Burning Legs

There are several underlying conditions which can trigger sensations of leg burning. Most patients with leg injuries, or exposure to extreme heat, cold, or toxic substances also experience a burning sensation in the legs. Some people feel burning legs during exercise which do not require medical attention. 

Additionally, several risk factors such as age, gender, physical inactivity, pregnancy, obesity, etc. contribute to the burning sensation in the Here are some common causes which can lead to burning sensation in the legs - 

• Intense workout
• Injury in the leg
• Sunburn
• Nerve damage

In rare cases, several medical conditions can also result in the feeling of burning sensation in the legs. Medical disorders include-

• Meralgia Paresthetica which occurs due to the compression of the nerve that provides sensation to the skin on your thigh.
• Venous Reflux occurs when the veins in the legs are unable to properly circulate blood to the heart. This condition can also cause the blood to pool or leak in the leg tissue which leads to a hot or burning sensation followed by discolouration and itching. 
• Peripheral neuropathy which is the loss of function of the nerves which carry signals to the spinal cord and brain. 
• Multiple sclerosis (MS) also leads to numbness, tingling or burning sensation in the legs due to sensory disturbances which lead to faulty nerve signals. 

While burning legs is in itself a symptom, there are several signs which can indicate the development of the condition. Other than numbness and tingling sensation, the patient may experience the following depending on the cause and medical condition -

Throbbing pain that might also feel like muscle cramps

• Redness around the affected part of the leg
• Apparent swelling
• Itching
• Ulceration
• Heaviness as you step

If you're experiencing burning sensations in your legs that do not improve with rest and home treatment, it’s essential to get in touch with a neurologist in Kolkata. Seek medical assistance if the pain or swelling gets worse, or the individual may have a high temperature. Here are some signs when you must consult the doctor for burning sensation in your legs and feet - 

• Blisters on the large area of the body
• High fever, headache, confusion, or nausea
• Burns get worse or do not improve within 2 days
• No clear cause of chronic tingling and numbness

For mild to moderate discomfort due to excessive exercise, treatment may not be necessary. But mostly, doctors recommend treatment options based on the underlying cause and severity of the condition. If the burning sensation in the legs is due to medical disorders, the treatment aims to treat the condition. 

In case of meralgia paresthetica treatment, the doctor may recommend - 

• Medications like aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen can help relieve pain. 
• Corticosteroid injections
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Antiseizure medications, such as Gabapentin, Phenytoin, or Pregabalin
• Surgery to decompress the nerve if the pain is severe and persistent

For venous reflux treatment, the doctor may recommend the following - 

• Sclerotherapy
• Endovenous thermal ablation
• Ligation Procedure
• Compression stockings
• Blood thinners

Treatment for peripheral neuropathy includes the following - 

• Antiseizure medications
• Topical treatments such as creams, ointments, etc.
• Lidocaine patches
• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation
• Plasma exchange

Multiple sclerosis treatment includes - 

• Alemtuzumab
• Dimethyl fumarate 
• Fingolimod
• Glatiramer acetate
• Natalizumab
• Ocrelizumab
• Teriflunomide

The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in Kolkata. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, revolutionising the healthcare industry for the best surgical outcomes. 

In addition, CMRI has several eminent specialists, doctors and healthcare providers of national and international reputations for comprehensive and personalised treatment. CMRI provides patient-centric care and empathy from internationally trained nurses to ensure holistic care for patients seeking treatment for burning sensations in legs and feet. Here are a few advantages of choosing CMRI - 

• Highly qualified and experienced doctors
• 440-bed capacity along with cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
• Hygienic and patient-friendly infrastructure
• Thorough screening and diagnosis
• Transparent Pricing Structure for cost-effective treatment
• Patient-centric, high-quality care for a high success rate
• Pain management and palliative care
• Complete and coordinated care for patients with all types of cancers.