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Hi, I've Had A 'rug Burn' Sensation That Started On

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Posted on Fri, 22 Feb 2019
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.
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Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (3 hours later)
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.
Note: For further queries, consult a joint and bone specialist, an Orthopaedic surgeon. Book a Call now.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng
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Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ornela Ademovi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 725 Questions

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Hi, I've Had A 'rug Burn' Sensation That Started On

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.