Hot feet is the feeling of heat or burning in the feet. This condition often occurs at night and the sensation ranges from mild to severe. Also, sometimes this may be accompanied by other symptoms such as numbness, redness, or swelling of the feet. What are the most important Causes of hot feet And how can it be treated?

Causes of hot feet

There are many causes for hot feet. Most notably:

1. Nutritional deficiency

In order for the nerves to function efficiently, they need to be supplied with adequate nutrients. So the body’s inability to absorb nutrients, this may increase the risk of nerve damage and feeling hot feet. Among the important elements, the deficiency of which can increase the risk of neuropathy:

Undernutrition is usually associated with some factors such as:

2. Diabetic neuropathy

Diabetic neuropathy is one of the most common causes of hot feet. Which is a complication of type 1 and type 2 diabetes as a result of nerve damage. Among its symptoms:

3. Gout disease

Symptoms of gout begin to appear when uric acid crystals accumulate in the joints, and symptoms last for 3 to 10 days. Symptoms include feeling warm feet, pain, and swelling.

4. Pregnancy

Pregnant women may get hot feet as a result of hormonal changes, increased total body fluids, or normal weight gain, which in turn leads to an increase in body temperature and thus a feeling of hot feet.

5. Side effects of some medications

Some medications may result in side effects such as a feeling of hot feet. Examples of these drugs are:

6. Reaching menopause

Among the causes of hot feet are also hormonal changes and menopause in women, which usually occurs when they reach between 45 years and 55 years.

7. A fungal infection

Infection with skin fungi such as athlete’s foot, which affects about 15% to 25% of people, can lead to a feeling of hot feet, but this infection must be treated quickly to avoid its spread to other areas of the body.

8. Hereditary neuropathy

Hereditary neuropathy, also known as Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease (CMT), is one of the most common hereditary neurological disorders, which may be a symptom of fever and tingling feet.

9. Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism may cause pain, tingling, or numbness in extremities such as the feet and hands. As its low levels may lead to nerve damage.

10. Heavy metal buildup

Exposure to heavy metals such as lead, mercury, or arsenic may cause a burning sensation in the extremities. Also, the accumulation of these minerals in a large way may cause toxic levels to be reached, resulting in nerve damage.

11. Chronic renal failure

When suffering from acute renal failure, the organs lose their ability to remove toxins from the body, which results in the accumulation of toxins over time and neuropathy, which may be a symptom of hot feet.

12. Chemotherapy

Despite the importance of chemotherapy in treating cancer and destroying cancer cells in the body, it can cause nerve damage and accompanying symptoms such as burning and tingling in the extremities such as the feet and hands.

13. Autoimmune deficiency

One of the symptoms of the late stages of autoimmune deficiency disease (AIDS) is peripheral neuropathy, and a feeling of burning and heat in the feet. Some HIV medications may also cause neuropathy, according to the Foundation for Peripheral Neuropathy.

14. Other pathological causes

Diagnostic methods

The doctor may take a set of steps according to each case in order to diagnose and determine what are the causes of hot feet, such as:

1. Symptoms: The doctor will ask the patient about the symptoms that may have appeared on him.
2. Neurological examination: This is in order to assess the response of sensory and motor cells, which is an essential part of MS care.
3. Feedback check: Muscle strength and sensitivity.
4. Nerve function test: Such as electromyography in order to evaluate the electrical capabilities inherent in the muscles.

Hot feet treatment

Treatment methods vary according to the doctor’s diagnosis and determination of the underlying cause of the condition. It should not be underestimated when any symptoms appear, so that the disease does not develop into a chronic condition. It is considered one of the medicines used to treat hot feet:

However, the first step before taking any kind of medicine should be a general medical examination, in order to determine the disease causing the symptoms, and to obtain the appropriate medicine for each disease.

Treating the heat of the feet when sleeping

If you suffer from hot feet while sleeping, here are the best ways to treat the condition:

1. Treat the underlying cause

In order to determine the best treatment for hot feet when sleeping, it is recommended first to consult a doctor in order to determine the cause of the condition, and to recommend the appropriate types of medications.

2. Take vitamins and nutritional supplements

Depending on the cause of hot feet, vitamins and nutritional supplements may help treat the underlying cause. Some types of nutritional supplements that may help in treatment include:

• Alpha Lipoic Acid: Which helps improve nerve functions
• Amino acid supplements: It works to relieve symptoms of nerve damage in diabetics or people undergoing chemotherapy sessions.
• Herbs: Turmeric, for example, may help treat nerve pain, given that it has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
• vitamins: Taking a B vitamin or iron supplement may help treat hot feet if the condition is caused by a nutritional deficiency.

Notice: It is not recommended to use herbs or nutritional supplements in treatment, before consulting a doctor first, as they may interfere with the medications you are taking or have some side effects.

3. Change in the usual lifestyle

Standing, walking, or wearing shoes for long periods, especially with the rise in climate temperatures, may lead to a feeling of hot feet, which can be easily treated by Follow some simple steps like:

• Ensure that the feet are identifiable and that appropriate footwear is worn
• Change socks frequently, especially after exercising
• When the weather is hot, it is preferable to wear sandals to avoid hot feet
• Use foot powder, which works to absorb excess moisture in the feet
• Avoid standing or walking for long periods of time
• Feet can be cooled in a bath of cold water
• Put cold compresses on the feet

4. Use topical creams

The use of topical creams and ointments may help relieve hot feet, but it depends on determining the causes of hot feet.

5. Feet cooling techniques

The following techniques may help relieve hot feet:

• Put your feet outside the cover when you sleep
• A small fan can be placed at the end of the bed
• Fill a hot water bottle with ice and place it near your feet when you go to sleep
• Keep a pair of socks in the fridge, and put them on before bed
• Massage your feet before going to sleep in order to improve blood circulation in the feet