Erythromelalgia (EM) — sometimes called burning feet syndrome — is a rare and chronic condition characterised by episodes of intense burning pain, redness, warmth, and swelling of the skin, most commonly affecting the feet and sometimes the hands, legs, or other regions.
The term “erythromelalgia” comes from Greek: erythros (red), melos (limb), and algia (pain).
This condition involves a mixture of neurovascular dysfunction — abnormalities in small blood vessels (microvasculature) and nerve pathways (especially small-fiber nerves) — leading to abnormal blood flow, heat, and pain.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical and relies on the characteristic pattern of symptoms, along with exclusion of other conditions. There is no definitive single test.
Key diagnostic considerations include:
Because EM is rare and often misdiagnosed, specialist assessment is crucial.
Because triggers play a large role in flares, self-management is key:
At Wessex Pain Clinic, we work as a team and meet regularly to discuss complex, treatment resistant or unusual cases. As such you will often receive the expertise of several pain consultants. We believe that we are one of very few pain clinics to offer this.
Where symptoms are refractory, we may offer:
Management of erythromelalgia is challenging but can be significantly helped by a tailored, multidisciplinary approach. Treatment aims to reduce frequency and severity of flares, manage pain, and address underlying causes where present.
Our friendly team is on hand to support you every step of the way. Please get in touch at any time.
