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What Causes Burning Sensation In Lower Legs While Suffering From Nerve Compression?
Question: abnormalties in L4, L5, S1 was detected but I received no advice; now my leg, from knee down including ankle and foot, burns constantly. I am not diabetic;
Brief Answer:
Physical therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
First let me thank you for the loyalty you continue to show to this site, it really makes me feel that our work is appreciated.
On the other hand I am sorry that your health problems are still tormenting you.
The fact that your symptom seems to be present only on one side makes a nerve compression the likely cause instead of other systemic conditions like diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction etc, although it is advisable to be tested for those if you haven't already, fairly routine tests.
Compression can occur either on the nerve root as it exits the back or more peripherally along the nerve trajectory. When there is back pain it is easy to differentiate, but at times the back pain subsides leaving only the peripheral symptoms and in that case nerve conduction studies make the distinction. So since they show abnormalities in L4, L5 and S1 nerve root compression is the likely cause. However I can't recall when exactly did you have the ENG, I vaguely remember it was some time back, so if the constant burning under the knee developed later it make sense to repeat it to confirm there are no signs of peripheral involvement.
Also other non neurological causes like peripheral artery disease should be excluded, it can cause pain and tingling particularly when there is physical activity like walking which requires more blood flow to the muscles. In that case it would have also weak or absent pulse in your feet.
Best treatment for nerve compression in the back as it has been suggested by my colleagues in previous queries is physical therapy. Drugs for neuropathic pain like duloxetine, venlafaxine could also be tried, but I know your position towards more medication and since they are no miracle working drugs anyway, I won't insist much on them.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Physical therapy.
Detailed Answer:
Hello again!
First let me thank you for the loyalty you continue to show to this site, it really makes me feel that our work is appreciated.
On the other hand I am sorry that your health problems are still tormenting you.
The fact that your symptom seems to be present only on one side makes a nerve compression the likely cause instead of other systemic conditions like diabetes, vitamin B12 deficiency, thyroid dysfunction etc, although it is advisable to be tested for those if you haven't already, fairly routine tests.
Compression can occur either on the nerve root as it exits the back or more peripherally along the nerve trajectory. When there is back pain it is easy to differentiate, but at times the back pain subsides leaving only the peripheral symptoms and in that case nerve conduction studies make the distinction. So since they show abnormalities in L4, L5 and S1 nerve root compression is the likely cause. However I can't recall when exactly did you have the ENG, I vaguely remember it was some time back, so if the constant burning under the knee developed later it make sense to repeat it to confirm there are no signs of peripheral involvement.
Also other non neurological causes like peripheral artery disease should be excluded, it can cause pain and tingling particularly when there is physical activity like walking which requires more blood flow to the muscles. In that case it would have also weak or absent pulse in your feet.
Best treatment for nerve compression in the back as it has been suggested by my colleagues in previous queries is physical therapy. Drugs for neuropathic pain like duloxetine, venlafaxine could also be tried, but I know your position towards more medication and since they are no miracle working drugs anyway, I won't insist much on them.
I remain at your disposal for further questions.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Hi, again. I guess sacral pain is back pain but it's from a surgery. I only have it when lying down but seems to be of little concern. Twice I had Nerve condition tests that were abnormal, but was not told what to do. Too many comic actions and I'll leave it at that. You are my only source as I won't get mixed up at Army hosp again. Perhaps some day, but not there tganks
Brief Answer:
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I imagined that you didn't want to go there and I understand.
In that case then physical therapy is the best answer, initially under the guidance of a professional.
There are other non medication tactics which can be tried like chiropractics or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation though their effect is less proven by studies.
Wishing you a happy Easter!
Read below.
Detailed Answer:
I imagined that you didn't want to go there and I understand.
In that case then physical therapy is the best answer, initially under the guidance of a professional.
There are other non medication tactics which can be tried like chiropractics or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation though their effect is less proven by studies.
Wishing you a happy Easter!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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