Question: I have had burning feet for several years. I am not a diabetic, am 81 years of age, and am in good health. Any suggestions?

Dr. Hibberd's Answer:

Microvascular disease of the small blood vessels surrounding nerve fibers will cause variable symptoms. Most often, numbness in your feet reflects a nutritional or circulatory deficiency.

Diabetics frequently suffer premature onset of microvascular disease as a result of continuously elevated blood glucoses. However, many other endocrine disorders and diseases may also cause adverse nerve function. Examples include hypothyroidism, calcium deficiency, vitamin deficiency (such as B-12, vitamin C, etc.), trace element excess, disorders of metabolism, and the list goes on.

If you have burning or numbness in your feet, you should be evaluated by your private physician for possible neuropathy, especially if no cause is obvious. Do not delay. Matters may become worse and cause irreversible damage before you get it treated. You can expect your physician to take your history, do a physical evaluation, lab studies, and possibly noninvasive testing to confirm findings.