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What Causes Burning Sensation On Skin On Ankles?

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Posted on Fri, 2 Jan 2015
Question: Hi - I have a burning sensation which feels to be on the skin on my ankle which comes and goes? what could this be?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (40 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Plse give details and a marked picture.

Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query albeit small and specific.

I would highly appreciate if you please provide further information for me to help you ::
Since when have you got this problem ?
Is it on one side or both ?
Is the skin normal on the affected are or has discoloration or any wounds ?
Any history of trauma to the local area / or above on the leg, thigh or spinal area (Back) ?
Any associated problems like diabetes or other medical conditions ?
What is the exact area you get the burning sensation and which side ( inside / outside / in front / at the back area of the ankle )
Is there a particular position of the lower limb or the back that gives this sensation ?

If the skin over the affected area looks normal, this is most likely to be due to affection of the nerves. The ankle is supplies by the branches of the sciatic nerve. You will need the nerve studies to decide the cause and the treatment.

If the medial (inside) part of the ankle is affected and the skin shows some changes , a possible diagnosis is of varicose veins causing the symptoms that you have mentioned.

If possible, you may please mark the area which is affected by a ball-pen or a marker and take a clear picture / photograph and you can please attach them with this query; I can then see the exact extent and also the condition of the skin. This will help me a lot to guide you further.

The treatment always depends upon the correct diagnosis, hence it is important to have one. I hope you might have consulted a Dermatologist or an Orthopedic Surgeon or at least your Family Physician.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (50 minutes later)
Hi
I have had the problem for approx 2 weeks - it could last for several hours at a time and then go away, I may not feel it for another 24 hours - the pain feels like a graze or burn, it is over the area on the outside of my right ankle (outer facing) and there is no visible marks or scoring on the skin. I have checked my blood sugar (as I had read about possible diabetes) and it always shows in the range 4.7 - 5.8 depending of time of day.
My mother RIP did suffer from varicose veins - however my leg does not have any visable veins or swelling (I cannot see an option to send a photo).
I did have a hot bath a couple of days before first feeling the pain - could it be a scald? I would not imagine the pain would come and go.
The pain is mild in nature and mainly irritating - about a level 2 or 3
Hopefully this helps, I will make an appointment with my local podiatry clinic
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Discuss Sural nerve entrapment at the Podiatry clinic..

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Noted all the details you have mentioned.

Since this is on the lateral aspect of the right ankle, the probable diagnosis about the sural nerve entrapment has to be borne in mind. You may please discuss this in detail with your Podiatry clinic.
This area is supplied by Sural nerve and can have entrapment during its course from the knee to the ankle. This may be the reason for your intermittent pains.

This can not be a scald as there are no visible marks or scoring on the skin as per your history
Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19778 Questions

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What Causes Burning Sensation On Skin On Ankles?

Brief Answer: Plse give details and a marked picture. Detailed Answer: Hi. Thanks for your query albeit small and specific. I would highly appreciate if you please provide further information for me to help you :: Since when have you got this problem ? Is it on one side or both ? Is the skin normal on the affected are or has discoloration or any wounds ? Any history of trauma to the local area / or above on the leg, thigh or spinal area (Back) ? Any associated problems like diabetes or other medical conditions ? What is the exact area you get the burning sensation and which side ( inside / outside / in front / at the back area of the ankle ) Is there a particular position of the lower limb or the back that gives this sensation ? If the skin over the affected area looks normal, this is most likely to be due to affection of the nerves. The ankle is supplies by the branches of the sciatic nerve. You will need the nerve studies to decide the cause and the treatment. If the medial (inside) part of the ankle is affected and the skin shows some changes , a possible diagnosis is of varicose veins causing the symptoms that you have mentioned. If possible, you may please mark the area which is affected by a ball-pen or a marker and take a clear picture / photograph and you can please attach them with this query; I can then see the exact extent and also the condition of the skin. This will help me a lot to guide you further. The treatment always depends upon the correct diagnosis, hence it is important to have one. I hope you might have consulted a Dermatologist or an Orthopedic Surgeon or at least your Family Physician.