Hello and welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Intermittent shooting pain is commonly neuralgia, which is nerve related pain. Nerve related pain (neuralgia) can be present in different ways including as a shooting discomfort. Some persons may give a history of burning, stinging or sharp intermittent pain. Others may complain of tingling or numbness. Neuralgia and other abnormal nerve sensations are due to neuropathy which is abnormal function of the nerves. It can be temporary or permanent and there are different possible causes. Some of the more common causes are: (1) trauma to the nerves that is arthritis in the back or a joint can affect the nerves. Nerves going to the legs come out from the spine and any changes in the bones in the back or in the other joints can cause problems (2) diabetes (3) abnormal levels of vitamin b6- either too high or low levels can cause problems (4) low vitamin b12 or folate acid levels (5) liver or kidney disease (6) idiopathic- cause is never found (7) side effect of medication (8) infection such as shingles (9) thyroid disease (10) conditions such as lupus or RA (11) exposure to toxins To find the cause, if it continues or it is severe, would require assessment by your doctor.This would include a history of all relevant symptoms, a general physical examination followed by examination of the nervous system. Blood tests such as complete blood count, ESR (looks for inflammation in the body), thyroid function tests, liver and kidney function, and vitamin levels. Treatment would depend on the cause found. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. Michelle Gibson James