Yes, lupus can absolutely cause neuropathy — and burning feet is a very recognized symptom. Lupus-related inflammation can damage the peripheral nerves (the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord), leading to a condition called peripheral neuropathy.
The burning sensation you're feeling on the bottoms of your feet fits Show Full Answer
Yes, lupus can absolutely cause neuropathy — and burning feet is a very recognized symptom. Lupus-related inflammation can damage the peripheral nerves (the nerves outside your brain and spinal cord), leading to a condition called peripheral neuropathy.
The burning sensation you're feeling on the bottoms of your feet fits right into what many people with lupus experience. A MyLupusTeam member described it well: "Sometimes my upper arm will feel really hot, like a burning sensation. It's the same with other parts of the body." Common symptoms of peripheral neuropathy in lupus include:
- Burning or stabbing pain
- Tingling or pins-and-needles sensations
- Numbness
- Muscle weakness
It's great that you're already receiving laser therapy. It's also worth discussing with your doctor whether additional treatments might help, such as:
- Over-the-counter pain relievers
- Prescription antidepressants (which can help nerve pain)
- Vitamin B supplements
- Anti-seizure medications
A neurologist can also be a valuable addition to your care team if you haven't seen one already. They can run nerve conduction tests to better understand what's going on.
June 29