Differential Diagnosis for Burning Feet
- Single most likely diagnosis
- Diabetes Mellitus: This is often the first consideration for burning feet due to the high prevalence of diabetic neuropathy, which can cause burning sensations in the feet.
- Other Likely diagnoses
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the feet can cause pain, burning, or heaviness, especially when walking.
- Vitamin B12 Deficiency: A deficiency in vitamin B12 can lead to neuropathy, which may manifest as burning feet.
- Alcohol Abuse: Chronic alcohol abuse can lead to alcoholic neuropathy, characterized by burning sensations in the feet.
- Hypothyroidism: Some patients with hypothyroidism may experience burning sensations in their feet, though this is less common.
- Do Not Miss (ddxs that may not be likely, but would be deadly if missed.)
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome: An autoimmune disorder that can lead to rapid-onset muscle weakness and neuropathy, which might start with burning sensations in the feet.
- Heavy Metal Poisoning (e.g., arsenic, lead): Certain heavy metals can cause neuropathy, leading to burning sensations in the feet.
- Lyme Disease: In its later stages, Lyme disease can cause neuropathy, which might include burning feet.
- Rare diagnoses
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth Disease: A group of inherited disorders that affect the peripheral nerves, potentially causing burning sensations in the feet.
- Fabry Disease: A genetic disorder that can lead to neuropathic pain, including burning sensations in the feet.
- Erythromelalgia: A disorder characterized by burning pain, heat, and redness in the hands and feet, often as a result of myeloproliferative disorders or as a primary condition.