Burning leg pain may be caused by nerve-related conditions, according to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, or AAOS. However, other factors, such as environmental exposure, autoimmune conditions and certain blood vessel disorders may also cause the sensation of burning in one or both lower extremities. Burning leg pain may be mild, moderate or severe, depending on the cause of the pain and the tissues affected.
Sunburn
Sunburn is one of the most common causes of burning leg pain. Sunburn is a reddening of the skin that is caused by exposure to the sun or other ultraviolet light. The effects of sunburn may not appear for several hours after sun exposure. In fact, the full effect of the burn may not appear for one day or more. Possible signs and symptoms associated with sunburn include red, tender skin and burning pain in the affected area; skin that is warm to the touch; blisters; severe reactions such as fever, chills, nausea or a rash; and skin peeling in involved areas following the burn. MedlinePlus states that, although the symptoms of sunburn are usually transient or temporary, sunburn can cause permanent skin damage that may lead to serious health complications, such as skin cancer. Sunburn-related pain is usually most severe between 6 and 48 hours after sun exposure.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune condition that may cause burning pain in the legs. Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the body's own immune system attacks the fatty sheath that surrounds nerves, causing a disruption of nerve impulses or signals between the brain and the rest of the body. MayoClinic.com notes that in advanced cases, the immune system attacks the body's nerves, causing irreversible nerve damage and impairing a person's ability to walk or speak. Common signs and symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis include burning pain or tingling in parts of the body such as the legs, numbness or weakness in the extremities, partial or total loss of vision, shock-like sensations that occur with certain head movements, dizziness, unsteady gait, muscle tremors and fatigue. Multiple sclerosis is characterized by periods of relapse and remission.
Peripheral Artery Disease
Peripheral artery disease, also known as peripheral vascular disease, can cause burning leg pain. According to the American Heart Association, or AHA, peripheral artery disease is a narrowing of the peripheral arteries or the arteries that deliver blood to the head, organs and extremities. Peripheral artery disease is most common in the arteries of the pelvis and legs, states the AHA. Common signs and symptoms associated with peripheral artery disease include a cramping or burning pain in the hips, thighs or calf muscles following activity; leg numbness or weakness; coldness in the affected extremity; reduced pulse strength in the legs or feet; and erectile dysfunction in men. Certain risk factors increase the likelihood of developing peripheral artery disease, such as smoking, obesity, diabetes, elevated blood pressure and a family history of the disease.
