Burning Feet Causes and Solutions

© Copyright Bee Wilder, Revised July 26, 2011 to add Shoe Fitting X-Ray Device.

Summary of the Causes of Burning Feet

  1. Detoxification through the feet.
  2. Synthetic and chemical substances (toxins) in footwear.
  3. Tight fitting or ill-fitting footwear.
  4. High heels.
  5. Shoe Fitting X–Ray Device
  6. "Retracing" previous foot symptoms, injuries, diseases, etc.

1. Detoxification through the feet

The feet are one of the ways your body detoxifies itself. Also the feet themselves need to be detoxified of many substances used on them, i.e. nail polish, nail polish remover, toxic foot creams or lotions, and medicines, ointments, salves or drugs used to treat the feet, as well as numbing agents used to stitch up wounds, set bones, or remove corns, calluses, warts, etc.

2. Synthetic and chemical substances (toxins) in footwear

Unnatural synthetic materials in footwear do not allow the feet to breath, i.e. get air, like they should, which includes polyester, nylon, rayon, vinyl (those flip flops), and dyes or chemicals used in footwear or used to make footwear are toxic.

3. Tight fitting or ill-fitting footwear

Tight fitting shoes interfere with blood circulation to the feet, and the ability of the feet to breath and move like they should. Tight shoes also cause calluses, corns, blisters, and other uncomfortable pressure points on the foot, particularly in the joints, including deformities of the toes like bunions.
Ill-fitting footwear which are too loose, causes friction and irritation to the feet.

4. High heels

High heels cause the feet to push down into the toes of the shoe, which interferes with proper circulation and breathing, and they force the foot into unnatural angles that puts wear and tear on them.

5. Shoe Fitting X–Ray Device

In the late 1940’s and early 1950’s, the shoe–fitting x–ray unit was a common shoe store sales promotion device and nearly all stores had one. It was estimated that there were 10,000 of these devices in use. This particular shoe–fitting x–ray unit was produced by the dominant company in the field, the Adrian X–Ray Company of Milwaukee Wisconsin that no longer exists.

The primary component of a shoe-fitting x-ray unit was the fluoroscope which consisted essentially of an x-ray tube mounted near the floor and wholly or partially enclosed in a shielded box and a fluorescent screen. The x-rays penetrated the shoes and feet and then struck the fluorescent light. This resulted in an image of the feet within the shoes. The fluorescent image was reflected to three viewing ports at the top of the cabinet, where the customer, the salesperson, and a third person (your mother?) could view the image at the same time.

The radiation hazards associated with shoe fitting x-ray units were recognized as early as 1950. The machines were often out of adjustment and were constructed so radiation leaked into the surrounding area.

By 1970, shoe fitting x-ray units had been banned in 33 states including Minnesota and strict regulation in the remaining 17 states made their operation impractical. Believe it or not, this particular shoe-fitting x-ray unit was found in 1981 in a department store in Madison, West Virginia. It was still being used in the store’s shoe department! When it was pointed out to the store managers that it was against West Virginia law to operate a shoe-fitting x-ray unit, they donated it to the The U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

Anyone who had their feet x–rayed will get burning feet as they detoxify the radiation.

5. "Retracing" previous foot symptoms, injuries, diseases, etc.

For more information read Retracing, Healing Reactions and Flare-ups.

When a person is on an overall natural healing program like Bee’s, the feet will "retrace" all previous foot symptoms, injuries, diseases, malfunctions, and toxins used on them, as follows:

  • Diseases and abnormalities of the foot such as fungal infections, athlete’s foot, heel blisters, calluses, warts, corns, bunions, etc.
  • Old foot injuries, i.e. cuts, wounds, abrasions, broken bones, sprains, strains, any surgery done on the them, etc.
  • Tight fitting, ill-fitting or high-heeled footwear.
  • Cold feet when they are not protected from the weather, including low temperatures in homes or buildings, which will include frost bite.
  • Toxins include nail polish, nail polish remover, toxic foot creams or lotions, and medicines, ointments, salves or drugs used to treat the feet, as well as numbing agents used to stitch up wounds or remove corns, calluses, warts, etc.

Remember that it takes 1 month of natural healing for every year you’ve been unhealthy, and for most people today that is since before they being born, so "retracing" takes time and patience. For more information see Retracing, Healing Reactions and Flare-ups.

Solutions for Burning Feet

  1. Good fitting shoes with proper support is a good place to start to help your feet.
  2. As a general rule don’t wear high heeled shoes. Wear shoes that maintain your foot at the same level they are when barefoot.
  3. Wear shoes made of natural materials, not mixed with synthetics or containing chemicals, i.e. leather, hemp, bamboo, grasses, cotton, or wool.
  4. Wear socks made of natural fabrics, not mixed with synthetics, i.e. 100% cotton or wool.
  5. Wear white socks most of the time, since colored socks contain dyes that are toxic.
  6. Launder new socks before wearing them to remove dyes and chemicals, such as fabric sizing, bleach, etc.
  7. Replace synthetic insoles with natural materials like leather or natural fabrics.
  8. Rotate shoes and socks, both between walking sessions and during the day.
  9. Change shoes and socks, allowing shoes to dry out before wearing them again.
  10. Do not polish your toenails or apply toxic lotions or other substances to your feet.
  11. Relax your feet at the end of the day by soaking them in Epsom salts, which soothes aches and pains, remove odors, softens rough skin, and helps pull out toxins through the feet. Add 1/2 cup of Epsom salt to a large pan of warm water. Mix well and then add ice cubes so the water is cool, which will help soothe burning feet. Soak feet for as long as it feels right. Rinse and dry. Then elevate your feet on a footstool.
  12. Go barefoot as much as possible.