A burning sensation in your feet keeps you up night after night, and it's easy to start wondering if this is just your new normal. The good news is it doesn't have to be. Burning foot pain at night is your body's way of sending an important message, and it's worth paying attention to.
At Clover Podiatry in Vancouver, Washington, we understand how disruptive and concerning nighttime foot pain can be. It's more than discomfort. It's a sign that something deeper may be going on. You deserve answers, real relief, and personalized care that gets to the root of the problem. Dr. Tek Fish and a dedicated team of foot health professionals at Clover are here to help you find exactly that.
What Causes Feet to Burn at Night?
Burning foot pain doesn't follow a predictable schedule for everyone, but many people notice it intensifies after the sun goes down. That's not a coincidence. When you're lying still, your nervous system has fewer distractions. Sensations that might fade into the background during the day become impossible to ignore. Several different conditions can cause a burning sensation at night.
Peripheral Neuropathy
One of the most common issues is nerve damage. While diabetes is a frequent contributor, neuropathy can also stem from vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune disorders, infections, or even certain medications. When the nerves aren't functioning properly, they may send mixed or exaggerated signals. Your brain interprets those signals as burning, tingling, or sharp, stabbing pain.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome
This condition occurs when the tibial nerve becomes compressed as it passes through a narrow space near your ankle. Think of it as carpal tunnel syndrome's lesser-known cousin. The compression creates burning pain, numbness, or shooting sensations that radiate through the sole of your foot. Lying down can shift pressure in ways that aggravate the nerve, which is why symptoms often flare up at night.
Circulation Issues
When blood flow to your legs slows or becomes restricted, tissue in your feet won't get the oxygen it needs. That can create a burning or aching sensation that worsens when you're horizontal and your heart isn't working as hard to pump blood downward. Circulation problems may occur due to peripheral artery disease, blood clots, or other vascular issues.
Is It Neuropathy, Nerve Compression, or Something Else Entirely?
Identifying the cause of burning foot pain isn't something you can solve with a quick internet search. The symptoms often overlap, the underlying causes vary, and guessing can lead to the wrong treatment. Even worse, it could allow a serious condition to go unchecked.
At Clover Podiatry, our skilled Vancouver podiatrists can help you navigate the possibilities. During your appointment, you'll be asked about when your symptoms began, what makes them better or worse, and whether you've noticed other issues. Those could include numbness, weakness, or changes in skin color or temperature. Your medical history also plays an important role. Conditions such as diabetes, thyroid or kidney disease, past injuries, alcohol use, and other health factors can offer valuable insight.
Diagnostic testing helps get a clearer picture of what is happening beneath the surface. Nerve conduction studies show how quickly electrical signals travel through your nerves. Slower or blocked signals may indicate neuropathy or nerve compression. Blood tests, meanwhile, can reveal vitamin deficiencies, inflammation, or issues with blood sugar levels. Imaging tools, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, or MRIs, can help rule out structural or vascular problems.
With the right evaluation, you can move past guesswork and toward real answers and relief.
How a Podiatrist Treats Burning Foot Pain at Night
Treatment depends entirely on what's causing the burn. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, which is why an accurate diagnosis matters so much. Once the source of your pain is identified, your podiatrist can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.
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Peripheral neuropathy. Stabilizing blood sugar levels becomes the priority. Vitamin deficiencies may also be corrected with supplements, while medications can help manage nerve pain. Physical therapy and lifestyle changes, like regular exercise and avoiding alcohol, can support nerve health and reduce symptoms.
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Tarsal tunnel syndrome. Anti-inflammatory medications and orthotics that reduce pressure on the affected nerve are often necessary for this condition. Corticosteroid injections can also provide temporary relief by reducing inflammation. If those approaches don't work, surgical decompression may be necessary to release the compressed nerve and restore normal function.
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Circulation issues. Improving blood flow might involve lifestyle modifications. Compression therapy, medications that improve circulation, and, in more serious cases, surgical interventions can help restore healthy blood flow to your feet.
You Don't Have to Accept Burning Feet as Your New Normal
Burning foot pain at night isn't something you should just learn to live with. It's a signal from your body that deserves attention, evaluation, and treatment. At Clover Podiatry, the approach is different. You'll be listened to, not rushed. Your concerns will be taken seriously, not dismissed. You'll receive a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs, not a generic protocol that overlooks what makes your situation unique. Discover what we can do for your feet.
