Does your leg feel like it’s on fire sometimes? Or maybe you notice a sharp pain that strikes out of nowhere? It might feel like an electric shock, a burning sensation, or even muscle weakness in the lower leg.
These could be signs of a far worse medical condition. But there’s hope; in this article, we’ll cover what causes nerve pain in leg, and the best ways to treat it.
Why Does My Leg Feel Like It’s Burning?
The sciatic nerve, the largest nerve in the body, controls movement and sensation in the lower body. It starts in the lumbar-sacral region of the spinal cord, passes through the pelvis, and runs down each leg.
When the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, a condition called sciatica occurs. Often, a burning sensation and dull ache radiates from the lower back through the buttocks, down one leg, and sometimes to the foot.
Sciatica is commonly caused by nerve compression in areas such as the spine. Other factors, like an irritated piriformis muscle or sacroiliac joint issues, can mimic sciatica symptoms.
Common Causes of Nerve Pain in the Leg
Knowing the common causes of sciatica pain can help pinpoint the exact problem and find the right treatment option. Here are some of the most likely causes of your nerve pain.
Herniated or Slipped Disk
A herniated disk happens when the cushion-like disk between spinal vertebrae slips or ruptures. This condition can compress nerves in the spinal canal, causing pain that travels to the legs.
A study showed that 73% of patients with disc herniation rate leg pain as the most bothersome symptom, more so than back pain.
Abnormal sensations that weren’t painful were also common, reported to be at 85%.
Spinal Stenosis
Spinal stenosis occurs when spaces in the spine start to narrow, placing unwanted pressure on the nerve roots. This narrowing often happens in the lower back and is a common result of aging or degenerative conditions like osteoarthritis.
According to Johns Hopkins, the condition can cause burning pain going into the buttocks and down into the legs, which causes sciatica.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that inflames the joints. This inflammation can spread to the surrounding nerves over time.
The ongoing irritation may damage nerves and disrupt their function. As a result, people often experience nerve pain in the lower body.
Peripheral Neuropathy
Peripheral neuropathy occurs when the motor and sensory fibers that connect the brain and spinal cord to the rest of the body are damaged.
Common causes include diabetes, where high blood sugar damages nerves, and kidney disorders, which allow toxins to build up and harm nerve tissues.
Symptoms vary depending on the nerves affected in the legs. Sometimes, it can lead to balance problems, severe pain, and a loss of sensation, which increases the risk of falls or unnoticed injuries.
Exposure to Toxic Substances
Exposure to chemical irritants and toxins can damage the peripheral nerves. Heavy metals like lead, mercury, and arsenic can harm nerves and lead to permanent nerve damage.
Chronic alcohol abuse may cause both direct nerve damage and nutritional deficiencies, resulting in alcoholic neuropathy.
Nutritional Deficiencies
Vitamin B12 is essential for protecting nerves with its myelin sheath, and a deficiency can lead to symptoms like numbness or muscle weakness.
Vitamin B6 supports nerve signaling but can harm nerves if levels are too high or too low. Without enough Vitamin E, nerves are vulnerable to oxidative damage, worsening overall function.
Best Treatment Options for Nerve Pain in the Leg
Managing sciatica pain requires a personalized approach that targets the affected leg. Below are some of the most effective treatment options available in the market
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy is an effective way to manage nerve pain and improve muscle strength. Stretching exercises can help reduce tension on the sciatic nerve or other affected nerves.
Strength-building exercises stabilize the spine and provide better support for the lower body. Posture correction techniques can also reduce stress on the spinal cord and improve overall alignment.
Over-The-Counter Pain Relievers
Over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or acetaminophen are commonly prescribed to reduce inflammation and ease mild to moderate pain. These are useful for short-term relief, especially in the early stages of treatment.
For more severe cases, doctors may prescribe medications specifically for nerve pain. Anticonvulsants like gabapentin or pregabalin stabilize nerve activity to reduce pain.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is a traditional form of medicine from China that involves inserting thin needles into specific points of the body to stimulate nerve relaxation and pain relief.
A randomized clinical trial showed that acupuncture reduced pain and improved function in patients with chronic sciatica caused by a herniated disk.
These benefits were observed at week 4 and lasted through week 52.
IV Vitamin Therapy
IV vitamin therapy helps address nutritional deficiencies that contribute to nerve damage by delivering vitamins like B12 directly into the bloodstream.
A study looked at vitamin B12 used alone or combined with other vitamins or medications like gabapentinoids, which are common for treating nerve pain.
Results showed that vitamin B12 may help treat painful peripheral neuropathy, which causes pain in the hands and feet.
Trigger Point Injections
These injections are administered near the spinal nerves to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain caused by spinal stenosis or a herniated disk.
According to a systematic review, these injections provide short-term relief within three months and medium-term relief within six months. These injections also help reduce reliance on opioids.
This treatment is ideal for patients needing pain relief to engage in physical therapy or improve mobility.
Treat Nerve Damage With Wellness and Pain
At Wellness and Pain, we are dedicated to helping you find relief from sciatic pain. Our skilled team takes a patient-focused approach to identify the root causes of your pain and develop a personalized treatment plan just for you.
We offer a range of proven solutions to address your symptoms and improve your quality of life. From diagnosis to treatment, we are here to support you every step of the way.
Contact us today at (844)-588-3732 or request an appointment. Let Wellness and Pain guide you toward lasting relief from nerve pain in the leg.
FAQs About Nerve Pain in Leg
What can I do for nerve pain in my leg?
You can manage nerve pain in your leg, which often involves one or more nerves in the peripheral nervous system, through physical therapy, pain relievers, and lifestyle changes.
What are the symptoms of nerve pain?
Nerve pain typically includes shooting pain, tingling, burning sensations, numbness, or muscle weakness. It can affect one or both legs and, in severe cases, may also impact bowel or bladder control.
What doctor treats nerve pain in the leg?
Pain management doctors, neurologists, and orthopedic specialists are trained to diagnose and treat nerve pain in the leg.
They may review your medical history and conduct tests to pinpoint the affected nerves.
Can neuropathy in the legs go away?
Neuropathy in the legs, which involves damage to one or more nerves, can improve with targeted treatments such as addressing nutritional deficiencies or underlying conditions.
Chronic neuropathy may not fully go away but can often be managed effectively to reduce symptoms.