HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

How Can severe Burning Sensation In The Legs Be Treated?

Periodically I feel a burning sensation in my legs, one or the other, sometimes both. It starts above my ankles and travels up to upper calf then disappears quickly. Standing or sitting, day or night it catches me by surprise and while disconcerting, it is not overly painful. I am 73 yrs. and active. Blood pressure and cholesterol controlled by medication. What?????
Mon, 27 Mar 2017
Report Abuse
Diabetologist 's  Response
Hello,

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

I have read your question fully and understand your concerns.

From what you have mentioned, it looks like you have mild peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve condition in which the nerves of leg and hands do not function well as they are damaged. These nerves carry messages from brain and spinal cord to hands and feet and vice versa.

The symptoms normally include burning sensation, pin prick sensation, tingling, increased sensitivity to touch, numbness etc.
Cause of peripheral neuropathy could be because of diabetes, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folic acid deficiency, Alcoholism, hypothyroidism, liver diseases, trauma to the nerve, pressure on the nerves, repetitive movements etc.

If a single nerve is affected it is called mononeuropathy as in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If many nerves are affected it is called Polyneuropathy.

I would advise you to visit your doctor. He would carry a full neurological examination on you, and also run some tests to rule out diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, liver problems etc. You may even have Nerve conduction studies done or even an MRI/CT scan.

Treatment is to manage the causative factor that is leading to your symptoms. For e.g. if patient is diabetic, his blood glucose is controlled. If patient is alcoholic, he is prescribed vitamin supplements etc.

To relieve mild symptoms you could try anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen 200-400 mg three times a day or Naproxen 250-500 mg twice a day (provided you are not allergic to them, take these tablets with food to prevent gastritis)

You could also be prescribed anti-seizure medications like Gabapentin, start with 100 mg once a day and within 3-5 days you can increase it to 100 mg three times a day. You could keep increasing the dose every week until you get relief from your symptoms; the maximum dose is 600 mg three times a day.

There are some nerve friendly supplements that will help you too.
I hope this answer has helped you.

Thank you
Regards
Dr Sunita Sayammagaru
I find this answer helpful

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
How Can severe Burning Sensation In The Legs Be Treated?

Hello, Welcome to Healthcare Magic. I have read your question fully and understand your concerns. From what you have mentioned, it looks like you have mild peripheral neuropathy. Peripheral neuropathy is a nerve condition in which the nerves of leg and hands do not function well as they are damaged. These nerves carry messages from brain and spinal cord to hands and feet and vice versa. The symptoms normally include burning sensation, pin prick sensation, tingling, increased sensitivity to touch, numbness etc. Cause of peripheral neuropathy could be because of diabetes, Vitamin B12 deficiency, Folic acid deficiency, Alcoholism, hypothyroidism, liver diseases, trauma to the nerve, pressure on the nerves, repetitive movements etc. If a single nerve is affected it is called mononeuropathy as in Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. If many nerves are affected it is called Polyneuropathy. I would advise you to visit your doctor. He would carry a full neurological examination on you, and also run some tests to rule out diabetes, vitamin deficiencies, liver problems etc. You may even have Nerve conduction studies done or even an MRI/CT scan. Treatment is to manage the causative factor that is leading to your symptoms. For e.g. if patient is diabetic, his blood glucose is controlled. If patient is alcoholic, he is prescribed vitamin supplements etc. To relieve mild symptoms you could try anti-inflammatory medication like Ibuprofen 200-400 mg three times a day or Naproxen 250-500 mg twice a day (provided you are not allergic to them, take these tablets with food to prevent gastritis) You could also be prescribed anti-seizure medications like Gabapentin, start with 100 mg once a day and within 3-5 days you can increase it to 100 mg three times a day. You could keep increasing the dose every week until you get relief from your symptoms; the maximum dose is 600 mg three times a day. There are some nerve friendly supplements that will help you too. I hope this answer has helped you. Thank you Regards Dr Sunita Sayammagaru