Grierson-Gopalan syndrome is also called Burning Feet Syndrome. It is a medical affliction that causes an intense burning sensation and aching in the feet. It can also lead to scotoma and amblyopia in the eyes.
The intensity of the symptoms associated with the Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome ranges from mild to severe. We all know the burning symptom is the worst at night but this foot condition improves during the day. Here at lifebalance.ae checkout footcare products and get effective relief from your burning foot symptom.
The pain and burning sensation are usually restricted to the feet. However, it may also affect the tips of your lower legs, ankles, and feet. You may also feel a sensation of ‘pins and needles’ or tingling in these areas. The affliction happens more commonly in women. It usually develops when a person is aged between twenty and forty years. Patients suffering from psychosomatic disorders may exhibit psychological symptoms in addition to the burning sensation in their feet. (thenewspocket.com)
What are the symptoms of Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome?
The most common symptoms of Grierson-Gopalan syndrome are:
- Heat or burning sensations that worsen at night
- Numbness in the legs or feet
- Pain that is sharp or stabbing
- A sense of heaviness in the feet
- Dull persistent foot ache
- Excessive warmth or redness of the skin
- Prickling, tingling, or a “pins and needles” sensation
What are the causes of Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome?
A variety of health problems can cause the symptoms of Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome. These are some examples:
- Nerve injury or entrapment: You can experience nerve damage because of various factors like back injuries, illnesses, or the gradual breakdown of the spine. Neuropathy of the periphery is the most common cause. Chemotherapy agents, nutritional imbalances, auto-immune disorders, diabetes, hereditary diseases, and kidney failure are some conditions that can cause peripheral neuropathy.
- Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease: It can damage the peripheral nerves of your legs. It can cause abnormal weakness of the foot arches. (ar15discounts)
- Complex regional pain syndrome: It is very uncommon but excruciatingly painful. It can occur due to surgery or injury.
- Infections: Athlete’s Foot is because of dermatophytes, mold-like fungi that develop in warm and moist skin spots. Fungi can grow in soggy shoes and socks. Burning, stinging, and itching between the toe and the sole are common complaints of the Athlete’s Foot.
- Ill-fitting stockings or shoes can cause irritation to your feet. They may also put extra pressure on specific areas of your foot.
- Stress-related to exercise or physical injury.
- Allergies: Shoes and socks made from certain materials may cause symptoms.
- Dermatitis caused by contact: Skin irritation may occur due to the dyes or chemical agents.
How is Grierson-Gopalan syndrome diagnosed?
You will find no objective tests to determine the severity of foot burning or pain. Doctors try to understand the underlying reason of the symptoms using different types of tests, such as:
- A simple examination of the body: The doctor will examine the medical history and the feet. They will test reflexes for signs of injury, infection, or other health problems.
- Blood tests are performed: Your doctor may order tests to measure blood glucose levels. The test will also look out for endocrine disorders or nutritional deficiencies. You may also have to test urine and serum electrolytes.
- Nerve function examinations: You may suspect nerve damage. If so, you should undergo electrodiagnostic tests.
- Electromyography: You can use this test to measure a muscle’s electrical activity. It determines how the muscle reacts to nerve stimulation. The doctor inserts a very tiny needle into the muscle. It will help them measure the movement of the muscle as it contracts and relaxes. It also identifies the source of pain, tingling, or numbness.
- Nerve conduction velocity measurement: This test determines the rate at which electrical impulses travel along a nerve. It distinguishes between true nerve disorders and conditions where nerve injury affects the muscles.
What is the treatment for Grierson-Gopalan syndrome?
The underlying causes or conditions determine the treatment.
Self-care methods
- Soak the feet for around 15 minutes in cold water. It may provide short-term relief. You should minimize exposure of feet to excessive heat.
- Elevate feet and legs on a higher platform.
- Use over-the-counter pain relievers (analgesics). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen or ketoprofen may provide temporary relief. You can treat an athlete’s foot with topical antifungal lotions, creams, powders, or sprays.
Medications with prescription
- Diabetes patients can use oral hypoglycemic drugs or insulin to control their blood glucose levels.
- Vitamin deficiencies may necessitate the use of nutritional supplements. Your doctor can prescribe analgesic drugs.
- Lidocaine-containing topical lotions, sprays, creams, or patches may provide relief.
- Tricyclic antidepressants and other medications may help with chronic pain caused by neuropathy.
- Chronic pain may be treated with gabapentin, carbamazepine, pregabalin, and other medications.
Antifungal medications
Your doctor can prescribe oral medications to treat infections that resist topical treatments.
Exercise and physical therapy
Shoe inserts and footpads (orthotic instruments )
Surgery
In cases where conservative treatment options or medications are ineffective, you may need orthopedic surgery.
What are some precautions to avoid Grierson-Gopalan syndrome?
You cannot avoid Grierson-Gopalan syndrome permanently. Still, the following recommendations may alleviate some issues. They can also help recognize and properly treat the matter.
- Visit a foot care specialist or podiatrist regularly. If you have medical problems, like diabetes, that can influence the nerves, have routine checkups. You may have to wear special shoes.
- Choose shoes that are well-fitting and provide airflow.
- To avoid an athlete’s foot, wear comfortable, dry socks. If you play sports or other hobbies that lead to your feet sweating, try to change socks regularly.
- Look for signs and symptoms of infection as well as injury on the feet. Inspect the feet for sores, blisters, cuts, skin breaks, and ulcers to avoid infections.
- The tingling or burning sensation may get worse and not react to home remedies. In such cases, you should see a doctor or podiatrist.
The feet are important as they allow us mobility. Due to this, the constant aching of Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome can bring a lot of inconveniences. The varied causes make it difficult to avoid. However, you should be mindful of the sensations in your feet and follow the recommended suggestions. It will keep your feet happy and healthy.
