ClickCease
+1-915-850-0900 spinedoctors@gmail.com
Select Page
How to Deal With Burning Feet When Running and Walking

How to Deal With Burning Feet When Running and Walking

Individuals’ feet will heat up when walking or running; however, burning feet could be a symptom of medical conditions like athlete’s foot or a nerve injury or damage. Can awareness of these symptoms help identify solutions to relieve and heal the underlying condition?

How to Deal With Burning Feet When Running and Walking

Burning Feet

Walkers and runners often experience heat in their feet. This is natural from the increased circulation, heart rate, warm or hot sidewalks, and pavement. But the feet could experience an abnormal hot or burning sensation. Usually, the overheating is caused by socks and shoes and fatigue after a long workout. The first self-care steps include trying new or specialized footwear and workout adjustments. If burning feet persist or there are signs of infection, tingling, numbness, or pain, individuals should see their healthcare provider. (Mayo Clinic. 2018)

Footwear

The shoes and how they are worn may be the cause.

  • First, look at the material of the shoes. They could be shoes and/or insoles that don’t circulate air. They can get hot and sweaty without proper air circulation around the feet.
  • When choosing running shoes, consider a mesh material that allows airflow to keep the feet cool.
  • Consider getting fitted for shoes that are the right size, as the feet swell when running or walking.
  • If the shoes are too small, air can’t circulate, creating more friction between the foot and the shoe.
  • Shoes that are too large can also contribute to friction as the feet move around too much.
  • Insoles could also contribute.
  • Some insoles can make the feet hot, even if the shoes are breathable.
  • Swap the insoles from another pair of shoes to see if they are contributing, and if so, look into new insoles.

Tips to help prevent hot feet:

Topical Ointments

  • Use an anti-blister/chafing topical cream to lubricate and protect the feet.
  • This will reduce friction and prevent blisters.

Lace Properly

  • Individuals may be lacing the shoes too tight, constricting circulation, or irritating the nerves at the top of the foot.
  • Individuals should be able to slide one finger under the knot.
  • Remember that the feet will swell as walking or running commences
  • Individuals may need to loosen their laces after warming up.
  • Individuals are recommended to learn lacing techniques that will ensure they are not too tight over the sensitive areas.

Cushioning

  • Fatigue from long workouts or long days standing/moving can result in burning feet.
  • Individuals may need added cushioning in the shoes.
  • Look for work and athletic shoes that have added cushioning.

Shoe Allergies

Individuals may have an allergic reaction or a sensitivity to the fabric, adhesives, dyes, or other chemicals. (Cleveland Clinic. 2023) The chemicals used in production vary for leather compared to fabric and are different by brand and manufacturer.

  • A shoe material allergy may also result in burning, itching, and swelling.
  • It’s recommended to note whether symptoms only happen when wearing a specific pair of shoes.
  • Recommendations are to try different kinds and brands of shoes.

Socks

The sock fabric could be contributing to hot or burning feet. Steps to take can include:

Avoid cotton

  • Cotton is a natural fiber but is not recommended for walking and running as it holds sweat that can keep the feet wet.
  • It is recommended to use socks made of Cool-Max and other artificial fibers that wick sweat away and cool them down.

Wool

  • Wool socks can also cause itching and burning sensations.
  • Consider athletic socks made from itch-free wool.

Mindfulness

  • Individuals could be sensitive to other fabrics or dyes in socks.
  • Take note of which socks cause hot or burning feet symptoms.
  • Individuals could also be sensitive to laundry products and are recommended to try a different brand or type.

Medical Conditions

In addition to shoes and socks, medical conditions could cause and contribute to symptoms.

Athlete’s Foot

  • Athlete’s foot is a fungal infection.
  • Individuals may feel a burning sensation in the affected area.
  • Typically, it is itchy, red, scaling, or cracking.
  1. Rotate shoes.
  2. The fungus grows in damp places, therefore, it is recommended to rotate shoes to allow them to dry out between workouts.
  3. Wash and dry the feet after walking or running.
  4. Try home and over-the-counter solutions, powders, and remedies to treat athlete’s foot.

Peripheral Neuropathy

Individuals frequently experiencing burning feet apart from when they have been exercising could be due to nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy. (National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. 2023) Peripheral neuropathy symptoms include pins and needles, numbness, tickling, tingling, and/or burning sensations.

Examination

  • Diabetes is one of the most common causes of peripheral neuropathy.
  • Diabetes can come on at any age.
  • Individuals need to learn how to protect their feet, as exercise is recommended for diabetes.

Other conditions that can produce peripheral neuropathy include:

  • Vitamin B-12 deficiency
  • Alcohol abuse
  • Circulatory disorders
  • AIDS
  • Heavy metal poisoning

Massage and Movement

  • Massaging the feet also increases circulation.
  • Exercise such as walking is recommended for peripheral neuropathy as it improves circulation to the feet.

Other Causes

Symptoms could also be caused by other conditions including: (Cleveland Clinic. 2023)

Nerve Entrapment

  • Degenerative changes in the spine or back trauma can cause injury/damage to the nerves that can cause pain, tingling, and numbness in the feet.

Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

  • Compression of the posterior tibial nerve in your lower leg can cause tingling and burning in your feet.

Morton’s Neuroma

  • Morton’s neuroma, which is caused by thickened nerve tissue, can cause pain and burning at the base of the toes.

Autoimmune Diseases

  • Diseases such as multiple sclerosis or Lupus can also cause burning feet.

Self-Care

Adjustments or additions to routines and habits can help.

  1. Don’t walk or run in worn-out shoes.
  2. Protect the feet by using the right socks, foot powder, and ointments, and cover any areas where rubbing and friction occur.
  3. Immediately change out of shoes and socks after exercise, allowing thorough air drying.
  4. This will help reduce the risk of the athlete’s foot fungus growth.
  5. Soak the feet in cool water. Do not use ice, as it could damage the skin.
  6. Soak the feet in Epsom salts to relieve pain and inflammation and dry up blisters.
  7. Elevate the feet after exercising.
  8. Rotate the shoes and socks between workout sessions and during the day.
  9. Try different shoes, socks, and insoles.
  10. Overtraining can worsen symptoms.
  11. Try gradually building on distance while monitoring symptoms.

See a doctor or specialist healthcare provider if symptoms continue and are not associated with walking or running exercise.


Exploring Integrative Medicine


References

Mayo Clinic. (2018). Burning Feet.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. (2023). Peripheral Neuropathy.

Cleveland Clinic. (2023) Burning Feet Syndrome.

Low Levels of Choline Can Contribute To Muscle Cramps

Low Levels of Choline Can Contribute To Muscle Cramps

Muscle cramps are sudden and involuntary contractions of one or more of the body’s muscles. They often occur at night or at any moment stopped by a sudden Charley horse. These cramps can cause severe pain, making it impossible to move and use the affected muscle/s. They are usually brought on from:

 

Low Levels of Choline Can Contribute To Muscle Cramps

Affected by muscle cramps

Muscle cramps are common and can happen to anyone, but often occur to:

  • Indoor/outdoor physical work employees
  • Pregnant women
  • The elderly
  • Infants
  • Individuals that are overweight
  • Athletes

Cramping Up

Muscle cramps can be a symptom of a variety of medical issues. It is typically dehydration and muscle strain from overworking/exercising the muscles, but it can also be a sign of medical conditions like:

  • Poor circulation
  • Mineral depletion low levels of magnesium, calcium, potassium, and choline
  • Diuretics
  • Low electrolyte levels
  • Nerve disorders are rare cases, but a pinched nerve or spinal cord injury can cause nerve compression that can lead to cramping
  • Tight muscles, this comes from inactivity and not stretching the body causes the muscles to contract involuntarily
  • Hypothyroidism, a thyroid gland that is less active than normal can cause cramps
  • Liver disease

Muscle cramps can make daily activities difficult if not impossible to perform. They often happen at night affecting proper sleep. This can lead to:

  • Pain hangover
  • Grogginess
  • Fogginess
  • Cautious body behavior – as an individual wants to avoid pain and more cramping they begin to watch how they:
  • Step
  • Reach
  • Bend
  • Move
  • So as not to cause discomfort, pain, and further cramping, they develop awkward body positions that create more health problems from improper body posture.
Muscle cramps can happen to any muscle of the body. However, they present most often in the:
  • Abdomen
  • Ribs
  • Legs
  • Feet
  • Hands
  • Arms

Symptoms

This is usually sudden, sharp pain. Individuals can also feel or see a lump of muscle tissue under the skin.

When to see a professional

They usually go away on their own not requiring medical care. However, seek medical attention if the cramps:

  • Are causing severe discomfort and pain
  • Severe swelling, redness, or changes in skin tone
  • Muscle weakness is present
  • They are occurring frequently
  • They do not improve with self-care
  • There is no connection with an obvious cause, like intense physical activity/exercise

Mineral Depletion

Choline is a nutrient that just as important but not as well known as B vitamins.  Choline has a fundamental role in muscle physiology and low levels could be a cause/contributor of muscle cramping. Choline is well-known for its function as part of the neurotransmitter acetylcholine. This is a chemical messenger that transmits signals between nerve cells and muscles. Acetylcholine is the physiological link that tells the muscles to contract. This is where medications can interfere with the messaging system.

Most believe that muscle cramps are caused by magnesium deficiency. This is true, but magnesium is not the only nutrient that could present with muscle issues. Choline regulates intracellular calcium and muscle contraction. This is what helps bind calcium proteins to muscle receptors. Choline keeps minerals like calcium available to the muscles so they can use it instantly when they need to contract. For individuals with skeletal muscle issues, which can be muscle cramping, general soreness, or another type of issue, testing for choline status could be the key.

Prevention and Relief

Home self-care for prevention and relief includes:

  • Heat or ice application to the muscle/s and affected areas
  • Avoiding caffeine
  • Drink plenty of water before and during physical activities, indoor/outdoor work, exercise
  • Self-massaging the cramped muscle/s
  • Stretching before and after physical activities
  • Nightly stretching before bed
  • Chiropractic maintenance

Body Composition Testing


Disclaimer

The information herein is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional, licensed physician, and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make your own health care decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified health care professional. Our information scope is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, sensitive health issues, functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from a wide array of disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the musculoskeletal system’s injuries or disorders. Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and support, directly or indirectly, our clinical scope of practice.* Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900.

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, CTG*
email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com
phone: 915-850-0900
Licensed in Texas & New Mexico

References

American Osteopathic Association. Muscle Cramp. Accessed 12/10/2019.

Merck Manual. Muscle Cramps. Accessed 12/10/2019.

Miller, Timothy M, and Robert B Layzer. “Muscle cramps.” Muscle & nerve vol. 32,4 (2005): 431-42. doi:10.1002/mus.20341

Nutrients, July 202

A Few Ways to Manage Chronic Back Pain During Summer

A Few Ways to Manage Chronic Back Pain During Summer

Chronic back pain does not have to ruin the summer season. The best approach is planning ahead remembering a few self-care warm/hot weather tips. The hot weather can worsen pain symptoms. With all the family activities going on, maintaining back pain wellness can be difficult. This is where the planning/preparing for chronic pain comes in.

Individuals should begin thinking around April what they will be doing once the hot months arrive and plan accordingly. However, self-care should be implemented for all seasons.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 A Few Ways to Manage Chronic Back Pain During Summer

Water Therapy

Depending on the condition, water can be a friendly sanctuary from the pain with the ability to do some spine exercises. Light stretching can bring relief and keeps the muscles and ligaments stretched. Outside of the pool, a misting fan can create a relaxing atmosphere along with ice packs during summer pain flares. �

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128

Avoid high heat

Sunburn or prolonged heat exposure can cause burning nerve pain. The changes in temperature and barometric pressure can trigger joint pain. Plan on doing activities in the morning or after the sun has set. Keep a hand-held fan close-by whenever going out. Wear loose light sun friendly clothing, comfortable shoes, possibly a hat to shield the face and keep an ice-cold water bottle with you. �

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 A Few Ways to Manage Chronic Back Pain During Summer

Proper seating

Summer activities typically include uncomfortable seating, like small chairs, bleachers, and activities where everyone sits on the ground. Plan ahead for these situations and store a comfortable possibly therapeutic folding or travel chair that fits in an automobile. Add a lumbar cushion to support the lower back. �

prevent migraine headaches chiropractic el paso tx.

Immune system health

Fruits and vegetables can boost the body’s vitamin and mineral bank. Better quality food will make you feel so much better. Whatever you can get at the market, get it and turn it into a cold healthy smoothie. The USDA found that cherries contain pain-fighting and inflammation-reducing compounds that can help reduce pain, specifically arthritis. �

nutritional epigenetics el paso tx.

Air quality

Pay attention to the air quality rating during the summer. Studies have shown that air pollution can increase inflammation, specifically for individuals with:

Before heading outside, check the Air Quality Index or the AQI just as a precaution. �

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128

Don�t delay healthcare

Don�t let summer vacation or road trips get in the way of your chiropractic treatment plan. Check-in before you go and ask for help to navigate the adventure with as little pain as possible. Self-sufficiency can be achieved by planning ahead. Reduce stress and increase your independence.


Why Chiropractic Works


 

Dr. Alex Jimenez�s Blog Post Disclaimer

The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic, musculoskeletal, physical medicines, wellness, and sensitive health issues and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system. Our posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate and support directly or indirectly our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has made a reasonable attempt to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research study or studies supporting our posts. We also make copies of supporting research studies available to the board and or the public upon request. We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation as to how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez or contact us at 915-850-0900. The provider(s) Licensed in Texas& New Mexico*

A Hot Bath to Relax Back Tension, and Pain

A Hot Bath to Relax Back Tension, and Pain

Chiropractor, Dr. Alex Jimenez shares some how-to advice on taking hot baths for back tension and pain. A bath can be a wonderful and fulfilling experience in self-care for back pain. There are medical benefits from taking a hot bath, as well. A hot bath can be extremely helpful when it comes to back pain.

Dr. Jimenez helps his patients with spinal ailments and conditions that range from arthritis, degenerative disc disease to nerve compression, sciatica, auto accident injuries, sports injuries, etc. In addition to chiropractic, physical therapy, diet, and exercise, he has also seen the power of home remedies, like a hot bath.

There are scientific studies that have shown how hydrotherapy can relieve back pain. Dr. Jimenez describes a hot bath as a muscle-relaxing stimulus. It opens up the muscles, which allows more blood to flow through, which in turn helps to heal injury/s, tightness, and soreness. It helps to clean out lactic acid, which is known to cause muscle pain, fatigue, and muscle cramps.

 

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Hot Bath to Relax Back Tension, Soreness, and Pain

 

Here is what usually happens to the spine when soreness, tightness, aching, and pain present. A spinal structure like a nerve, disc, vertebral bone, or other tissue is injured or on the verge of injury, and the muscles around it contract closely in to prevent more damage.

This is called muscle spasm. Don’t worry the body is supposed to respond this way, as it means the damaged tissue is less likely to sustain further injury. However, muscle spasms can be painful. Much like a Charley horse, a back spasm can have the same effect.

For example, someone standing or working for an extended period places the muscle/s under constant tension, which means they have a higher chance of having a spasm and developing painful symptoms. A hot bath relaxes the muscle/s and reduces/removes the aching soreness and pain. Here are some tips to help relax the back muscles.

Try Epsom Salt

Taking a bath with Epsom salt or minerals that dissolve in water can be helpful, but are not necessary. Many are fantastic skin relaxants, but if you have a hot bath with or without the salt, it�s not going to make a huge difference. What makes the bath work is the heat and the floatation. This what creates the benefits.

Soak 15-20 Minutes

It is really up to the individual, as to how long they want to stay in the tub. One question to ask is how long can you take sitting in hot water? Hot tubs are normally heated to about 102 to 103 degrees. With these types of tubs, individuals can sit for a half-hour or more. However, most of us do not have a jacuzzi, so remember that a regular bath will be warmer possibly 105 or 106 degrees. It all depends on how long you can take the heat. �

Remember not to scald yourself with a bath that is way too hot to soak in, please. It�s ok to get the water running hot, but as it fills turn the heat down and let it cool slightly before stepping in. Most individuals don�t need more than 15 to 20 minutes of soaking time maximum.

As for how often one should take a hot bath, Dr. Jimenez explains that it depends on the severity of the back pain and what type of work and activities the individual does. For most three times a week offers a balanced therapy. If an individual has a strenuous physical job like construction work, manual lifting, standing work, or doing highly repetitive work then they�ll need to do more than 3 times a week.

Strengthen the Body’s Core

A strong core can support and protect the spine, along with the rest of the body. Squeezing and contracting the back, side, and front muscles make the core strong and robust. It behaves like a steel beam supporting the spine when added protection is needed.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Hot Bath to Relax Back Tension, Soreness, and Pain

Stretch Out

After a hot bath is a perfect time to stretch. Toe touches can loosen tight hamstrings that can strain the lower back. Also, try out yoga’s upward-facing dog pose. Sun salutations can help the spine go through a wide range of motion. Therefore do them slowly and hold each pose for a few breaths. A long salutation or two can feel tremendous when the spine is nice and relaxed.

11860 Vista Del Sol, Ste. 128 Hot Bath to Relax Back Tension, Soreness, and Pain

Take Care When Getting Out

Hot baths might not be a good idea or the right option for certain people. If there is instability in your spine and the vertebra move around more than they are supposed to then a hot bath might not be the best option. Instead, a hot shower with a massage setting could be equivalent to taking a hot bath.

However, if a hot bath is not helping with back pain it could be a sign of something more than muscle tightness or a muscle spasm. A spine specialist or chiropractor can give you a proper diagnosis.

What Chiropractors Do & Why They Do It