From the Research
Hemochromatosis can potentially cause painful burning dysesthesia in the feet, though it's not among the most common neurological manifestations of the disease. Hemochromatosis is a disorder that causes excessive iron absorption and accumulation in various organs, including the liver, heart, and pancreas. When iron deposits affect peripheral nerves, patients may experience neuropathic symptoms including burning pain, tingling, and numbness in the feet. This peripheral neuropathy occurs because excess iron can cause oxidative stress and direct damage to nerve fibers, as discussed in the context of iron homeostasis and its regulation by hepcidin and ferroportin 1. The dysesthesia typically develops gradually as iron accumulation progresses over time.
Key Points to Consider
- Hemochromatosis is characterized by systemic iron overload of genetic origin, leading to potential damage to various organs, including the peripheral nerves 2.
- The most common form of hemochromatosis is due to homozygous mutations in HFE, but non-HFE forms also exist, and all can lead to iron accumulation and potential neuropathic symptoms 3.
- Diagnosis of hemochromatosis involves clinical examination, assessment of plasma iron parameters, imaging, and genetic testing, with phlebotomy being the mainstay of treatment 4.
- Reducing body iron stores through regular phlebotomy can help prevent further nerve damage and may improve symptoms in some cases, although established neuropathy might not completely resolve even with iron reduction therapy 5.
Management and Treatment
Treatment focuses on reducing body iron stores through regular phlebotomy (blood removal), which can help prevent further nerve damage and may improve symptoms in some cases. However, established neuropathy might not completely resolve even with iron reduction therapy. If you're experiencing burning pain in your feet and have hemochromatosis, it's essential to discuss these symptoms with your healthcare provider, as they may recommend specific pain management strategies alongside iron reduction therapy. Lifestyle modifications and management of comorbid conditions are also crucial in the overall management of patients with hemochromatosis, as emphasized in recent guidelines 5.