Why is the top of my foot burning?

A burning sensation on the top of the foot can be caused by a variety of conditions. Here are some potential reasons for this symptom:

• Nerve damage, compression, or irritation: Pressure on nerves, such as the extensor tendons or the superficial nerves on the top of the foot, can cause a burning sensation.
• Footwear issues: Tight or ill-fitting shoes can compress nerves or cause friction, leading to discomfort and a burning feeling.
• Inflammation: Inflammatory conditions, such as tendonitis or arthritis, can cause pain and burning sensations.
• Peripheral neuropathy: Damage to peripheral nerves, often associated with conditions like diabetes, can lead to burning sensations in the feet.
• Circulation problems: Reduced blood flow to the top of the foot can result in a burning feeling.
• Trauma or foot injury: Any injury or trauma to the top of the foot can cause pain and burning.

» Learn more about Grierson-Gopalan (burning feet) syndrome

While these are known to be incredibly common causes of a burning sensation on top of the foot, it is important to avoid self-diagnosis. Instead, get in touch with a healthcare professional who can accurately identify the underlying cause of the condition. Although they may not cure the cause of your condition, our custom orthotics are a convenient way to manage the pain and discomfort.

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Experience a pain-free life with custom orthotics designed for comfort and durability. Made by our expert team of top podiatrists, Upstep custom orthotics offer personalized support while alleviating discomfort and relieving pain daily. Upsteps are designed to keep your feet comfortable and healthy while on the move as well as during high-impact athletic activities.

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Burning on the top of the foot is often a sign of nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy). However, it can also result from an infection, diabetes, chronic alcoholism, certain vitamin B deficiencies, or HIV infection, etc. You should still see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and possible management strategy.

A burning sensation on the top of the feet can be caused by a variety of conditions. In cases where it persists for an extended period of time, it could indicate neuropathy (nerve damage) in the feet. Neuropathy can be caused by uncontrolled diabetes, unmanaged HIV infection, long term alcohol usage, or a vitamin B deficiency, among others. It is important to understand why the burning sensation, associated with the nerves of the foot, has arisen and consulting with a medical professional is recommended to obtain a medical diagnosis to explain the experience of your symptoms. 

Feeling a burning sensation on the top of your foot can result from various causes, including common issues like nerve damage (peripheral neuropathy), Morton's neuroma, or nerve compression. More severe conditions such as diabetes, alcohol use, Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease, and kidney disease may also contribute. I've found that custom inserts or insoles can relieve the pain or discomfort by promoting better support, even though it might not clear up your condition completely. I'd recommend seeing a podiatrist for accurate diagnosis and treatment to address the issue.