Tag Archives: burning feet

What is Grierson-Gopalan syndrome?

Burning feet syndrome is a common problem and difficult to reach the bottom of and hard to take care of since it could quite often not really be clear how you get the symptoms. The burning feet syndrome is usually described by a strange sensation of burning and heaviness that happens from the legs and feet. In the past, it was first written about by Grierson in 1826 who was the first to report the symptoms of burning feet. A more in depth account was given by Gopalan in 1946, so for a while the burning feet syndrome have also been identified as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome.

There is certainly commonly virtually no distinct aetiology or reason behind burning feet syndrome and the reason is frequently idiopathic or unidentified. It could be linked to nutritional or endocrine causes for example a vitamin B insufficiency, the neuropathy that occurs in type 2 diabetes, in people that have kidney failure especially if on dialysis, or because of hypothyroidism. Burning feet are more prevalent in individuals older than 50 years however it could and does occur at any age. The signs and symptoms are usually characterised by way of burning feeling, a heaviness, a pins and needles or a dull ache that occurs principally in the feet. It is usually just on the soles of the feet but may rise to affect the top of the foot, ankles or on the lower legs in some instances. The arms and palms of the hands are typically not impacted, but if they are, then this really needs to be looked at further. Sometimes people may report of 'pins and needles' or tingling kind of sensation in the feet. Commonly, the symptoms tend to be a whole lot worse at night and they are somewhat better throughout the day time. They are also not really made more intense with an increase of amounts of exercise or weightbearing which could signal an orthopaedic disorder instead of the neural involvement in burning feet syndrome. Assessment of your feet and lower limbs by a medical expert ordinarily finds no objective signs or symptoms. A selection of investigations, particularly blood tests are generally often performed to search for some of the distinct problems that may cause the problem.

The treatment of burning feet syndrome will either have particular measures which can be directed at what causes it (eg diabetic neuropathy, pinched nerves, thyroid gland disorders) and general steps which might be helpful in most cases. These types of general options range from the wearing of open and comfy shoes, perhaps those with arch supports, and also putting on natural cotton socks might be handy. Respite from the symptoms might be brought about by the immersing your feet in cooler water for about 15 minutes. Additionally it is important to avoid exposing the feet to sources of heating. There are pharmacological options that include tricyclic antidepressants and membrane controlling chemicals (such as carbamazepine or gabapentin) that are used in the much more severe conditions. There are actually side affects connected with these medications, but they are essential at providing relief to the signs and symptoms when it's needed. Despite having the use of medicines, the management of the signs and symptoms could be a complex and some individuals will should be evaluated by a expert pain clinic and presented approaches to help live with the pain.