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Hi, I've Had A 'rug Burn' Sensation That Started On
Posted on
Sun, 27 Jan 2019
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 27 Jan 2019
Answered on
Last reviewed on
Question : Hi, I've had a 'rug burn' sensation that started on my left leg a month ago and now is on my left foot, mainly the achilles and toes. Should I be concerned? It is uncomfortable, but not painful to the point of limiting activity.
Brief Answer:
Nerve damage
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. What you are describing sounds like nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This is a condition where nerve fibers are damaged and as a result they become overactive and misfire, causing varying degrees of a burning sensation, depending on the extent of nerve damage. Sometimes there is also numbness, tingling and oversensitiveness to touch. The causes for the nerve damage are many, but diabetes and alcohol abuse are the most common.
Other causes may be: vitamin B12 or B6 defficiency, kidney disease, a low functioning thyriod, an inflammation of blood vessels etc.
Another cause for "rug burn" sensation may be poor circulation of blood to the feet .
In any case, further investigation is needed in order to determine the cause. A complete blood test looking for sugar, hormone and vitamin levels, a urine test, a EMG test (checking for electrical activity inside the muscles) as well as nerve conduction studies may be needed in order to diagnose the problem.
I hope this answers your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Nerve damage
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
I understand your concern. What you are describing sounds like nerve damage, also called neuropathy. This is a condition where nerve fibers are damaged and as a result they become overactive and misfire, causing varying degrees of a burning sensation, depending on the extent of nerve damage. Sometimes there is also numbness, tingling and oversensitiveness to touch. The causes for the nerve damage are many, but diabetes and alcohol abuse are the most common.
Other causes may be: vitamin B12 or B6 defficiency, kidney disease, a low functioning thyriod, an inflammation of blood vessels etc.
Another cause for "rug burn" sensation may be poor circulation of blood to the feet .
In any case, further investigation is needed in order to determine the cause. A complete blood test looking for sugar, hormone and vitamin levels, a urine test, a EMG test (checking for electrical activity inside the muscles) as well as nerve conduction studies may be needed in order to diagnose the problem.
I hope this answers your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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