Burning legs might have a variety of causes. It might be a leg injury or arises during or after engaging in strenuous exercise. In some cases, it might be due to damage or exposure to extreme cold, heat or toxic substances.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dQo044H6qM8
It is important to note that burning legs might be accompanied by:
- Numbness
- Paresthesia
What are the usual causes of burning legs?
Meralgia paresthetica
This condition arises if the nerve supplying sensation to the skin on the thigh is crushed. It often manifests as burning pain on the surface of the external thigh where it might also tingle or feel numb.
Most can fully recover within 4-6 weeks.
The initial treatment options include:
- Cutting down weight if overweight
It might be a leg injury or arises during or after engaging in strenuous exercise. - Medications such as aspirin, naproxen or ibuprofen for pain relief
- Wear loose-fitting clothes
- Physical therapy
Venous reflux
The condition arises if the leg veins are not correctly circulating blood to the heart. In case a leg vein malfunctions, the blood might back up, pool and seep into the leg tissue. This results to a burning sensation that is accompanied by itchiness and discoloration.
The doctor will suggest the following treatment options:
- Compression stockings to apply pressure on the legs to promote blood movement
- Avoid being seated or standing for extended periods to lessen the pressure on the legs
- Blood thinners to prevent blood clot formation
Peripheral neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy is defined as loss of function of the nerves relaying signals from the body to the spinal cord and brain.
Some of the treatment options include:
- Over-the-counter pain medications such as NSAIDs to ease the mild symptoms.
- Topical options such as capsaicin cream
- Antiseizure drugs
- Lidocaine patches
Multiple sclerosis
The signs of multiple sclerosis include sensory disruptions that lead to burning legs along with tingling and numbness. These signs are often due to faulty nerve signals due to the presence of lesions in the brain and spinal cord.
Even today, there is no cure available, but treatment involves management of the symptoms in most cases.