What are the common symptoms of burning legs. How can you identify the underlying causes of leg burning sensations. Which treatments are most effective for addressing burning legs.

Understanding the Sensation of Burning Legs

Experiencing a burning sensation in your legs can be both uncomfortable and concerning. This symptom can manifest in various ways, ranging from a mild warmth to an intense, fiery feeling. The sensation may be localized to a specific area or spread throughout the entire leg.

Burning legs can occur due to numerous factors, including exposure to extreme temperatures, underlying health conditions, or nerve-related issues. To effectively address this symptom, it’s crucial to identify the root cause and seek appropriate treatment.

Common Accompanying Symptoms

When experiencing burning legs, you may notice additional symptoms that can provide clues about the underlying cause. These may include:

• Paresthesia (tingling sensations)
• Numbness
• Skin discoloration
• Itching
• Muscle weakness
• Changes in skin texture

The presence of these additional symptoms can help healthcare professionals narrow down potential diagnoses and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Meralgia Paresthetica: A Common Culprit of Burning Thighs

Meralgia paresthetica, also known as Bernhardt-Roth syndrome, is a condition characterized by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. This nerve is responsible for providing sensation to the skin on your outer thigh.

How does meralgia paresthetica manifest? The primary symptom is a burning pain on the surface of the outer thigh, often accompanied by tingling or numbness. This condition can significantly impact your daily activities and quality of life.

Causes of Meralgia Paresthetica

Several factors can contribute to the development of meralgia paresthetica:

1. Tight clothing or belts
2. Obesity
3. Pregnancy
4. Scar tissue from previous surgeries
5. Prolonged standing or sitting
6. Diabetes

Understanding these potential causes can help in prevention and management of the condition.

Treatment Options for Meralgia Paresthetica

Most cases of meralgia paresthetica resolve within four to six weeks with conservative treatment. First-line approaches include:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen)
• Weight loss for overweight individuals
• Wearing loose-fitting clothing
• Physical therapy to strengthen leg muscles

For severe or persistent cases lasting more than eight weeks, healthcare providers may recommend:

• Corticosteroid injections
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antiseizure medications (e.g., gabapentin, phenytoin, or pregabalin)

In rare instances where pain is severe and persistent, surgical decompression of the affected nerve may be considered as a last resort.

Venous Reflux: When Blood Flow Goes Awry

Venous reflux, also known as venous insufficiency, occurs when the veins in your legs fail to properly circulate blood back to the heart. This condition can lead to a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including a burning sensation in the legs.

How does venous reflux cause burning legs? When leg veins malfunction, blood can back up, pool, and leak into the surrounding tissue. This results in a hot or burning sensation, often accompanied by skin discoloration and itching.

Risk Factors for Venous Reflux

Several factors can increase your risk of developing venous reflux:

• Age (risk increases with age)
• Family history of venous problems
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged standing or sitting
• History of deep vein thrombosis
• Smoking

Recognizing these risk factors can help you take preventive measures and seek early intervention if symptoms arise.

Managing Venous Reflux

When diagnosed early, venous reflux can often be managed with conservative measures:

• Compression stockings to promote blood flow
• Regular exercise to improve circulation
• Avoiding prolonged standing or sitting
• Blood thinners to prevent clot formation

For more advanced cases, medical procedures may be necessary:

• Sclerotherapy: Injection of a scarring solution to close affected veins
• Endovenous thermal ablation: Using laser or radiofrequency waves to seal problematic veins
• Ligation: Surgical tying off of affected veins

These interventions aim to redirect blood flow through healthier veins, alleviating symptoms and improving overall circulation.

Peripheral Neuropathy: When Nerves Misfire

Peripheral neuropathy refers to damage or dysfunction of the peripheral nerves, which are responsible for relaying signals between the body and the central nervous system. This condition can manifest in various ways, including a burning sensation in the legs.

How does peripheral neuropathy cause burning legs? Damaged nerves may send faulty signals to the brain, resulting in sensations of burning, tingling, or numbness in the affected areas.

Common Causes of Peripheral Neuropathy

Several factors can contribute to the development of peripheral neuropathy:

• Diabetes
• Alcohol use disorder
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Autoimmune diseases
• Infections
• Exposure to toxins
• Certain medications

Identifying the underlying cause is crucial for effective management and treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

Treatment Approaches for Peripheral Neuropathy

Managing peripheral neuropathy often involves a multifaceted approach:

1. Pain relief:
   • Over-the-counter pain medications for mild symptoms
   • Prescription painkillers for more severe cases
2. Antiseizure medications:
   • Gabapentin (Neurontin)
   • Pregabalin (Lyrica)
3. Topical treatments:
   • Capsaicin cream
   • Lidocaine patches
4. Lifestyle modifications:
   • Regular exercise
   • Proper foot care
   • Quitting smoking
   • Limiting alcohol consumption

Treatment plans are often tailored to the individual, taking into account the underlying cause and severity of symptoms.

Multiple Sclerosis: When the Nervous System is Under Attack

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects the central nervous system. One of the many symptoms associated with MS is a burning sensation in the legs, often accompanied by other sensory disturbances.

How does MS cause burning legs? MS lesions in the spinal cord and brain can disrupt nerve signals, leading to various sensory symptoms, including burning pain, numbness, and tingling in the legs.

Characteristics of MS-Related Burning Sensations

The burning sensation experienced by individuals with MS may have unique characteristics:

• Intermittent or constant
• May worsen with fatigue or stress
• Can be accompanied by other MS symptoms
• May fluctuate in intensity

Understanding these patterns can help healthcare providers differentiate MS-related burning sensations from other causes.

Managing MS-Related Burning Sensations

Treatment for MS-related burning sensations often involves a combination of approaches:

1. Disease-modifying therapies to slow MS progression
2. Symptomatic treatments:
   • Anticonvulsants (e.g., gabapentin, pregabalin)
   • Antidepressants (e.g., duloxetine, amitriptyline)
   • Topical treatments (e.g., lidocaine patches)
3. Non-pharmacological interventions:
   • Physical therapy
   • Cooling techniques
   • Stress management
   • Mindfulness practices

Working closely with a healthcare team specializing in MS can help develop an effective management plan for burning leg sensations and other MS symptoms.

Diagnostic Approaches for Burning Legs

When faced with persistent burning sensations in the legs, seeking proper diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. Healthcare providers employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the underlying cause of burning legs.

Common Diagnostic Methods

The diagnostic process may include:

• Thorough medical history review
• Physical examination
• Neurological tests
• Blood tests to check for underlying conditions
• Nerve conduction studies
• Electromyography (EMG)
• Imaging studies (e.g., MRI, CT scan)
• Skin biopsy to assess small fiber neuropathy

The specific tests ordered will depend on the suspected cause and the individual’s symptoms and medical history.

Differential Diagnosis

Healthcare providers must consider various conditions when evaluating burning leg sensations:

• Peripheral neuropathy
• Meralgia paresthetica
• Venous reflux
• Multiple sclerosis
• Spinal cord compression
• Peripheral artery disease
• Restless legs syndrome
• Fibromyalgia

Accurate diagnosis is essential for developing an appropriate treatment plan and addressing the root cause of the burning sensation.

Lifestyle Modifications and Home Remedies for Burning Legs

While medical treatments are often necessary for addressing burning leg sensations, various lifestyle modifications and home remedies can complement professional care and provide relief.

Effective Home Care Strategies

Consider incorporating these strategies into your daily routine:

1. Regular exercise:
   • Improves circulation
   • Strengthens muscles
   • Enhances overall well-being
2. Proper nutrition:
   • Maintain a balanced diet
   • Ensure adequate vitamin intake (especially B vitamins)
   • Stay hydrated
3. Stress management:
   • Practice relaxation techniques
   • Engage in mindfulness meditation
   • Pursue hobbies and enjoyable activities
4. Topical treatments:
   • Apply cool compresses
   • Use over-the-counter pain-relieving creams
   • Try essential oils with proper dilution (e.g., peppermint, lavender)
5. Footwear and clothing choices:
   • Wear comfortable, supportive shoes
   • Choose breathable fabrics
   • Avoid tight-fitting clothing

These lifestyle modifications can help alleviate symptoms and improve overall quality of life for individuals experiencing burning leg sensations.

When to Seek Medical Attention

While home remedies can be beneficial, it’s important to recognize when professional medical care is necessary. Seek medical attention if:

• Burning sensations persist or worsen despite home care
• You experience sudden, severe burning pain
• The burning is accompanied by significant weakness or numbness
• You notice changes in skin color or temperature
• The burning sensation affects your daily activities or sleep

Prompt medical evaluation can help identify underlying conditions and prevent potential complications.

Burning Legs: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatments

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A feeling of burning in your legs can happen with exposure to extreme temperatures or another health condition, including some that affect the nerves. You may experience additional symptoms.

A burning sensation in your legs may have an obvious explanation, like a leg injury or during or after intense exercise. It could also be the result of damage or exposure to extreme heat, cold, or a toxic substance.

A burning feeling in your legs can often be accompanied by:

• paresthesia (tingling)
• numbness

Some reasons for a burning feeling in your legs aren’t as obvious and need a doctor’s diagnosis. These conditions include:

Meralgia paresthetica

Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the nerve that provides sensation to the skin on your thigh is compressed. It’s also referred to as Bernhardt-Roth syndrome.

The condition often presents as a burning pain on the surface of your outer thigh. The outer thigh may also tingle or feel numb.

Venous reflux

Venous reflux occurs when the veins in the leg aren’t properly circulating blood to the heart. It’s also referred to as venous insufficiency.

If a leg vein fails, the blood can back up, pool, and leak into the leg tissue. This leads to a hot or burning sensation often accompanied by discoloration and itching.

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a loss of function of the nerves that relay signals from the body to the spinal cord and brain. It’s often associated with:

• diabetes
• alcohol use disorder
• Guillain-Barré syndrome

Multiple sclerosis (MS)

Symptoms of MS include sensory disturbances that can lead to burning pain as well as numbness and tingling in the legs. These symptoms are often the result of faulty nerve signals due to MS lesions in the spinal cord and brain.

Treatment of burning legs depends on the underlying cause.

Meralgia paresthetica

Most people can expect a full recovery from meralgia paresthetica in four to six weeks. First-line treatments can include the following:

• Drugs like aspirin, acetaminophen (Tylenol), naproxen (Aleve), or ibuprofen (Advil) can relieve pain. Shop online for acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen.
• Lose weight if you’re overweight.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Physical therapy can build leg strength.

If your pain is severe or symptoms continue for more than eight weeks, your doctor might recommend the following to reduce pain:

• corticosteroid injections
• tricyclic antidepressants
• antiseizure medications, such as gabapentin (Neurontin), phenytoin (Dilantin), or pregabalin (Lyrica)

Surgery to decompress the nerve might be recommended if you’re pain is very severe and persistent, but this is rare.

Venous reflux

Your doctor may recommend the following when venous reflux is diagnosed early:

• Compression stockings put pressure on your legs to help move blood. Find compression stockings online.
• Get moving. Avoid standing or sitting for long periods to reduce pressure on your legs. Exercise also helps pump blood.
• Blood thinners can prevent the formation of blood clots.

If the condition has progressed, your doctor might recommend a procedure to close a problem vein. Doing so forces blood to flow through healthier veins. These procedures include:

• Sclerotherapy. Your doctor injects a scarring solution to close the affected vein.
• Endovenous thermal ablation. A laser or high-frequency radio waves are focused on the problem vein and closes it.
• Ligation. Your doctor cuts and ties off the affected vein.

Peripheral neuropathy

Treatments for peripheral neuropathy can include:

• Pain relief. Over-the-counter pain medications, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, can ease mild symptoms. Stronger painkillers might be prescribed for more severe symptoms.
• Antiseizure medications. Developed to treat epilepsy, antiseizure medications such as gabapentin (Neurontin) and pregabalin (Lyrica) may relieve nerve pain.
• Topical treatments. Capsaicin cream may relieve your symptoms if you’re looking for a natural option. Purchase capsaicin cream online.
• Lidocaine patches. These patches are applied to your skin and may offer pain relief. Shop for lidocaine patches here.

If your case of peripheral neuropathy is more serious, your doctor may recommend the following treatments:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation. Electrodes are placed on the skin to deliver a gentle electric current to relieve symptoms.
• Physical therapy. Exercises can strengthen muscles and improve movements.
• Plasma exchange. A machine removes the plasma from your blood as well as antibodies that are attacking your immune system. The affected plasma is treated or replaced with a substitute and then returned to your body.

Multiple sclerosis

There’s no cure for MS yet, but treatment can manage symptoms in most cases. Treatment focuses on slowing MS progression and minimizing recovery time following flare-ups. Medications to treat MS include:

• alemtuzumab (Lemtrada)
• dimethyl fumarate (Tecfidera)
• fingolimod (Gilenya)
• glatiramer acetate (Copaxone)
• natalizumab (Tysabri)
• ocrelizumab (Ocrevus)
• teriflunomide (Aubagio)

Call 911 or your local emergency services if a burning sensation in your leg suddenly appears and is accompanied by:

• weakness or numbness on one side of your body
• headache
• a change in your level of consciousness

These can be signs that you’re experiencing a stroke. It’s vital to seek immediate medical attention for a good outcome and quicker recovery.

Burning in Knee: Causes and Treatments

Burning in Knee: Causes and Treatments

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Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 30, 2018

Burning knee pain

Because the knee one of the most actively used joints in the human body, pain in this joint isn’t an uncommon complaint. Although knee pain can take many forms, burning pain in the knee can be an indicator of a variety of problems.

You can have a burning sensation that seems to encompass the full knee, but often it’s felt in a specific area — most commonly behind the knee and in front of the knee (kneecap). For some, the burning sensation is focused along the sides of the knee.

There are several causes for burning in the knee. Where you feel the burning sensation has a lot to do with what’s causing the problem.

Burning behind the knee is often caused by:

• ligament tear
• cartilage tear
• overuse injury
• osteoarthritis

Burning in the front of the knee is often caused by an overuse injury known as runner’s knee – also referred to as chondromalacia or patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS). As well, it could be tendonitis caused by the inflammation of the patellar tendon.

Burning on the outside of the knee is often caused by iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS).

Some people experience increased knee pain at night. This could be caused by a number of reasons:

• Blood vessels increase in diameter during sleep, putting pressure on nerves.
• Thinking about your physical pain without the distractions of the day results in an increase that’s psychologically driven.
• Hormone signals are reduced while you sleep, allowing more pain signals to get through to the brain.

Treatment for a burning knee depends on the cause.

Knee ligament tear

If a knee ligament tear is diagnosed as partial, treatment might include:

• muscle-strengthening exercises
• protective knee brace, to be used when exercising
• limits to activity that might cause further damage

A complete knee ligament tear might have to be surgically repaired.

Knee cartilage tear (damage to the joint surface)

The first stage of cartilage tear treatment is nonsurgical and could include:

• muscle-strengthening exercises like monitored physical therapy or a program of home exercise
• pain relief, typically nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• steroid injections in the knee

For those whose situation doesn’t improve with more conservative treatment, the next stage is surgery. There are a number of surgical options including:

• Knee chondroplasty. The damaged cartilage is smoothed to reduce joint friction.
• Knee debridement. Loose pieces of cartilage are removed, and the joint is flushed with a saline solution (lavage).
• Osteochondral autograft transplantation (OATS). Undamaged cartilage is taken from a non-weight-bearing area and moved to the damaged area.
• Autologous chondrocyte implantation. A piece of cartilage is removed, cultivated in a lab, and put back into the knee, where it grows into healthy replacement cartilage.

Osteoarthritis in the knee

Osteoarthritis can’t be reversed, so the best that can be done is symptom management, which can include:

• pain management with over-the-counter (OTC) medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB) and naproxen sodium (Aleve)
• physical and occupational therapy
• cortisone injections

Eventually, joint replacement surgery (arthroplasty) might be necessary.

Chondromalacia

Also known as runner’s knee, chondromalacia is the deterioration of the cartilage under the patella (kneecap). The initial treatment for chondromalacia includes:

• ice to reduce swelling following exercise
• pain relief with OTC medication
• rest for the knee joint, which includes avoiding squatting and kneeling
• alignment of the patella with a brace, tape, or a patellar-tracking sleeve

If the initial nonsurgical treatments fail, your doctor could suggest arthroscopic surgery to smooth unstable cartilage flaps and the trochlear groove (a groove on top of the femur).

Patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFS)

For mild cases, PFS is treated with:

• rest for the knee, which includes avoiding climbing stairs and kneeling
• OTC pain medications
• rehabilitation exercises, including those for quadriceps, hamstrings, and hip abductors
• supportive braces

For more severe cases, your doctor might recommend arthroscopy, a surgical procedure to remove fragments of damaged cartilage.

Patellar tendinitis

Patellar tendinitis is a common overuse injury to the tendon that connects your kneecap (patella) to your shinbone. It’s usually treated with:

• rest, especially avoiding running and jumping
• ice to reduce swelling
• pain management via OTC pain relievers
• exercise focused on the leg and thigh muscles
• stretching to lengthen the knee muscle-tendon unit
• patellar tendon strap to distribute force from the tendon to the strap

If conservative, noninvasive treatments aren’t effective, your doctor might recommend:

• platelet-rich plasma injection
• oscillating needle procedure

ITBS

ITBS is a repetitive knee strain injury experienced primarily by runners. Although at this time there is no definitive treatment for it, runners are usually advised to adhere to the following four-step program:

1. Stop running.
2. Cross-train with no-impact exercise like cycling and pool running.
3. Massage the quads, glutes, hamstrings, and iliotibial band.
4. Strengthen your core, the glutes, and the hip area.

Burning knee pain can indicate a problem with the joint or the soft tissues around the knee such as ligaments and tendons. If a burning pain in your knee seems to be associated with a specific area of the knee — front, back, or sides — you may be able to narrow down the potential causes of the pain.

If the pain persists or interferes with your daily activities or sleep, you should consult with your doctor.

Last medically reviewed on May 29, 2018

How we reviewed this article:

Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

• Chondromalacia. (2013).
  health.harvard.edu/pain/chondromalacia-
• Knee ligament repair. (n.d.).
  hopkinsmedicine.org/healthlibrary/test_procedures/orthopaedic/knee_ligament_repair_92,P07675
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2017). Patellofemoral pain syndrome.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellofemoral-pain-syndrome/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20350797
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Osteoarthritis.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/osteoarthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20351930
• Mayo Clinic Staff. (2018). Patellar tendinitis.
  mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/patellar-tendinitis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376118
• Tiu T, et al. (2017). Knee overuse disorders.
  now.aapmr.org/knee-overuse-disorders/

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Medically reviewed by William Morrison, M. D. — By Scott Frothingham — Updated on May 30, 2018

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hot flashes during menopause, heat in the feet, general sensation of heat

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Heat is an influx of heat to any part of our body. We feel heat when the subcutaneous vessels expand, dramatically increasing blood flow to the surface of the skin. The autonomic nervous system is responsible for the activity of the vessels, so the feeling of heat can be a symptom of serious diseases.

Hot flashes during menopause

The resulting feeling of heat, covering the face, neck, chest, and accompanied by sweating, a feeling of lack of air, and often dizziness, is a common symptom in menopause. This rolling sensation of heat is called hot flashes. Hot flashes during menopause are associated with a violation of the general thermoregulation of the body caused by hormonal changes.

Unfortunately, it is rare that a woman does not experience hot flashes during menopause. However, the frequency of hot flashes can be reduced several times if you follow fairly simple rules: you should avoid overheating, do not wear excessively warm clothes, refrain from hot food and foods that increase the metabolic rate, and this is tea, pepper, coffee, energy-based caffeine.

Heat in the feet

Complaints of heat in the feet are quite common. They say that “the feet are on fire.” This may be a sign of a serious violation of microcirculation – blood supply in the small vessels of the legs, which is especially dangerous for people who are obese or have diabetes. In this case, you must definitely consult a doctor. An in-depth instrumental examination of the vessels of the legs may be required.

Another common cause of burning in the feet is a fungal infection of the skin. To exclude this option, it is necessary to pass tests for the fungal flora.

General sensation of heat

A feeling of heat throughout the body may be the result of a systemic metabolic disorder caused by a hormonal disease. In this case, it is possible to suspect a disease of the thyroid gland, gonads or adrenal glands. If you are worried about feeling hot, you should definitely visit an endocrinologist. For an accurate diagnosis, a laboratory blood test is required.

Fever accompanied by chills is a sure sign of illness. As a rule, fever and chills indicate an infection in the body, but it is also possible that this is a symptom of a more serious autoimmune disease (rheumatism, systemic lupus erythematosus). In case of fever, accompanied by chills, it is necessary to immediately consult a general practitioner, as well as conduct an examination to determine the exact cause.

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The reason for burning legs – articles Lab4u.RU

• February 13, 2023
• Author: Anna Fedortsova

Painfully burning legs, as a symptom, may be accompanied by numbness and paresthesia – a tingling sensation. Burning pain may be intermittent or constant. Vary from mild to severe. It partly intensifies at night.

Fatigue, walking, running, sitting in one position for a long time, or a skin infection can cause temporary burning or inflammation of the feet.

Most often, burning legs are a sign of peripheral neuropathy – nerve damage. They become hyperactive and send pain signals to the brain even if there is no wound or damage.

Treatment for burning feet will depend on the underlying cause:

Hypothyroidism

This is an underactive thyroid gland. It changes the balance of hormones in the body. Because of this, fluid accumulates in the tissues, especially in the limbs, and presses on the nerves. Other symptoms may include fatigue, constipation, dry skin, cold sensitivity, forgetfulness, and decreased libido.

Diabetes mellitus

Excess blood sugar damages the nerves in the arms and legs and causes a constant or intermittent burning sensation. Also, high glucose damages the capillaries that feed the nerves. Blood flow to the extremities is impaired, which reduces sensitivity and increases the risk of infections. Other symptoms of diabetes include constant thirst, frequent urination, dry mouth and lips, belching, cramps, vomiting, constipation, blurred vision.

Vitamin B deficiencies and vitamin deficiency anemia

They are needed for the formation of cells, the transport of oxygen to every cell of the body, the rapid transmission of nerve signals. With their deficiency, the transmission of nerve signals to the brain is disrupted. This results in numbness and tingling.
Vitamin B9 and B12 deficiencies can lead to anemia, a low level of red blood cells. Without them, oxygen does not reach the cells and they die, including nerve cells.
Weakness, fatigue, shortness of breath and palpitations, pallor or slight jaundice, an inflamed or “varnished” tongue, and an intoxicated gait are other symptoms of B vitamin deficiency.

Kidney diseases

Up to 10% of people with kidney disease experience swelling and tenderness in the lower legs with burning pain in the feet. Firstly, the removal of fluid from the body is disturbed and it puts pressure on the nerves. Secondly, the kidneys work as filters and help waste products leave our body. With various kidney diseases, they can accumulate and damage the nerves. In addition to burning feet and swelling, symptoms of kidney disease can include fatigue, blood in the urine, shortness of breath, itchy skin, and frequent urination.