Burning feet can be caused by many different medical conditions. Burning feet is most frequently caused by peripheral nerve damage (neuropathy) experienced by patients who are diabetic. Other causes of burning feet can include thyroid dysfunction, back problems, gastric restriction in morbidly obese people, heavy use of alcohol, and nerve problems, such as neuromas and tarsal tunnel syndrome.
While feet may ache or burn at the end of a long day, when the problem is present on an ongoing basis, burning feet can be a symptom of a more serious health problem. In the case of diabetic peripheral neuropathy, without protective sensation, damage to the feet can occur unknowingly and lead to the development of wounds or ulcers.