'Nettle sting' on back of legs

[caroline111]

I've had lymphoedema in my legs for 7 years now. In the last year or so I've found that occasionally I get a very sharp stinging feeling on the backs of my legs - it's very much like walking through stinging nettles. When it first happened I thought an insect was biting me but my legs looked completely normal, plus I'm getting it now in the winter. Has anyone else had this? Is there anything I can do to relieve it?

[CCT67]

Hi Caroline

Stinging and pricking sensations are not uncommon for lots of Lymphies. I often get it - at its most extreme it feels like millions of bees simultaneously stinging my entire leg. It occurs more frequently in my severe Lymphie leg which is Stage 2 and generally happens when I’m standing. Elevation gives relief so I elevate as much as possible! Gravity is at work against the lymphatics in our legs when we stand hence elevation giving relief. Also wearing flatknit made to measure compression therapy hugely helps, as does regular lymph drainage ie SLD and MLD to manage symptoms and slow disease progression. Take care