; nerve damage due to diabetes). When bitter apple was applied to the area, it offered pain relief⁴.  

8. Turmeric

Turmeric has properties which are helpful against inflammation (anti-inflammatory), infections (antibiotic) and neutralises free radicals present (antioxidant). This is due to the presence of a bioactive compound called curcumin in turmeric. Studies have shown that it is effective against diseases of the nerves and neurons and also prevents their development⁴. We can use it by making a thick paste and applying it as a pack, and by including it in our diet.    

9. Apple Cider Vinegar

Adding apple cider vinegar to warm water and soaking our feet in it is said to provide relief from burning feet. There is no scientific evidence backing it, but it has been widely used by people around the world.  

Other Solutions for Burning Feet

• Foot Massage: Massaging the foot can sometimes provide relief from the burning sensation. The foot can be massaged dry by stroking or with oils to reduce the friction.  
• R.I.C.E.: It is an abbreviation for Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation. This method involves giving rest to your feet, then applying ice and compression to them, and lastly, keeping them in a raised position to reduce the swelling⁵.    

Also Read: Natural Home Remedies for Swollen Legs

When to Seek Medical Help

As burning feet may be an indicator of a serious disease, kindly seek immediate medical attention if the burning, redness or numbness in the feet does not subside with self-care methods and home remedies. A doctor can run some tests to diagnose the condition and devise a treatment plan for you.  

Also Read: Best Home Remedies for Uric Acid By Dr. Siddharth Gupta

Conclusion

Burning feet may be experienced due to various conditions. Whatever the cause may be, the pain and discomfort can be relieved by the use of a few home remedies. However, the underlying cause must be determined and treated. Self-care is the key to relieving burning feet on a daily basis.    

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

References

1. Shrivastava GP. Burning feet syndrome. Indian Pr [Internet]. 1974;27(8):383–9. Available from: https://www.racgp.org.au/getattachment/a9867294-c8fc-4586-9301-fed416d14cba/20031218makkar.pdf 
2. Epsom Salt (magnesium sulfate) granule, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed. Updated October 24, 2024. Accessed May 5, 2025. Available from: https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=f7309f4a-f1f5-420e-bfc7-fb4495a5afba
3. Therkleson T. Topical ginger treatment with a compress or patch for osteoarthritis symptoms. Journal of holistic nursing. 2014 Sep;32(3):173-82. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4230973/pdf/10.1177_0898010113512182.pdf 
4. Forouzanfar F, Hosseinzadeh H. Medicinal herbs in the treatment of neuropathic pain: a review. Iranian journal of basic medical sciences. 2018 Apr;21(4):347. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5960749/pdf/IJBMS-21-347.pdf 
5. van den Bekerom MP, Struijs PA, Blankevoort L, Welling L, van Dijk CN, Kerkhoffs GM. What is the evidence for rest, ice, compression, and elevation therapy in the treatment of ankle sprains in adults? J Athl Train. 2012 Jul-Aug;47(4):435-43. doi: 10.4085/1062-6050-47.4.14. PMID: 22889660; PMCID: PMC3396304. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3396304/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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