Leg neuralgia

What is leg neuralgia?

It is an irritation of one of the nerves in the leg.

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What is a nerve?

A nerve is a body structure responsible for transmitting information to our nervous system. Information travels through the nerve in the form of electricity. For example, nerves allow us to feel our skin when we touch a part of our body. They also allow us to send electricity to our muscles to contract them and move our limbs.

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What are the nerves in the leg?

There are many nerves in the leg. However, there are "three main nerves that are often responsible for the pain:"

• The tibial nerve
• The fibular nerve
• The saphenous nerve

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What are the causes of leg neuralgia?

Leg neuralgia is present when the nerve is irritated in the leg or back. If the nerve is irritated in the back and there is also back pain, it is called lumbosciatica, radiculopathy, or lumbocruralgia. See the corresponding sections.

The cause of the irritation may be:

• Overstretching of the nerve
• Prolonged compression of the nerve
• Inflammation in the leg that irritates the nerve

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Here are some common examples that can cause leg nerve pain:

• Suddenly stretching the knee or ankle, which stretches a nerve beyond its maximum tolerance
• Receiving a blow, bumping, or falling directly on a nerve
• Having a knee or ankle sprain and developing nerve irritation due to inflammation

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What are the symptoms of leg nerve pain?

Leg pain caused by nerves is often described using unusual terms, such as:

• Burning
• Tightness, heaviness, constriction
• A sensation of stretching, a tight cord, or an overstretched elastic band
• Wave sensation
• Sensation of swelling
• Hot or cold sensation
• Sensation of water running

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You may also experience numbness, tingling, pins and needles, or electric shocks in the leg.

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Finally, you may also have other symptoms in the leg, such as:

• Feeling of loss of strength
• Sensation of a heavy or dead leg
• Change in sensation when touching the leg

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How is leg nerve pain diagnosed?

Diagnosis is made based on a review of your symptoms and a clinical examination.

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When to consult a physiotherapist for leg nerve pain?

You should consult a physiotherapist if you have symptoms as described above or if your doctor has already ruled out any other cause that may be responsible for your pain.

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You do not need to see a doctor before consulting a physiotherapist. If your condition requires you to see a doctor, your physiotherapist will be able to tell you.

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What are the physiotherapy treatments for leg nerve pain?

Your physiotherapist will conduct an assessment to determine the cause of your neuralgia and identify the irritated nerve. To do this, they will evaluate the following:

• Your joint mobility
• The gliding of your nerves
• The quality of your movements
• Your strength and stability

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Based on the assessment results, your physiotherapist will:

• Mobilize your leg nerves with specific nerve techniques.
• Provide you with specific exercises to retrain the strength and stabilization of your leg.
• Provide you with specific exercises to learn how to properly control your movements and desensitize your nerve.
• Teach you how to properly manage your daily activities and hobbies to optimize healing
• Give you advice for your posture and movements.

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What to do at home for leg neuralgia?

Temporarily stop doing movements that cause too much pain, and then gradually start doing them again.

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If you experience pain at night or morning stiffness, ensure your back is not excessively arched or rounded while sleeping. Avoid sleeping with your leg fully extended.

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Place a pillow between your knees when sleeping on your side.

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If you don't see any improvement after 10 days, you should consult a physiotherapist.

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