A condition that causes numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the outer thigh is called meralgia paresthetica. It often occurs due to compression of the nerve that provides feeling to the thigh’s skin. Sometimes, this condition is called lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment.
There are multiple causes of this condition, including tight clothes, obesity (excessive body weight), and weight gain, among others. However, meralgia paresthetica can happen due to an injury or a chronic health condition (such as diabetes).
Commonly, the condition is treated with self-care measures (such as wearing looser clothing). If the symptoms do not go away, you may need medicines and surgery (rarely).
Symptoms
Usually, people with meralgia paresthetica experience symptoms that affect the outer part of the thigh. For example:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Reduced feeling or numbness
- Increased sensitivity and pain
Previous symptoms usually worsen after walking or standing. Moreover, this condition may affect either one or both parts of the body.
If you experience meralgia paresthetica symptoms or other symptoms that cause concerns, immediately contact your healthcare professional.
Causes
Most people experience this condition when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is pressed (also called compression). In normal circumstances, this nerve is responsible for feeling on the outer thigh. While the nerve may affect the ability to feel, it does not affect the ability to use the leg.
Commonly, the nerve passes through the groin region to the upper thigh without any problems, but in people with this condition, this nerve becomes trapped. It often occurs when the inguinal ligament pinches the nerve. Normally, this ligament goes along the groin from the stomach to the upper thigh. Check below the most common causes of compression:
- Tight clothing (such as corsets, belts, tight pants, and others)
- Heavy tool belt
- Pregnancy
- Fluid builds up in the abdomen, which leads to elevated abdominal pressure
- Scar tissue near the inguinal ligament
- Excessive body weight
The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve can be injured by certain health conditions (such as diabetes) and trauma after surgery, or car accidents.
Risk Factors
Physicians have identified some factors that may increase the risk of developing meralgia paresthetica. These include:
- Weight gain or obesity – People with excessive body weight are at increased risk of developing meralgia paresthetica.
- Pregnancy – A growing abdomen puts extra pressure on the groin area. As a result, it may cause damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
- Chronic health conditions – For instance, people with diabetes also have an increased risk of developing this condition.
- Age – While it may happen at any age, people between 30 and 60 years are more likely to develop meralgia paresthetica.
Diagnosis
Physicians usually diagnose this condition based on the medical history and a physical examination. However, they may ask some questions about your symptoms. Sometimes, physicians may perform some additional examinations and tests to check reflexes, muscle strength, and rule out other conditions that cause similar symptoms. Check below some tests often involved in meralgia paresthetica diagnosis:
- Imaging tests – Doctors usually perform an X-ray scan, CT (computerized tomography) scan, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scan to check for changes in the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
- Electromyography – This is a specific test used to measure the electrical discharges produced in muscles. It helps identify muscle and nerve diseases. During this test, doctors will insert an electrode into the muscle that then records the electrical activity.
- Nerve conduction study – This test involves certain patch-style electrodes that are attached to the skin to stimulate the nerve. It uses mild electrical shocks to diagnose nerve damage.
- Nerve block – If you get relief from an anesthetic injection into the thigh, where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is located, it indicates meralgia paresthetica. Commonly, to guide the needle, physicians use an ultrasound test.
Treatment
Commonly, people recover from this condition within several months with conservative measures. In severe cases, people often need medicines or surgery (rarely).
Conservative Measures
These include:
- Try to get and maintain a healthy weight
- Wear loose clothing
- Administer nonprescription pain relievers such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, Aspirin, or others to ease pain
Medicines
When symptoms do not go away with conservative measures, physicians may prescribe the following medicines. For example:
- Corticosteroid injections – These injections are often used for moderate to severe cases to relieve pain for a short time. The most common adverse reactions include joint infection, nerve damage, and lightening of the skin around the site of the injection.
- Tricyclic antidepressants – Physicians may recommend this type of antidepressant to reduce pain caused by meralgia paresthetica. Drowsiness, dry mouth, constipation, and sexual dysfunction are the possible side effects of these medicines.
- Anti-seizure medicines – This group of medicines can also be used to lessen pain. Doctors usually prescribe Gabapentin, Phenytoin, or Pregabalin. Possible negative effects include constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and lightheadedness.
Surgery
Healthcare professionals recommend surgery to decompress the nerve when medicines are not effective. However, this treatment option is available only when the condition causes severe pain.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens if meralgia paresthetica is left untreated?
If you ignore the symptoms or pain caused by the condition is mild, and you do not get treatment, you may experience some complications. These include:
- Severe pain and discomfort
- Difficulty performing daily activities
- Muscle weakness and reduced mobility
- Unusual weight gain
- Decreased muscle tone and strength
- Reduced cardiovascular fitness
- Joint stiffness
- Mood swings
Discuss with your doctor ways to prevent complications of meralgia paresthetica.
What are the most common causes of meralgia paresthetica?
- Repetitive motion of the legs
- Weight gain
- Tight clothing
- Heavy belts
- Trauma to the hip
However, this condition may happen due to other causes as well. For more details, consult with your doctor.
What is the best exercise for meralgia paresthetica?
The following type of exercises focuses on hip flexor stretching, myofascial release, and gluteal strengthening, which can help lessen nerve compression and symptoms. For example:
- Glute bridges
- Clamshells
- Foam rolling
- Iliopsoas stretch
- Lunge
- Prone nerve flossing
- Pendulous swing of the whole leg
- Quadriceps stretch
- Standing muscle stretch
If you have additional questions, ask your healthcare provider.
