I’ve been waking up at night and my feet feel like they are on fire. There is a burning sensation but it also feels numb at the same time. What could be causing this?

Your symptoms of burning and numbness point to a possible nerve problem. Pain, numbness, and weakness are other common symptoms observed with nerve involvement.

The fact that you still have some sensation suggests there may be some pressure or irritation on the nerve(s) to the feet. The specific nerve impaired can be determined by the location of your symptoms.

You may have a condition called tarsal tunnel syndrome (TTS). Pain around the ankle along with pain, numbness, or tingling along the bottom of the foot suggest compression of the tibial nerve.

Other causes of these type of symptoms include hypothyroidism, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or amyloidosis (a connective tissue disorder). A separate disorder that can cause burning pain of the feet is restless legs syndrome (RLS).

You’ll need to see a medical doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Early diagnosis of such problems can prevent more serious complications later. It may be a simple problem, easily solved.

You’ll need to see a medical doctor to get a proper diagnosis. Early diagnosis of such problems can prevent more serious complications later. It may be a simple problem, easily solved.