What Causes Burning Sensation In Left Calf Of The Leg While Sleeping?

Posted on Tue, 17 May 2016

Question: What would be the cause for a burning sensation in the left calf area of the leg? Symptoms are more prominent when reclining or lying down. Also discomfort behind the knee and thigh area when sitting for a long time.

Answered by Dr. Dr. Michelle Gibson (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
may be neuropathy

Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic

Burning and other abnormal sensations (such as tingling, sticking, numbness, stinging, cold etc) can be related to nerve disease/neuropathy.

Neuropathy refers to abnormal function of the nerves, this can be due to changes in structure or function of the nerve.

It can be temporary of permanent.

Some Causes include: (1)diabetes

(2) trauma to the nerves in the area eg arthritis of the hip or back can affect the nerves that supply different parts of the lower limb

(3) vitamin b12 or folate deficiency

(4)liver or kidney disease

(5)side effect of medication

(6)exposure to toxins

(7)idiopathic- cause not known

(8)infection such as shingles

To determine the exact cause, you would need to be assessed by your doctor by history of all symptoms and physical examination.
Blood tests (diabetes screening, checking liver/kidney, checking vitamin b12 and folate)

There are medications that may help relieve the symptoms. These are prescription meds that can be used for neuropathy

I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions

Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar