What causes a burning sensation and heat on the top of the foot?

Generally, a sensation of heat or burning on the top of the foot may be caused by intense physical activity, high ambient temperature, athlete's foot (tinea pedis), fasciitis, gout, or other conditions. Patients should visit a hospital and receive symptomatic treatment under medical guidance. The analysis is as follows:

1. Intense physical activity: After vigorous exercise, increased blood circulation may lead to vasodilation in the feet, causing a feeling of warmth or mild burning on the top of the foot. This is usually a normal physiological response and typically resolves with adequate rest.

2. High environmental temperature: In hot environments, the body naturally dilates blood vessels to dissipate heat, which may result in a sensation of heat or burning on areas such as the top of the foot. This is a physiological reaction, and symptoms gradually subside after leaving the hot environment or taking cooling measures.

3. Athlete's foot (tinea pedis): Poor hygiene of the dorsal foot skin may lead to fungal infection and subsequent tinea pedis. The infection can cause local vasodilation, increased skin temperature, and symptoms such as itching, peeling, and redness. Patients are advised to use antifungal medications such as clotrimazole cream, terbinafine hydrochloride cream, or itraconazole capsules under medical supervision to alleviate symptoms.

4. Fasciitis: Fasciitis is an aseptic inflammation of the foot fascia, commonly triggered by trauma or environmental irritants. Inflammatory stimulation may lead to persistent spasms, resulting in the aforementioned symptoms, often accompanied by swelling and pain. Patients should follow medical advice to take medications such as diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, ibuprofen tablets, or flurbiprofen gel patches for treatment.

5. Gout: Gout is typically caused by impaired purine metabolism. During a gout attack, uric acid crystals may deposit in the top of the foot, leading to sensations of heat and burning, along with redness, swelling, and pain. Patients are advised to take medications such as indomethacin tablets, colchicine tablets, or febuxostat tablets under medical supervision to manage symptoms.

In daily life, patients are encouraged to keep the top of the foot clean and dry, promptly change into breathable shoes and socks, and avoid prolonged exposure to high-temperature environments to reduce the risk of infection.