One potential reason your legs burn when you walk is venous reflux (venous insufficiency), where the veins in your legs aren't effectively circulating blood back to your heart.
Understanding Venous Reflux and Leg Burning
Venous reflux occurs when the valves in your leg veins become damaged or weakened. These valves are crucial because they prevent blood from flowing backward, ensuring it moves upwards towards the heart. When these valves malfunction, blood pools in the legs, increasing pressure and leading to a burning sensation.
Here's a breakdown:
- Valve Malfunction: Damaged or weakened valves allow blood to flow backward (reflux) instead of upwards.
- Blood Pooling: The backward flow causes blood to accumulate in the leg veins, particularly in the lower legs.
- Increased Pressure: This pooling increases pressure within the veins and surrounding tissues.
- Inflammation and Irritation: The elevated pressure and blood leakage into surrounding tissues can cause inflammation and irritation of nerve endings.
- Burning Sensation: The irritated nerve endings transmit signals to the brain, which you perceive as a burning sensation.
Other Potential Causes
While venous reflux is a possible cause, other conditions can also lead to burning leg pain during walking, including:
- Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD): Reduced blood flow to the legs due to narrowed arteries.
- Nerve Damage (Neuropathy): Damage to the nerves in the legs, potentially from diabetes or other conditions.
- Muscle Strain or Injury: Overexertion or injury to the leg muscles.
- Dehydration: Lack of sufficient fluids can contribute to muscle cramping and pain.
When to Seek Medical Attention
If you experience persistent or worsening burning leg pain when walking, it is crucial to consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Other concerning symptoms include:
- Leg swelling
- Skin discoloration
- Ulcers or sores on the legs
- Numbness or tingling in the legs or feet
