Understanding the Burning Sensation in Your Leg: An overview of Peripheral Arterial Disease

If you’ve ever experienced a burning sensation in your leg below the knee, you’re not alone. This uncomfortable and often distressing symptom occurs due to Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD). It is a condition of blood vessels responsible for supplying blood to the legs and feet. Under this condition, arteries in the legs narrow down. In this blog, we’ll delve into PAD, exploring how it relates to burning sensations in the legs, its risk factors, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What is Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD)?

Peripheral Arterial Disease is a common problem where narrowed arteries reduce blood flow to the limbs. The arteries can get narrowed due to fatty substances building up in them. This reduction in blood flow causes multiple symptoms like pain, cramping, and a burning sensation in the legs, especially below the knee.

The Burning Sensation Explained

The condition of burning sensation below the knee is quite alarming. This burning sensation could occur with a painful, tingling, or warm feeling and can be accompanied by numbness or weakness. In this condition, the muscles don’t receive enough oxygen-rich blood, which makes them ischemic and causes discomfort and a burning feeling.

Risk Factors for PAD

To treat and prevent PAD, it is important to understand its risk factors. Multiple factors can increase the probability of developing PAD such as age, specific diseases, genetics etc. 

1. Age: Individuals over 50 are more vulnerable to getting PAD. 
2. Smoking: Tobacco and smoking fasten the process of atherosclerosis, making it harder for blood to flow through your arteries.
3. Diabetes: High blood sugar levels can damage the arteries which could increase the chance of PAD 
4. High Blood Pressure: High blood pressure can harm blood vessels raising the risk of PAD.
5. High Cholesterol: High levels of bad cholesterol can lead to the formation of fatty substances in the arteries.
6. Obesity: Excess body weight can contribute to high blood pressure and diabetes, both of which are risk factors for PAD.
7. Family History: A family history of cardiovascular disease or PAD can increase your risk.

Symptoms of PAD

Beyond the burning sensation in the leg, PAD presents with a range of symptoms that may vary in intensity:

• Claudication: Pain, cramping, or discomfort in the legs or calves are major symptoms of the PAD which increase during physical activities like walking or climbing stairs.
• Rest Pain: An individual can feel numbness or sensation in the legs or feet while resting.
• Cold Feet: There is a noticeable difference in temperature between the legs, with one leg feeling colder than the other.

Diagnosing PAD

The symptoms of PAD are sensation below the knee and achiness, fatigue, or distress in the feet, muscles, calves, or thighs. These symptoms appear more during walking and exercise. If you feel any such symptoms, it is quite essential to seek medical attention. The diagnosis process includes a combination of physical exams and diagnostic tests:

1. Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI): This is a simple, non-invasive test in which medical professionals compare your ankle’s blood pressure with your arm’s blood pressure. A lower ankle pressure indicates reduced blood flow, suggesting PAD.
2. Doppler Ultrasound: This imaging test uses sound waves to visualise blood flow and detect artery blockages.
3. Angiography: In more severe cases, a contrast dye may be injected into the bloodstream, followed by X-rays to visualise the blood vessels and identify any obstructions.

Managing and Treating PAD

Effective management and the right treatment are essential for treating PAD symptoms. Treatment strategies generally include lifestyle modification, medication, and, in some cases, surgical interventions:

Lifestyle Changes

Small lifestyle modifications can bring significant changes to PAD. To modify your life, you can include quitting smoking, exercising, a balanced diet and managing weight. 

• Quit Smoking: This guideline is for individuals who smoke. Quitting smoking is one of the most essential steps you can take to slow the progression of PAD.
• Exercise: Engaging in mild exercise or walking with balanced and proper rest is essential for a healthy lifestyle.  
• Healthy Diet: A diet which is low in saturated fats, cholesterol, and sodium is considered helpful in managing cholesterol levels and blood pressure.
• Weight Management: Keeping a healthy weight can reduce the burden on your cardiovascular system.

Medications

Medication is useful to treat the disorder of PAD which majorly includes medicines for symptoms. 

• Antiplatelet Agents: This includes medications like aspirin or clopidogrel to help prevent blood clots.
• Statins: These drugs are used to lower cholesterol levels and stabilize arterial plaque.
• Medication for Blood Pressure and Diabetes: Managing these conditions with appropriate medications is crucial for overall cardiovascular health.

Surgical and Interventional Procedures 

In severe cases or where medical management fails surgery or endovascular interventions are options. 

• Angioplasty and Stenting: A balloon is used to open up blocked arteries, and a stent may be placed to keep the artery open.
• Bypass Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be required to create a new pathway for blood to flow around the blocked artery.

Conclusion

A burning sensation in the leg below the knee can be more than just a discomfort—it may be a sign of Peripheral Arterial Disease. Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the risk factors can lead to early diagnosis and more effective management. If you’re experiencing such symptoms, it’s crucial to consult a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and receive appropriate treatment. With proper care and lifestyle adjustments, it’s possible to manage PAD and significantly improve your quality of life.

If you are also getting the symptoms like sensation below the knee then flowcare is the best option for you. Here, you will get a personal consultation, as well as the best treatment under Dr. Rajendra Bansal who holds an experience of more than 11 years with 5000+ cases with effective results.