If you've been dealing with burning, tingling, or even searing pain in your feet, you're not alone. Burning feet syndrome, also known as Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, affects countless individuals and can make nearly every part of your day—from walking to trying to fall asleep—feel unbearable.
Whether your symptoms come and go, are only mildly uncomfortable, or are utterly debilitating, relief is out there. By understanding your triggers and the cause of your burning feet syndrome, you can learn to control flareups and find solutions to your symptoms, whether lifestyle changes, chronic disease management, or assistive devices, like finding the best insoles for burning feet.
What causes burning feet syndrome?
Burning feet can be triggered by any number of conditions or even a combination of several. Common causes of Grierson-Gopalan syndrome include:
- Nerve damage: Peripheral neuropathy, often caused by diabetes, is one of the leading culprits of burning feet syndrome. Other nerve conditions, such as tarsal tunnel syndrome and Morton’s neuroma are physical/structural causes of burning feet sensations.
- Vitamin/mineral deficiencies: A lack of B vitamins, especially B12 or folate, may contribute to nerve health deterioration.
- Fungal or skin conditions: Athlete's foot is one of several infections that can trigger burning sensations.
- Allergic reactions: Certain materials in shoes and socks or certain chemicals in soaps or even water may irritate the skin.
- Poor circulation: Conditions like peripheral artery disease can limit blood flow to the extremities, causing numbness, tingling, or burning.
- Improper footwear: Shoes that are too tight, poorly ventilated, or unsupportive can exacerbate symptoms of nerve compression.
Identifying the exact cause of your burning feet is key to finding a solution. For some, relief comes from addressing a nutritional deficiency or finding support in managing diabetes. For others, it could be as simple as buying different shoes or socks.
Although your shoes and other footwear may not always play a direct role, ill-fitting or unsupportive shoes certainly don’t help, and are sometimes the direct cause of burning feet syndrome. Finding relief for your symptoms means getting an accurate diagnosis before attempting to solve the problem on your own.
Will insoles help treat burning feet syndrome?
The short answer for whether insoles or different shoes will help with burning feet syndrome is that it depends on what is causing it for you. In general, some burning feet symptoms arise from internal imbalances or nerve damage that aren’t affected by what you’re wearing. On the other hand, some Grierson-Gopalan symptoms are directly caused by shoes that aggravate or restrict your feet physically.
If you don’t know why you’re having symptoms of burning feet syndrome, the first step is to see a doctor and get a diagnosis. Then consider your treatment options, which for many people include the type of footwear they wear.
Features of the best insoles for burning feet syndrome
For some, certain shoe designs or types of insoles may provide noticeable relief by addressing issues such as lack of support, arch discomfort, or tight spaces inside the shoe. For instance, if your burning sensations are made worse by excessive pressure or friction, a well-designed insole could help by redistributing weight and minimizing rubbing.
When shopping for the best shoe insoles for burning feet, there are a few key features to consider. Remember, the "best" insole for you depends heavily on your individual needs, the type of shoes you wear, and the specific factors contributing to your discomfort.
Low heel and wide toe box
More than a few people suffering from burning feet discovered that a major factor for their symptoms were shoes that were too tight or too high. Shoes that prioritize heel comfort and have a spacious toe box can help reduce pressure on sensitive areas of the foot.
Plenty of ventilation
Poorly ventilated shoes can trap heat and moisture, worsening some burning sensations. Look for shoes and insoles made with breathable materials to keep your feet cool and dry.
Proper fit
Fit is paramount to finding long-lasting relief from your symptoms. An incorrectly sized insole can lead to additional rubbing and discomfort, worsening your symptoms instead of relieving them.
Arch support
Custom orthotics can address the full spectrum of foot shape and arch height in any shoe. Insoles with proper arch support can ease strain on the bottom of your foot and reduce nerve sensitivity.
Friction reduction
Some insoles include a top layer designed to minimize friction between your foot and the insole. Less friction means less heat buildup, which can reduce burning sensations.
Padding and cushioning
Extra cushioning can provide relief by absorbing shocks as you walk, reducing pressure on sensitive areas of the feet. Not all materials that feel plush will last, however; you will likely pay more for padding that’s designed to hold up for years, rather than hours.
Custom orthotics for burning feet syndrome
If you’ve been diagnosed with a type of Grierson-Gopalan syndrome that can benefit from either a different shoe or a specially designed insole, you have two main options: off-the-shelf insoles or a custom orthotic.
Certain over-the-counter insoles can be helpful because they’re accessible, quick, and relatively affordable, but custom orthotics offer a level of customization that generic options simply can’t match. A custom orthotic is designed specifically for your foot structure, alignment, and pressure points, making it an excellent choice for individuals whose burning sensations are significantly influenced by their footwear.
Custom orthotics can help with:
- Correcting misalignment issues that may aggravate your symptoms
- Redistributing weight more evenly to reduce pressure on the soles
- Supporting specific areas like arches or heels where pain may originate
Imagine being able to describe your diagnosis to the pedorthic specialist who is fitting you for an orthotic, tweaking the support and shape of your final product specifically with your symptoms in mind. They can also provide personalized recommendations for shoes based on what you’re currently wearing and what you’d benefit from for your specific condition.
Take the first step towards relief
Living with burning feet syndrome can be overwhelming, but small, targeted changes—such as finding properly supportive shoes and insoles—can make a significant difference.
To learn more about how custom orthotics might be the best insoles for burning feet, we’d invite you to reach out to our team at info@biocorrect.com or contact us at 616-356-5030. Whether you’re here in West Michigan or anywhere else in the country, we’d be happy to talk about what an orthotic might be able to do for you through a virtual or in-person appointment.
