Cebu City - Most often, neuropathy is the cause of burning feet syndrome. Damaged nerve fibers are more likely to become overactive and misfire. The damaged nerves send pain signals to the brain even though there is no wound.

In most people with neuropathy, the leg nerves become damaged first. These people often have tingling and numbness in their feet as well. Many people complain that their feet are overly sensitive to touch (hyperesthesia) and can have varying degrees of burning pain. It can range from mild to disabling.

But did you know that this syndrome can be caused by a certain vitamin deficiency? Being deficient in vitamin B12 may lead to burning feet. This vitamin is essential in having a healthy nervous system, which is why being deficient in this vitamin can cause nerve pain and burning feet. Start taking vitamin B supplements and eat more foods that contain high amounts of B vitamins.

Most of the vitamin B-12 sources are found in animal products such as meat and eggs, vegetarians may be prone to developing a deficiency of this important vitamin. Additionally, the elderly are also prone to develop vitamin B-12 deficiency. Individuals suffering from conditions affecting the absorption of this vitamin, such as those suffering from Crohn’s disease, are at an increased risk of having low serum vitamin B-12 levels. People with poor dietary habits are among the high-risk group, as well.

Since vitamin B-12 plays a key role in the proper functioning of the nervous system by stimulating the production of myelin (material that isolates nerve cells and ensures proper neuron conductivity), low serum levels of this vitamin will lead to nerve damage, manifesting as neuropathy. Burning feet caused by vitamin B-12 deficiency is a reversible condition. Proper and timely diagnosis is essential. Therefore, take care of your nerves by providing them with enough of this vitamin each day. // PDO I Joyce M. Santillan, RND

REFERENCE: Burning feet Causes - Mayo Clinic