What is Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome? – Causes & How to Treat IT

Abstract

Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome also known as burning feet syndrome has certain well-marked and constant clinical entities, this disease is more common among the south Indians. This disease was previously being reported among malnourished populations. There is no specific aetiology of this condition seen but is frequently encountered in clinics nowadays. This article covers the common causative factors and clinical symptoms of this disease.

Introduction

Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome is a medical condition described by Grierson (in 1826), he was the first to document the symptom of burning feet syndrome and after him in 1946 Gopalan gives a detailed description of this syndrome so it is named as Grierson-Gopalan Syndrome. This condition causes severe burning and aching of feet with vasomotor changes that results in excess sweating. This disease is more common in females than males and usually occurs after middle age. This burning sensation can be associated with other health disorders like diabetes mellitus, kidney diseases, thyroid disorders etc.

Causes

Usually this disease is idiopathic in nature but it may be caused from many different ongoing health issues, symptoms ranging from mild to severe depending on the patient’s health. Most patients of this disease show evidence of malnourishment. Signs suggestive of riboflavin deficiency were invariably present.

As we discuss some of the undergoing disease

1. If we talk about Tarsal tunnel syndrome, it may lead to Grierson-Gopalan syndrome. Tarsal tunnel is a narrow channel in between the ankle bone that passes the posterior shin nerve, if compression and contusion occurs in the tunnel then it results in burning and pain sensation in feet.
2. The condition is named as complex regional pain syndrome, a very rare and painful nerve syndrome also shows symptoms like this condition.
3. When a patient wears tight shoes or has any sport injury leads to nerve tissue thickens called Morton’s neuroma at the base of toes which causes pain.
4.  In underactive thyroid conditions weight gain and fatigue leads to burning and pricking type of pain in feet.
5. High sugar levels in diabetes mellitus affects the peripheral sensory nerves which disturbs the signal transmission mechanism between nerves and vascular walls throughout the body.
6. Symptoms of Tinea pedis (Athlete’s foot) are caused due to fungal infection and it includes burning, itching and discomfort in feet.
7. Smoking is also a very important cause that leads to peripheral arterial disease in which blood doesn’t flow against the gravity which leads to accumulation of blood in tips of toes or in the sole leads to pain during night.

Symptoms

This condition gets worsens in night shows symptoms like

1. Pins and needling sensation in soles of feet.
2. Redness
3. Feeling of burning sensation
4. Numbness in fingers of feet, sole, ankles, even in legs too
5. Difficulty in walking due to discomfort
6. Aching feet
7. Insomnia
8. Feeling of tiredness
9. Fatigue

Diagnosis

This condition is mainly diagnosed clinically by medical history. If a patient gives proper history, about symptoms, any medication that patient is taking, any injury or infections or allergies from the patient is suffering then it is easy to fight with this syndrome. Rule out any underlying pathology eg. diabetes or hypothyroidism.

Treatment

Many treatment methods can be used to manage this disease. First of all, manage the underlying conditions which aggravate the symptoms of Grierson-Gopalan syndrome.

1. Diabetic patient – Hypoglycemic drugs
2. Nutritional deficiency disorder – Vitamin and mineral supplements
3. Pain – Analgesics
4. Antidepressants
5. Anticonvulsants
6. Antifungals
7. Surgery can be recommended if the condition is severe.

As we discussed allopathic medications which give instant relief from condition for sometime but along with them they also show side effects in major body organs. When we talk about ayurveda, it is known to be the ancient system of medicine where pure herbs are used to treat the disease by reforming them in proper medicine that do not give any side effects.

Home Remedies

That can help as a self care solution to treat the burning and tingling sensation in feet. Such as dipping your feet in cold water, raising up your legs, avoid wearing socks or covering the feet to lower the feet temperature, use creams and ointments if a patient is suffering from fungal infections.

Herbal remedies for Grierson Gopalan Syndrome by Planet Ayurveda

Planet Ayurveda is helping people of all ages of life and also makes sure the remedies which are to treat are made from proper herbs and are far from any side effects. Planet Ayurveda offers formulations that are 100% pure and free from additives, fillers, and chemical preservatives.

1. PITTA BALANCE
2. CHANDANADI VATI
3. AMALAKI RASAYAN
4. KAISHORE GUGGUL
5. JATYADI TAILAM
6. VRAN RAKSHAS TEL

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

1. PITTA BALANCE

This is a poly herbal formulation given by Planet Ayurveda consisting of JaharMohra Pishti (Natural calcium compound), Kaharava Pishti (Natural calcium compound) etc. specially used to treat the Pitta dosha predominant disorders, regulates the agni, results in treating the burning sensation, pain and inflammation. This formulation also helps in relieving muscle aches, or any allergies, fungal infections.

Dosage – 1 capsule twice daily, with plain water after meals.

2. CHANDANADI VATI

This is a polyherbal classical formulation described in our ancient literatures consisting of Safed chandan (Santalum album), pashanbhed (Bergenia ligulata), Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris) etc. this articulation balances pitta and kapha in body, maintains blood circulation, provides strength to arteries, and treats musculoskeletal diseases or neurological conditions. It also gives relief from many symptoms like fatigue, stress, depression, burning sensation, hot flushes, body pains.

Dosage : 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water

3. AMALAKI RASAYAN

This is a single herbal formulation consisting of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis). It pacifies all the three doshas and is effective in neurological disorders, digestive disorders, and acts as rasayana (rejuvenates the body functions). This formulation helps to get relief in psychological conditions like stress, mental fatigue, depression. Amalaki has sheeta veerya which diminishes the pitta aggravation and relieves symptoms of burning sensation, pain in body, numbness, tingling sensations.

Dosage – 1-2 capsules twice daily with plain water after meals.

4. KAISHORE GUGGUL

This is a polyherbal classical ayurvedic formulation mentioned in ayurvedic texts to give fruitful results, consisting of Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Guggul (Commiphora mukul) etc. It purifies the blood, has anti-inflammatory properties, cleaning the arteries, removing toxins from the body, nourishes muscles and nerves, reduces the inflammation or swelling caused by any injury.

Dosage : 1-2 tablets twice or thrice daily with lukewarm water.

5. JATYADI TAILAM

This is the poly herbal formulation mentioned in ayurvedic texts consisting of chameli (Jasminum officinale), neem (Azadirachta indica), etc. Jatyadi tailam heals all types of wounds and pacifies vata aggravation. It also nourishes all the sinus, abscess, infections, allergies, burns. It alleviates itching , pain, irritation and discomfort, hot flashes and other neurological health issues.

Method of Application – Apply over the affected area once or twice daily.

6. VRAN RAKSHAS TEL

It is an Herbomineral Ayurvedic classical formulation consisting of Parad (purified mercury), gandhak (purified sulphur) etc which helps in improving the wounds, very effective formulation for skin disorders and relieves painful condition, numbness, burning sensations, gives cool and calming feeling during application, treats fungal infections, allergies.

Method of Application – Must be applied externally over the wound area after washing and drying it well. It can be applied 3-4 times a day.

Conclusion

In the above condition we have discussed the causes and symptoms of Grierson-Gopalan syndrome with its ayurvedic aspect. Ayurveda has proved its efficacy since ancient times in many health related issues without any side effects. The Ayurvedic system of medicines is known to restore the balance between dosha, dhatu and mala and gives best results by treating the disease.