I have a terrible burning sensation in my feet,... - Thyroid UK

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I have a terrible burning sensation in my feet, has anybody got any suggestion what I could do to relieve this.

Margaret profile image
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Margaret profile image
Margaret
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helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK

This Australian paper is a reasonable summary of the possibilities:

racgp.org.au/afp/200312/200...

It is only a brief overview but, hopefully, might point you in the right direction?

Rod

Hennerton profile image
Hennerton

I always get this when my thyroid medication is too low, especially in the evening. What are you on and are you sure you are on a high enough dose? When did you last have a blood test and do you have results with reference ranges?

Margaret profile image
Margaret in reply to Hennerton

I am taking 100 mg of levothyroxine and 20 micrograms of liothyronin, unfortunately my blood test always come back that I am being over treated. Although my gp is quite good he always left the diagnosis of how much medication i should be on to Dr Skinner so perhaps I now need to see another thyroid specialist, I need to find one in the Buckinghamshire/Oxford/London area.

Heloise profile image
Heloise in reply to Margaret

Margaret, this is typically common in hypothyroidism. Are you getting plenty of B vitamins, especially B6 which supports nerve circulation? A doctor might prescribe gabapentin if he diagnosed it as a neuropathy. There is also an over-the-counter supplement called Gaba that you could try first to see if it helps.

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Heloise

Too much B6 can cause neuropathy!

Heloise profile image
Heloise in reply to helvella

What are the chances of that, Rod?

Also:

Some people who have carpal tunnel syndrome have been found to have a vitamin B6 deficiency. The U.S. recommended dietary allowance (RDA) of vitamin B6 ranges from 1.3 mg for adults through age 50 to 2 mg for breast-feeding women.

Researchers have had mixed results when studying vitamin B6 supplements to help relieve carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms. One study found that 200 mg to 300 mg a day is effective in the treatment of carpal tunnel symptoms, and other studies found no link between vitamin B6 levels and carpal tunnel syndrome symptoms or their improvement in automotive plant workers.1

Most people can get a healthy amount of vitamin B6 from their regular daily diet. Top vitamin B6 sources include fortified breakfast cereals, garbanzo and other beans, meat, poultry, fish, potatoes, and bananas.

Using supplements with caution

High doses of vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage (neuropathy). The Institute of Medicine has established an upper safe limit of 100 mg a day for adults. Talk to your doctor before taking vitamin B6 supplements for carpal tunnel syndrome.

and this,

overdose of pdrhealth.com

Vitamin B Supplements Tied to Lower Stroke Risk

In addition to their role in metabolism and in maintaining healthy skin and hair, B vitamins have been linked to a lower incidence of stroke — a condition where a blood clot blocks blood flow to the brain , or a blood vessel bursts in the brain. A review of randomized clinical trials that lasted 6 months or longer revealed that taking B vitamin supplements lowered risk of stroke by 7 percent for a group everydayhealth.com

helvella profile image
helvellaAdministratorThyroid UK in reply to Heloise

People who take, say, one of the high dose B-complex products plus a multivitamin can certainly get over 100mg a day.

It was not so much meant to suggest that Margaret is overdosing on B6 as to be aware of the possibility. So she can start taking, say, a middling dose and not the highest available.

Rod

Jackie profile image
Jackie

Hi It an be any hormonal problem but make sure your diabetes level is Ok. Should be at least annual tests with thyroid disease. Best test now is hb1Ac.

Best wishes,

Jackie

Hi Margaret, of could be Pernicious Anaemia and nerve damage. I have this constant burning in my feet and legs for the last 8 years now. I've started injections of 1,000mcg of hydrocobalamin. Please get checked for B12, Folate and Iron.

Artemis profile image
Artemis

Hello Margaret,

I haven't any suggestions I'm afraid, but I get feet tingles (not burning) & wonder what causes them. It usually starts suddenly, just under the toes (both feet together) and can tingle for ages. They're tingling a bit now. I also get numb hands at night sometimes. Sometimes one or both together.

Not on medication (my thyroid levels low in range but not low enough for treatment)

Heloise profile image
Heloise in reply to Artemis

Hi Artemis, are you trying to ameliorate your symptoms at all? Since you are here, you may be thinking this is due to your high TSH? Perhaps you could try increasing your B vitamins for a short time or the co-factors, i.e. iron, folate, ferritin and vitamin D.

Artemis profile image
Artemis

Heloise,

I take a good quality multi vit (recommended by nutritionists which has high doses of B vits in it. - maybe I'm getting too much. I've always been prone to pins & needles though, even when not on vits. I know the circulation in my lower legs is not as good as it could be.

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