Unpleasant sensations that cause inconvenience can be a symptom of existing pathologies or the result of injuries. Periodically, pain and burning in the muscles occur, and in completely different places. In most cases, physical suffering in this part of the musculoskeletal system is short-term. People forget about discomfort, do not attach importance and, as a result, do not seek the advice of a specialist. But in vain, because short unpleasant sensations can be a sign of a protracted serious pathology.
Causes of irritating sensation of heat
There are a lot of factors affecting the appearance of burning sensation in muscles. One of the most common and common causes is overwork. Muscles are composed of elastic, contracting muscle tissue. Various loads reduce the performance of this part of the musculoskeletal system.
Fatigue in the legs may be the result of prolonged wearing of improperly selected shoes. Overweight is also the cause of pain in the muscles of the legs. During pregnancy in the last stages, many women experience discomfort in the lower extremities. Also, burning can occur as a result of various pathologies:
- Disorders of metabolism in the muscles.
- Changes in the autosomal dominant genome.
- Endocrine diseases. With diabetes, pulsation appears in the muscles, burning sensation in the feet.
- Venous and arterial thrombosis.
- The presence of various allergic processes.
- Infections caused by a pathogenic fungus.
Diseases of the musculoskeletal system
Disorders of the musculoskeletal system are the most common causes of burning in the muscles. Pathologies are diagnosed and amenable to therapy:
- Trocharteritis is a lesion of the femur, ligaments and tendons located in the area of the hip joint.
- Myositis is an inflammation of the muscles that occurs as a result of injuries, sports without warming up, complications after the flu.
- Myofascial syndrome is a disease accompanied by muscle cramps and pain, leading to impaired muscle function.
- Arthritis is a lesion of the moving joints of the solid organs of the skeleton.
- Flat feet - a modification of the shape of the foot.
- Sprains and tears of ligaments, tendons, muscles. A characteristic feature of such injuries is ongoing pain. Ruptures lead to impaired joint function, therefore it is necessary to seek medical help as soon as possible.
Neurological disorders
Burning in the thigh muscles often indicates the presence of neuropathy or impaired functionality of nerve fibers due to various injuries.
- Contractures - the restriction of joint mobility caused by disorders of the autonomic nervous system.
- Myopathy is a neuromuscular disease in which the failure of muscle fibers develops.
- Lumbar ischialgia - lower back pain associated with deformation of the spinal roots forming the sciatic nerve.
In pathologies characterized by damage to nerve fibers, in addition to burning, people feel pain, numbness, slight tingling in the muscles.
What is the danger of lactic acid in the muscles?
Some men and women who lead a passive lifestyle forget for some reason the doctor’s recommendations, persuasion of loved ones, and begin to play sports sharply. Literally the day after exercise, they feel muscle pain and burning sensation. Most often, this is a sign of accumulation in the muscles of lactic acid (lactate).
For the human body, lactate is very important. The component provides energy for the normal functioning of the nervous system, muscles, anabolism processes. Lactic acid dilates blood vessels, providing transport of oxygen to muscle tissue. During physical exertion, blood circulation increases, causing an increase in lactate levels. The phenomenon is considered normal for novice athletes. Over time, the body adapts, and a sharp increase in the level of acid is not observed.
If the pain persists for a long time, you need to talk with a trainer and consult a doctor.
Symptomatology
In case of unpleasant sensations, first of all, you need to relax, and it is better to arrange a long rest. Any pathology is not limited to any one symptom. So, for example, with thrombophlebitis, a person feels not only a burning sensation in the calf muscle, but also cramps. Also for this disease, swelling of the legs and expansion of the veins are characteristic. In addition to the irritating sensation of heat, the following symptoms may indicate the presence of various diseases:
- Stiffness in motion.
- Involuntary muscle contractions accompanied by aching pain.
- Discoloration of the skin.
- Burning gives way to a feeling of pleasant warmth.
- Unpleasant sensations are accompanied by a change in temperature.
- Deterioration of general condition: impotence, drowsiness.
The manifestation of such symptoms is a good reason to seek medical help. It is better to refuse painkillers, they will only mask the problem.
Diagnostics
It is possible to detect the causes of burning in the muscles of the back, legs, or other parts of the body with the help of complex diagnostics. Research methods are prescribed by the doctor after a preliminary examination and interview with the patient:
- Laboratory tests of urine, blood.
- Ultrasound of muscles, entheses, ligaments allows you to see the structure and changes in myocytes.
- Doppler ultrasound examines the flow of blood to the site of inflammation of the muscles and ligaments.
- MRI and computed tomography of muscle research.
- Needle electroneuromyography is a method that studies the electrical potentials of damaged tissue or organ.
If muscle diseases are associated with disorders of the endocrine system, then the doctor may prescribe a number of specific tests:
- The content of phosphorus and calcium in the blood.
- Studies of endocrine gland function.
- The level of parathyroid hormone and cholecalciferol.
Accurate diagnosis allows you to prescribe optimal therapy.
How is the therapy
In most cases, diseases, one of the symptoms of which is burning in the muscles, are treated with conservative methods. The need for surgery arises from complications of rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, with closed and open fractures, serious damage (tearing) of muscle tissue.
- Drug treatment. Focusing on the results of examinations, the doctor prescribes medicines. Therapy includes anti-inflammatory drugs, drugs that stimulate metabolic processes and blood flow. In the presence of allergies, antihistamines are prescribed.
- In certain pathologies with symptoms of pain in the muscles, physiotherapeutic procedures are used as therapy. They are also recommended for prevention.
- Therapeutic and relaxing massage relieves muscle tension and relaxes the entire body. There is a set of special exercises that remove the tone, improve blood circulation. Gymnastics can be done at home at any convenient time, and exercises can be used as a warm-up before doing sports.
Folk remedies
In addition to traditional medicine, folk methods can help get rid of the irritating sensation of heat.
An ointment based on field horsetail relieves a burning sensation in the muscles of the legs. For its preparation you will need 1 tbsp. l dry plants and 2 tbsp. l butter. The ingredients must be mixed. The resulting mass is applied to the skin of the legs, covered with a film and wrapped.
Ordinary white cabbage removes not only unpleasant sensations, but also helps the resorption of small hematomas. It is necessary to separate the sheet and attach to the place where it hurts or burns. The sheet is fixed and left for 15 minutes, then a new one is applied.
Muscle tension can be relieved with peas or cereals. Buckwheat or beans are poured onto the mat and walk on them barefoot for 15 minutes. Croup can be replaced with small sea pebbles.
Ice cubes applied to the affected area can temporarily relieve irritation.
Prevention
Burning in the muscles of the legs is a rather unpleasant sensation. Preventive measures will help to avoid them.
- The choice of shoes should be taken seriously. Women sometimes need to change their heels to flat soles.
- Before doing sports or serious physical exertion, it is imperative to warm up.
- In the evenings you need to take the “legs up” pose for 10-15 minutes. In this position, blood circulation improves, the load on the heart decreases.
- If unpleasant symptoms occur, consult a specialist.
The appearance of pain and other sensations that cause discomfort should not be attributed to fatigue. Ignoring and masking can exacerbate the problem, so you should immediately consult your doctor. After all, only a careful attitude to your health contributes to its preservation.