Medically reviewed by Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM
Board-certified podiatric surgeon | Balance Foot & Ankle, Howell & Bloomfield Hills, MI
Last reviewed: May 2026
Burning feet near Auburn Hills that are worst at night point to a specific nerve pathway — and the exact location of the burning narrows the diagnosis to one of four causes, each with completely different treatment. Most patients with burning feet have been given the wrong cause and the wrong treatment. Call (810) 206-1402 — same-day burning feet evaluations in Auburn Hills.
Medically Reviewed by: Dr. Tom Biernacki DPM · Board-Certified Podiatrist · Balance Foot & Ankle PLLC · Updated 2026
Burning Feet Treatment Near Auburn Hills, MI
Burning feet treatment near Auburn Hills, MI is available at Balance Foot & Ankle in Bloomfield Hills. Dr. Biernacki DPM evaluates recurrent or chronic burning foot pain — performing a systematic workup to identify whether the cause is diabetic neuropathy, tarsal tunnel syndrome, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, or small fiber neuropathy — and provides targeted treatment. Call (810) 206-1402.
The Most Commonly Missed Causes of Burning Feet
The most clinically important fact about burning feet: it is a symptom with multiple possible causes, and the treatment is completely different depending on which one is present. Most patients in the Auburn Hills area who present with burning feet have already been told “you have neuropathy” — but without identifying the specific cause of the neuropathy, treatment is guesswork. Vitamin B12 deficiency is arguably the most important cause to identify early because it is reversible with supplementation, but it is frequently missed because routine metabolic panels don’t include B12. Patients on metformin for diabetes — a common drug that depletes B12 — are at especially high risk. Tarsal tunnel syndrome produces a burning, electric-shock sensation in the sole and toes from compression of the posterior tibial nerve as it passes through the ankle — and this condition is surgically correctable with excellent outcomes. Hypothyroidism causes a generalized neuropathy that improves with thyroid hormone replacement. Diabetic small fiber neuropathy is the most common cause overall and requires optimizing glycemic control plus specific neuropathic pain management. The diagnostic workup is straightforward: HbA1c, B12, TSH, CBC, metabolic panel, and nerve conduction studies when indicated. Treatment that addresses the specific cause beats generic neuropathy management every time.
Key Takeaway: Don’t accept “neuropathy” without a workup. Check HbA1c, B12, TSH. B12 deficiency neuropathy reverses with methylcobalamin. Tarsal tunnel syndrome is surgically correctable. Alpha-lipoic acid 600mg/day has the best evidence for idiopathic small fiber neuropathy. Duloxetine or pregabalin for diabetic neuropathic pain when conservative measures fail.
Treatment
Establish the cause first: HbA1c, fasting glucose, B12, methylmalonic acid, TSH, CBC, CMP, uric acid, ABI. EMG/NCS for tarsal tunnel or large fiber involvement. Diabetic neuropathy: Tight glycemic control is the most important intervention. Topical agents: capsaicin 8% patch, lidocaine. Oral: duloxetine 60–120mg/day (FDA-approved), pregabalin 150–600mg/day, gabapentin 900–3600mg/day. Protective footwear and daily foot inspection. B12 deficiency: Methylcobalamin 1000–2000mcg/day oral supplementation. Remission of neuropathic symptoms typically within 3–6 months of correction. Tarsal tunnel: Nerve conduction study + Tinel’s test. Conservative: orthotics, steroid injection. Surgical: tarsal tunnel release for failed conservative — highly effective. Small fiber neuropathy: Alpha-lipoic acid 600mg/day. Intravenous immunoglobulin for autoimmune-mediated cases. Symptomatic: Cooling gel socks, elevation, compression stockings for venous component.
⚠️ See a Podiatrist If:
- Burning, stinging, or tingling in the feet — especially worse at night
- Diabetic patient with any burning or numbness — annual foot exam is essential
- Taking metformin for years without B12 monitoring — high deficiency risk
- Burning limited to the sole and toes — tarsal tunnel pattern needs nerve study
- Burning feet with any unsteadiness, weakness, or worsening balance
Recommended Products for Burning Feet Relief
Burning feet can stem from peripheral neuropathy, nerve compression, or circulatory issues. While identifying the root cause is essential, these products provide meaningful symptom relief for most patients. Dr. Biernacki recommends them as part of a comprehensive management plan.
Alpha Lipoic Acid 600mg — Neuropathy Nerve Support
Alpha lipoic acid (ALA) is the most evidence-backed supplement for peripheral neuropathy burning and tingling. Multiple randomized controlled trials show 600mg daily reduces neuropathy symptom scores by 30–50% in diabetic and idiopathic neuropathy. ALA is a powerful antioxidant that protects nerve tissue from oxidative stress and improves nerve conduction velocity. We recommend this to patients with burning feet before escalating to prescription neuropathy medications.
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel Pain Relief Gel — Cooling Nerve Symptom Relief
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel’s menthol-based formula activates cold-sensitive nerve receptors that compete with burning pain signals — a process called gate control. Many patients with burning feet find immediate 30–60 minute relief from topical application. It doesn’t treat the underlying neuropathy, but it provides safe, drug-free symptom relief between treatments. Apply to the bottom and top of both feet before bed when burning is typically worst. Available in gel, spray, and roll-on formats.
PubMed: Burning Feet Syndrome — Etiology and Treatment
Getting to Our Office From Auburn Hills
Our Bloomfield Hills office at 43494 Woodward Ave #208 is about 18 minutes from Auburn Hills via I-75 S to Woodward Ave. We accept most major insurance. Call (810) 206-1402 or book online.
Burning Feet? Get a Thorough Evaluation
Balance Foot & Ankle · Serving Auburn Hills & Michigan
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Dr. Tom’s Recommended Topical Relief
Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel
Our clinic switched from Doctor Hoy’s Natural Pain Relief Gel to Doctor Hoy’s because the arnica base adds genuine anti-inflammatory action — not just cooling. Same TRPV1 pain relief, no synthetic dyes, better for sensitive skin.
Shop Doctor Hoy’s on Amazon →📋 Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM, FACFAS answers:
Burning feet in the Auburn Hills area often stem from peripheral neuropathy, poor circulation, plantar fasciitis, or tarsal tunnel syndrome. At our clinic, we begin with a thorough evaluation including vascular and neurological testing. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include custom orthotics, B-vitamin supplementation, prescription topical agents, or nerve decompression. Most patients see significant improvement within 4 to 8 weeks of targeted treatment. No referral is needed to be seen.
Dr. Tom Biernacki, DPM is a board-certified foot & ankle surgeon (ABFAS & ABPM) at Balance Foot & Ankle Specialists in Southeast Michigan. With over a decade of clinical experience, he specializes in heel pain, bunions, diabetic foot care, sports injuries, and minimally invasive surgery. Dr. Biernacki is a member of the APMA and ACFAS, and his patient education content on MichiganFootDoctors.com and YouTube has made him one of the most-followed foot & ankle educators on YouTube.