Accompanying symptoms
The burning sensation in the leg is usually due to a functional disorder of the nerves. If only sensitive nerve fibres are affected, i.e. those that transmit information to the brain via touch, etc., other sensory disorders can occur in addition to the burning sensation in the leg. Often these sensory disorders are associated with pain, which can be, for example, electrifying or shooting.
A numbness can also occur together with a burning sensation in the leg. This means that the body no longer perceives touch and the leg feels numb. The nerve damage can also affect so-called motor nerves, which transmit information from the brain to the muscles and are therefore responsible for their mobility.
Damage to the nerves can lead to a loss of strength or even paralysis. If the burning sensation in the leg is due to a circulatory disorder, the symptoms are usually slightly different. Typically, the affected region is poorly supplied with blood, the skin is therefore often pale and the affected part of the body feels rather cold. In addition, small injuries to the skin occur more frequently, as the skin is no longer able to protect itself well due to the lack of nutrients. The resulting wounds also heal more slowly.
Diagnosis
At first, a burning sensation in the leg is not a diagnosis but a symptom. This can be a sign of various diseases. The diagnosis initially consists of an anamnesis, during which the doctor can ask about further accompanying symptoms.
Risk factors for nerve damage or circulatory disorders as well as a tendency to thrombosis can also be asked for in the medical history. This is followed by a physical examination with a test of sensitivity (sensation) and motor skills. To additionally examine the nerve fibres, the nerve conduction velocity can be tested. The blood circulation of the vessels in the leg is usually examined using ultrasound.
Treatment / Therapy
The therapy of burning in the leg depends on the underlying disease. If it is more likely to be pain, symptomatic therapy with painkillers can be useful. In addition, the cause should be treated.
In the case of a burning sensation caused by overexertion of the musculoskeletal system, the best therapy usually consists of physical rest. The tissue recovers within a few days to weeks, depending on its severity. Symptomatic pain therapy is sufficient.
Vascular damage, however, requires extensive therapy. Risk factors such as lack of exercise, overweight, alcohol and nicotine abuse should be treated. In addition, there are drugs that promote blood circulation and prevent the formation of calcium deposits and blood clots in the vessel.
If this is not sufficient, the vessel blockage can usually be treated by a minimally invasive procedure using a catheter. In the case of nerve damage, the therapy is very complex and consists of a combination of exercise therapy, medication and possibly also an operation. Since nerve fibres recover very slowly and poorly, a long therapy period must be expected.
