Why do my legs burn when I go for a walk?

Asked by: Patrice Morgan

During exercise, the body needs more energy than usual. It cannot take in enough oxygen to create energy, so the muscles in the body take over. This creates lactic acid, which causes a burning feeling when it builds up. Running or an intense workout will often cause burning legs.

What can cause burning sensation in legs?

If you have pain or burning sensations in your leg or foot, even when you’re not active, it could be something serious. It could be venous reflux, also called venous insufficiency, which is when the veins in the leg aren’t circulating blood back to the heart properly.

How do I stop my legs from hurting when I walk?

Rest your leg as much as possible, and elevate your leg with pillows. Take an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as aspirin or ibuprofen, to help ease discomfort as your leg heals. Wear compression socks or stockings with support.

Why does it sting when I walk?

A burning sensation in your feet may be caused by nerve damage in the legs, also called neuropathy. Although many medical conditions can cause burning feet, diabetes is the most common. Most burning feet treatments focus on preventing further nerve damage and reducing pain.

Does diabetes cause burning legs?

If diabetes damages nerves in your arms or legs, it’s called diabetic peripheral neuropathy. This condition can be a direct result of long-term high blood sugar levels (hyperglycemia) in those who have diabetes. Pain, burning, tingling, and numbness are common symptoms.

What vitamin deficiency can cause burning feet?

These vitamin B (Vitamin B 12, vitamin B 6, and vitamin 9) deficiencies can be the reason for burning soles and muscle coordination issues. Anemia, a weakness in functional red blood cells(RBC), may too due to vitamin B depletion.

When should I be concerned about leg pain when walking?

Call for immediate medical help or go to an emergency room if you: Have a leg injury with a deep cut or exposed bone or tendon. Are unable to walk or put weight on your leg. Have pain, swelling, redness or warmth in your calf.

Why do my legs feel heavy and tired when walking?

Poor circulation

Your legs may feel tired or fatigued if your blood isn’t circulating through your body properly. Poor circulation often affects the lower part of your body since it’s harder for blood to flow upward toward your heart. Sometimes blood can collect in your legs, ankles, and feet.

What are the 3 most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes?

The three most common symptoms of undiagnosed diabetes include increased thirst, increased urination, and increased hunger. Diabetes is a metabolic disorder that happens when blood sugar (glucose) is too high (hyperglycemia).

What are the 5 main symptoms of diabetic neuropathy?

Diabetic Polyneuropathy

• Unusual sensations (paresthesias) such as tingling, burning or prickling.
• Numbness and pain in the hands, legs and feet.
• Weakness of the muscles in the feet and hands.
• Sharp pains or cramps.
• Extreme sensitivity to touch.
• Insensitivity to pain or temperature changes.

How do I know if I’m diabetic?

The only way to know for sure that you have diabetes is to get tested. The most common tests are the A1C test and the plasma glucose test. This article will take a closer look at the warning signs of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, testing options, and treatments.

What does burning pain mean?

A burning sensation is a type of pain that’s distinct from dull, stabbing, or aching pain. A burning pain can be related to nerve problems. However, there are many other possible causes. Injuries, infections, and autoimmune disorders have the potential to trigger nerve pain and, in some cases, cause nerve damage.

Does arthritis cause a burning sensation?

In general, the first sign of arthritis is pain, also called arthralgia. This can feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation. Often, pain starts after you’ve used the joint a lot, for example, if you’ve been gardening or if you just walked up a flight of stairs. Some people feel soreness first thing in the morning.

When should I be concerned about leg pain?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have: Signs of infection, such as redness, warmth or tenderness, or you have a fever greater than100 F (37.8 C) A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride.

What are the symptoms of nerve damage in your leg?

The signs of nerve damage

• Numbness or tingling in the hands and feet.
• Feeling like you’re wearing a tight glove or sock.
• Muscle weakness, especially in your arms or legs.
• Regularly dropping objects that you’re holding.
• Sharp pains in your hands, arms, legs, or feet.
• A buzzing sensation that feels like a mild electrical shock.

Can walking too much cause neuropathy?

Not at all. Walking can reduce the pain and other symptoms of neuropathy from the nerve damage in your feet and lower legs. Walking and other light aerobic exercises have various benefits for people affected by neuropathy, which is a wide range of conditions involving disease and damage to the peripheral nerves.

What vitamins help with nerve damage?

B Vitamins

Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.

How do doctors know if you have nerve damage?

Electromyography (EMG) records electrical activity in your muscles to detect nerve damage. A thin needle (electrode) is inserted into the muscle to measure electrical activity as you contract the muscle.

How do they test for nerve damage in legs?

A nerve conduction velocity (NCV) test — also called a nerve conduction study (NCS) — measures how fast an electrical impulse moves through your nerve. NCV can identify nerve damage. During the test, your nerve is stimulated, usually with electrode patches attached to your skin.

What is the most common symptom of nerve damage?

If you have neuropathy, the most commonly described feelings are sensations of numbness, tingling (“pins and needles”), and weakness in the area of the body affected. Other sensations include sharp, lightening-like pain; or a burning, throbbing or stabbing pain.

Do damaged nerves ever heal?

If a nerve is injured but not cut, the injury is more likely to heal. Injuries in which the nerve has been completely severed are very difficult to treat, and recovery may not be possible. Your doctor will determine your treatment based on the extent and cause of your injury and how well the nerve is healing.

What does nerve damage feel like?

Nerve pain often feels like a shooting, stabbing or burning sensation. Sometimes it can be as sharp and sudden as an electric shock. People with neuropathic pain are often very sensitive to touch or cold and can experience pain as a result of stimuli that would not normally be painful, such as brushing the skin.

Does an MRI show nerve damage?

Nerve damage can usually be diagnosed based on a neurological examination and can be correlated by MRI scan findings. The MRI scan images are obtained with a magnetic field and radio waves. No harmful ionizing radiation is used.

Does burning pain mean nerves are healing?

Is Nerve Pain Ever a Good Thing? In some cases, paresthesia is a sign of healing. Patients with nerve damage resulting from illness or injury can experience intense symptoms as the nerves regenerate. Although the pain may be severe at times, it’s a temporary condition that indicates the body is on the mend.