Burning Sensation in Palms and Soles: Dr. V. K. Gupta’s Insights
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A burning sensation in the palms and soles may seem like a minor health issue at first, but for many people, it can be persistent, painful, and disruptive to daily life. Unfortunately, this symptom is often overlooked or self-treated without proper medical guidance. Recognizing the importance of creating awareness around such conditions, Dr. V. K. Gupta, Founder & Senior Neurosurgeon at Silver Streak Multispeciality Hospital, Gurugram, recently shared his expert insights in Dainik Bhaskar.
Dr. Gupta highlighted how burning sensations in the extremities are not diseases in themselves but symptoms of underlying health concerns. From diabetic neuropathy to vitamin deficiencies, liver and kidney disorders, और stress-related causes, he explained the various factors that can lead to these uncomfortable sensations. His column emphasized the importance of early evaluation, timely diagnosis, and comprehensive management.
This blog takes a deeper look into Dr. Gupta’s insights, outlining possible causes, warning signs, and effective treatment strategies for patients experiencing burning sensations in their palms and soles.
Dr. Gupta explained that burning in the hands and feet is usually linked to nerve dysfunction या metabolic imbalances. When nerves become damaged or irritated, they send abnormal signals to the brain, leading to tingling, numbness, or burning pain.
Some of the most common causes include:
One of the leading causes of burning feet and hands is diabetic neuropathy. Prolonged high blood sugar levels damage the nerves, especially in the extremities, leading to symptoms like:
Burning or tingling pain
Numbness in the feet and hands
Muscle weakness
Increased risk of injuries due to reduced sensation
Dr. Gupta stressed that diabetic patients should not ignore these symptoms. Proper blood sugar management, regular check-ups, and nerve-protective medications can help prevent worsening of the condition.
Nerve health is closely linked to proper nutrition. Deficiencies in Vitamin B12 and other B-group vitamins can cause neuropathic pain, weakness, and burning sensations.
Vitamin B12 deficiency often results from poor diet, vegetarian eating patterns without supplementation, or absorption issues.
Symptoms include fatigue, numbness, tingling, and difficulty walking.
Dr. Gupta highlighted that timely diagnosis through simple blood tests and supplementation can reverse symptoms and restore nerve function in many cases.
When the liver या kidneys do not function properly, toxins build up in the bloodstream. These toxins can irritate nerves and lead to burning or tingling in the palms and soles.
Liver dysfunction can also cause jaundice, fatigue, and digestive issues.
Kidney disease often presents with swelling in feet, high blood pressure, and electrolyte imbalances.
Dr. Gupta emphasized that in such cases, treating the underlying organ condition is more important than only treating the nerve symptoms.
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces insufficient hormones, can lead to fluid retention and nerve compression. Patients may experience:
Burning pain in hands and feet
Swelling of the extremities
Fatigue, weight gain, and dry skin
Early thyroid evaluation and hormone replacement therapy can reduce these symptoms effectively.
Dr. Gupta also shed light on stress-related disorders. Stress increases the release of certain hormones that affect nerve sensitivity and blood circulation. In addition, lifestyle habits like excessive alcohol consumption, smoking, और sedentary routines can worsen nerve pain and burning sensations.
Certain medications, especially chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics, and cholesterol-lowering medicines, may trigger neuropathic side effects. Injuries, infections, or autoimmune conditions like lupus can also contribute to nerve-related burning.
Dr. Gupta explained that while occasional burning in the palms or soles may not always be alarming, persistent symptoms require medical evaluation. Warning signs include:
Burning or tingling lasting more than a few days
Night-time worsening of symptoms
Associated numbness or weakness
Balance issues or frequent falls
Ulcers, injuries, or infections on the feet
Ignoring these symptoms can lead to long-term nerve damage, poor quality of life, and in diabetic patients, even risk of limb complications.
Dr. Gupta strongly recommended early consultation with a specialist. A stepwise evaluation may include:
Detailed medical history & physical examination
Blood tests (sugar levels, vitamin deficiencies, thyroid profile, kidney and liver function tests)
Nerve conduction studies for suspected neuropathy
Imaging tests in complex neurological cases
By identifying the root cause early, doctors can design a personalized treatment plan for each patient.
According to Dr. Gupta, the treatment of burning sensations depends on the underlying cause. Common approaches include:
For Diabetic Neuropathy – Blood sugar control, lifestyle changes, nerve-protective medications.
For Vitamin Deficiency – Dietary corrections, supplements, injections if required.
For Thyroid/Liver/Kidney Disorders – Specific treatment of the primary disease.
For Stress and Lifestyle Factors – Relaxation techniques, yoga, meditation, and reducing alcohol/tobacco use.
For Symptom Relief – Medications for nerve pain, physical therapy, and proper footwear.
He emphasized that self-medication or ignoring symptoms can worsen the problem, and proper medical guidance is key to recovery.
Dr. Gupta also shared important preventive tips to reduce the risk of burning sensations in palms and soles:
Maintain healthy blood sugar levels.
Eat a balanced diet rich in Vitamin B12, folate, and minerals.
Exercise regularly to improve circulation.
Manage stress through mindfulness, yoga, or meditation.
Avoid excessive alcohol and smoking.
Get regular health check-ups, especially if diabetic or above 40 years of age.
Through his feature in Dainik Bhaskar, डॉ. वीके गुप्ता has once again highlighted the importance of recognizing early signs of neurological health issues. Burning sensation in the palms and soles may seem minor, but it is often a signal of deeper underlying health concerns such as diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, or organ dysfunction.
His advice is clear: do not ignore persistent symptoms. Timely diagnosis, corrective lifestyle changes, and appropriate treatment can bring relief and prevent long-term complications.
पर Silver Streak Multispeciality Hospital, Gurugram, Dr. Gupta and his team remain committed to spreading awareness and providing expert care in neurology and other specialities. With a patient-first approach, the hospital continues to guide the community towards healthier, informed living.
📍 Silver Streak Multispeciality Hospital – Sector 87, Gurugram
📞 +91 124 432 4444
🌐 www.silverstreakhospital.com
