Burning Feet and Restless Legs

Abstract

These two conditions are described under the same general heading because both are, in most instances, indicative of polyneuropathy. The term “burning feet” is self-explanatory. The burning pain is felt permanently, although it increases during the night, when there is less distracting external stimulation. Some patients describe pain as being localized specifically on the plantar aspect of the foot, some experience burning throughout the foot. “Restless legs” is a term the Swedish author Ekbom tried to explain by the Latin wording anxietas tibiarum. During the day the patients are relatively well, but as soon as they are in bed, and with increasing intensity during the night, they feel an irresistible urge to move the legs under the cover, sometimes to the extent that they have to get up.