The symptoms of a burning foot or feet are almost always due to some underlying neurological problem. The treatment options are often limited and the problem can be quite distressing.
Baxter nerve entrapment is a cause of heel pain with the symptoms often mimicking plantar fasciitis and should be conisdered in any case of heel pain the has a neurological component to it.
Gabapentin’s connection to podiatry is that it can be used to treat chronic regional pain syndrome and restless leg syndrome which is common among patients seen in podiatry clinical practice. It is mainly used to treat epilepsy, but its use in conditions such as restless leg syndrome and other has increased over time due to clinical experience in its use.
Restless legs syndrome is a common and extremely annoying problem. No one treatment works for each person, so often it is a trial and error to find the most useful treatment. There are many different drug options, including gabapentin, but each drug only seems to a small percentage of those with restless legs syndrome. There has been some recent discussion on the use of the Restiffic foot wrap, but it has not yet come to market. It appears to be a wrap that tight binds the foot. Those with Restless legs syndrome are always searching for cures as it has a significant affect on sleep quality and on their quality of life.
Gowers Sign is an indicator of several neurological problems such as Duchennes Muscular Dystrophy. It is due to the weakness of the proximal muscles. The child as to raise from the ground from a supine position and use the hands to climb up the legs.
The Ipswich Touch Test is a quick and sensitive test for diabetic neuropathy. The test is done by lightly touching the ends of the first, third and fifth toes of both feet (with a total of six toes) with the clinicians index finger for 1-2 seconds. They are asked to identify when the toe is touched. A reduced foot sensation using this test is generally considered when there being ≥ 2 areas that have lost sensation.