Can Stress Cause Burning Feet? Understanding the Connection

By Alea Becwar  /  February 18, 2025 Blog Home

Ever felt like your feet were on fire, especially when life's getting a little too hectic? It's not just your imagination. Many people experience a strange burning sensation in their feet during times of stress or anxiety. But is there a real link between these two seemingly unrelated things and can stress cause burning feet? 

Let's explore the science behind this connection between mental stress and foot and ankle pain and what might be causing hot feet.

What causes burning feet?

Burning feet syndrome, or Grierson-Gopalan syndrome, is a condition where the feet become unusually hot and painful.

If you're dealing with burning feet, it’s important to first understand the possible physical underlying cause. 

Here are some of the most common causes: 

Diabetic neuropathy 

Over time, high blood sugar damages nerves, especially in the feet, leading to symptoms such as a burning sensation, numbness, tingling, and sharp foot-ankle pain. 

Although stress doesn’t directly cause neuropathy, it can:

  • Worsen nerve damage in people with diabetic or peripheral neuropathy

  • Increased blood sugar levels, potentially accelerating nerve damage

  • Lead to unhealthy habits (smoking, alcohol, poor diet) that damage nerves even further

Alcohol use

Excessive alcohol use can damage nerves, causing burning pain and weakness in the feet.

Nutritional deficiencies

Lack of essential vitamins, particularly B vitamins, can lead to nerve damage and burning feet.

Small fiber neuropathy

Damage to small nerve fibers can cause painful burning sensations in the feet.

Athlete’s foot

This fungal infection can cause symptoms like itching, burning, and peeling skin on the feet.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid can lead to peripheral neuropathy, contributing to burning feet.

Peripheral artery disease (PAD)

Narrowing of the arteries can reduce blood flow to the legs and feet, resulting in pain and burning sensations.

Managing the underlying condition, such as controlling blood sugar in diabetes, can significantly reduce symptoms and prevent further complications.

 

The link between stress and burning feet

The short answer to the ‘Can stress cause burning feet?’ question is yes. Stress plays a surprisingly significant role in various bodily functions, including how our feet feel. Understanding the link between stress or anxiety and foot discomfort can help you manage symptoms more effectively.

How stress affects the body

Stress is a natural part of life and it affects the body in various ways. 

When we’re stressed, the body releases stress hormones like cortisol and this activates the ‘fight or flight’ response. This response redirects blood flow away from the legs, feet and ankles to vital organs like the heart and brain. This redirection means that the feet may not receive enough oxygen and nutrients, leading to symptoms like burning, tingling, or numbness. 

Stress also causes muscle pain and high tension throughout the body, including in the feet and ankles, which can lead to stiffness, chronic pain, and weakness. When muscle tension persists, it increases the risk of injuries such as plantar fasciitis or Achilles tendonitis. These conditions involve inflammation of tendons in the feet, which can cause pain and discomfort. 

Finally, when considering the question 'Can anxiety cause foot pain?', it's important to note that stress and anxiety can affect posture, leading to improper weight distribution on the feet and raising the risk of pain and injury, such as stress fracture.

Stress-related symptoms in the feet

But how exactly can stress cause burning feet? Although stress doesn’t directly cause burning feet, it can exacerbate existing conditions by affecting circulation and nerve function. Common stress-related symptoms in the feet include: 

  • Burning sensations: Reduced blood flow caused by stress can deprive the feet of nutrients and oxygen, leading to a burning feeling. 

  • Cold feet: As blood circulation is redirected to other parts of the body, stress can make your feet feel unusually cold. 

  • Numbness or tingling: Stress can also interfere with nerve signals in the feet, causing tingling or numbness.

  • Increased risk of injury: Stress-induced muscle tension and poor posture can lead to conditions like plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendonitis, making the feet more prone to injury. 

Managing stress to alleviate foot symptoms

If you’re wondering, 'Can stress cause burning feet?' it could be a sign that stress is starting to affect your daily life. But don’t worry, there are plenty of techniques and changes you can make to help both you and your feet feel less pressured. Here are some tips to help you get there. 

Stress reduction techniques

  1. Body awareness
    Close your eyes and focus on the areas where you feel tension in your body. Take deep breaths and allow those areas to relax and release the tension.

  1. Breathing exercises
    Breathing is one of the most effective methods for stress management. Focus on your breathing, taking slow, deep breaths to calm both your mind and body.

  1. Visual relaxation
    Use your imagination and visualize peaceful and calming experiences or moments to help you relax. You can also use guiding sources, such as apps or recordings if you find it easier.

    Imagine peaceful, calming moments to help you unwind. You can also use guided tools like apps or recordings if they make visualization easier.

  1. Meditation
    Concentrate on your breathing to bring your focus to the present moment, letting go of thoughts about the past or future. This can help reduce stress, anxiety and improve emotional well-being [5]. 

  1. Ancient arts
    Yoga, tai chi, qigong and other similar practices combine controlled breathing with movement to help you relax physically and mentally. If you experience health problems or are not used to physical activity, consult your doctor beforehand.

    Practices like yoga, tai chi, and qigong combine controlled breathing with movement to relax you both physically and mentally. If you have health concerns or aren't used to physical activity, check with your doctor before starting.

Lifestyle changes for better foot health

  1. Stretch and strengthen
    Gently stretch your toes, arches, and Achilles tendon to keep them flexible and ease pain. In addition, strengthening foot muscles with physical therapy exercises like toe curls or rolling a tennis ball under your foot can help prevent further issues and relieve even severe pain.

  1. Icing
    Applying ice to painful areas of your feet can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Ice the area for 15-20 minutes at a time.

  1. Healthy weight
    Extra weight means extra strain on your feet. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce foot pain.

  1. Physical activity
    Low-impact exercises that don’t put strain on your feet, like cycling and swimming, can keep you active and healthy without aggravating foot pain.

  1. Foot hygiene
    Keep your feet clean and dry to prevent infections and irritation. And don’t forget to moisturize.

Recommended footwear for reducing foot discomfort

The shoes you wear can make a big difference in your foot pain or discomfort, so it’s important to choose ones that provide support, cushioning, stability, and comfort. For those with conditions like neuropathy or diabetes, wearing properly fitted shoes for neuropathy or diabetic shoes can help protect sensitive feet, improve circulation, and reduce the risk of sores or injuries. Here are the features to look for in orthopedic shoes that’ll keep your feet supported and lessen painful symptoms throughout the day.

  • Cushioned soles
    Lightweight soles with multiple layers of impact absorbing materials and a mild rocker bottom do two things: they significantly reduce the strain on your feet to ease pain, and they promote smoother, easier motion, minimizing muscle fatigue.

  • Orthotic insoles
    Orthotic insoles or inserts are designed with arch support to prevent overpronation (when your foot rolls inward, causing pain and discomfort) and to help correct your gait and the alignment of your feet with your body.

    "Orthotic insoles help transfer a substantial portion of body weight to the arch, reducing pressure on the heel and ball of the foot," says Dr. Steven Gershman, DPM. Distributing weight more evenly across your foot not only helps minimize forefoot or heel pain but also reduces impact all the way up to your knees, hips, and back.

  • Wide toe box
    Dr. Gershman explains that a wide toe box shoes gives your toes more room to move freely, “helping to prevent painful foot issues like bunions or hammertoe deformities.” Extra space at the forefoot also helps prevent cramping and the pain it causes.

  • Variety of widths
    Ensuring your shoes fit comfortably and properly is key to preventing foot pain, and that’s why it’s best to choose shoes that come in a wider variety of widths. “Unlike standard shoes, orthopedic shoes come in various widths to accommodate different foot shapes and sizes,” says Dr. Gershman.

  • Extra depth
    If you’re using custom shoe orthotics, your shoes need to accommodate them without squeezing your feet. Shoes with extra depth provide the space you need and also help minimize pressure points that can lead to pain or irritation.

  • Stretch uppers
    Stretchable upper materials adapt to the unique shape of your feet, preventing pressure and allowing your feet to swell throughout the day. "The stretch adjusts, giving you the feeling of a perfect fit at any time of day," comments Dr. Gershman.

  • Protective interior
    Smooth, soft interiors help prevent irritation, rubbing, and pressure points, which is especially important if you have sensitive feet or conditions like diabetes or neuropathy.

Offering advanced orthopedic shoes for women and men's shoes for foot pain, Orthofeet is dedicated to enhancing your foot health and overall well-being. Our shoes are engineered with features like cushioned soles, orthotic insoles, and a wide toe box to alleviate discomfort and support active lifestyles. Step into comfort with Orthofeet and feel the difference in every step you take.


  1. Marjorie Hecht (medically reviewed by Alana Biggers, M.D., MPH). 15 Causes of Burning in the Feet. HealthLine. Updated on September 13, 2022. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.healthline.com/health/burning-in-feet
  2. Matthew Cotchett, Nicoletta Frescos, Glen A Whittaker, Daniel R Bonanno. Psychological Factors Associated with Foot and Ankle Pain: A Mixed Methods Systematic Review. PubMed Central. February 2022. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8812226/
  3. Matthew Cotchett, PhD, Shannon E. Munteanu, PhD, Karl B. Landorf, PhD. Depression, Anxiety, and Stress in People With and Without Plantar Heel Pain. Sage Journals. May 2, 2016. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.1177/1071100716646630
  4. Paul A Butterworth, Donna M Urquhart, Flavia M Cicuttini, Hylton B Menz, Boyd J Strauss, Joseph Proietto, John B Dixon, Graeme Jones, Anita E Wluka. Relationship Between Mental Health and Foot Pain. PubMed. August 2014. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://acrjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/epdf/10.1002/acr.22292
  5. Julie Corliss. Six Relaxation Techniques to Reduce Stress. Harvard Health Publishing. February 2, 2022. Accessed October 9, 2024. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mind-and-mood/six-relaxation-techniques-to-reduce-stress