Symptoms
Medical Definition of meralgia paresthetica. : an abnormal condition characterized by pain and paresthesia in the outer surface of the thigh.
Causes
Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from compression (pressure on or squeezing) of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). This large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of your thigh. Meralgia paresthetica results in sensations of aching, burning, numbness, or stabbing in the thigh area.
Prevention
meralgia paresthe´tica a condition of numbness and tingling on the anterolateral aspect of the thigh, rarely accompanied by pain; it is due to entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve at the inguinal ligaments.
Complications
Meralgia Paresthetica. A condition in which a person experiences numbness, pain, or a feeling as if it is burning on your outer thigh is called Meralgia Paresthetica. The other name of Meralgia Paresthetica is Bernhardt-Roth syndrome.
What are the symptoms of Meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is a nerve entrapment that may cause pain, numbness, hypersensitivity, and paresthesia within the anterolateral region of the thigh, which is the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) distribution area (1).
What is meralgia paraesthetica?
29/03/2021 · Meralgia paresthetica: Entrapment or pinching of the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer portion of the thigh. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes entrapped as it passes under the ligament of the groin. The pressure on the nerve causes burning, pain, and numbness over the distribution of this nerve, the outer and part of the front of ...
What nerve causes Meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica or meralgia paraesthetica is numbness or pain in the outer thigh not caused by injury to the thigh, but by injury to a nerve that extends from the spinal column to the thigh. This chronic neurological disorder involves a single nerve—the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh , which is also called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (and hence the syndrome …
What is Meralgia paresthetica (burning of the thighs)?
Meralgia paresthetica Definition. Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, or pain along the outer thigh. Description. Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to the... Demographics. Overweight individuals are ...
How do you treat meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia Paresthetica TreatmentHeat, ice, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen for a few days.Weight loss.Wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially around your upper front hip.14-Sept-2020
Does meralgia paresthetica go away?
Typically, meralgia paresthetica goes away in a few months on its own or with conservative treatment, like wearing loose-fitting clothing or losing weight. Pregnant women with the condition usually experience relief after giving birth. More severe cases may require medications or surgery.
What causes meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is caused by irritation of the nerve, most commonly from entrapment. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which runs through the pelvis, groin and into the thighs, can become compressed due to swelling, trauma or pressure in the surrounding areas.
Is meralgia paresthetica life threatening?
Left untreated, however, meralgia paresthetica may lead to serious pain or paralysis. Seek prompt medical care for persistent systems of meralgia paresthetica, such as numbness, tingling, or mild pain, as continued compression of the nerve may lead to permanent damage and paralysis.
Is walking good for meralgia paresthetica?
Exercising for 30 minutes a day at least three or four times a week should help ease meralgia paresthetica pain. Some exercises to try include: brisk walking.22-Dec-2020
Can sitting cause meralgia paresthetica?
Symptoms may worsen with sitting, standing, or walking for long periods of time. What Causes this Condition? such as a tight leather belt or even your favorite skinny jeans can lead to meralgia paresthetica.
How do I get rid of a pinched nerve in my thigh?
There are a variety of ways a person can relieve the pain of a pinched nerve at home.Extra sleep and rest. Sleep is essential for a healing nerve. ... Change of posture. ... Ergonomic workstation. ... Pain relieving medications. ... Stretching and yoga. ... Massage or physical therapy. ... Splint. ... Elevate the legs.More items...
Why is meralgia paresthetica worse at night?
At night our body temperature fluctuates and goes down a bit. Most people tend to sleep in a cooler room as well. The thought is that damaged nerves might interpret the temperature change as pain or tingling, which can heighten the sense of neuropathy.03-Jan-2020
How do you release the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?
Procedure for Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Decompression An incision is made in a lateral fashion on the affected side using loupe magnification (a device used to see small details more closely). The underlying muscles are carefully separated to expose the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the upper thigh area.
Can meralgia paresthetica be caused by a tumor?
Although meralgia paresthetica is usually caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve at the level of the inguinal ligament, in rare cases it can occur as a result of a lateral femoral cutaneous nerve tumor (e.g., a schwannoma).
What kind of doctor should I see for meralgia paresthetica?
For the accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for meralgia paresthetica, it is important to meet with a specialist that is specifically trained in peripheral nerve conditions. Our specialists at Advanced Neurosurgery Associates provide treatment of meralgia paresthetica.
What happens if meralgia paresthetica goes untreated?
Left untreated, meralgia paresthetica may cause increased pain, numbness, or other sensations like burning. These effects may interfere with your ability to walk or move normally.09-Nov-2018
How do you treat meralgia paresthetica naturally?
Self-treatment of meralgia paresthetica can be accomplished by reducing the source of compression—perhaps by losing weight or loosening belts, avoiding carrying a wallet or cell phone in your front pocket or wearing looser jeans.13-Mar-2019
What is the best exercise for meralgia paresthetica?
Doctors and physical therapists may recommend exercises as a first-line treatment for meralgia paresthetica....Lunges stretch and strengthen many of the major muscles in the leg, including:the quadriceps, at the front of the thighs.the hamstrings, at the back of the thighs.the gluteal muscles, which make up the buttocks.22-Dec-2020
What kind of doctor treats meralgia paresthetica?
For the accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan for meralgia paresthetica, it is important to meet with a specialist that is specifically trained in peripheral nerve conditions. Our specialists at Advanced Neurosurgery Associates provide treatment of meralgia paresthetica.
Can walking cause meralgia paresthetica?
We present three patients with signs and symptoms of meralgia paresthetica (MP) after long-distance walking and cycling. No other possible causes of MP, such as trauma or exogenous compression, were present.
How did I get meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is caused by irritation of the nerve, most commonly from entrapment. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which runs through the pelvis, groin and into the thighs, can become compressed due to swelling, trauma or pressure in the surrounding areas.
Can sitting cause meralgia paresthetica?
Symptoms may worsen with sitting, standing, or walking for long periods of time. What Causes this Condition? such as a tight leather belt or even your favorite skinny jeans can lead to meralgia paresthetica.
How do you calm meralgia paresthetica?
MedicationsCorticosteroid injections. Injections can reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain. ... Tricyclic antidepressants. These medications might relieve your pain. ... Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin), phenytoin (Dilantin) or pregabalin (Lyrica).
Can meralgia paresthetica go away on its own?
Typically, meralgia paresthetica goes away in a few months on its own or with conservative treatment, like wearing loose-fitting clothing or losing weight. Pregnant women with the condition usually experience relief after giving birth. More severe cases may require medications or surgery.
Is heat or ice better for meralgia paresthetica?
Heat therapy to relax muscles and ice therapy to reduce pain and swelling may be recommended as they can be tolerated. If the pain is less severe, or once more severe pain begins to reduce, behavior modification is often recommended, such as making sure to take breaks during long periods of activity.03-Apr-2014
Why is meralgia paresthetica worse at night?
At night our body temperature fluctuates and goes down a bit. Most people tend to sleep in a cooler room as well. The thought is that damaged nerves might interpret the temperature change as pain or tingling, which can heighten the sense of neuropathy.03-Jan-2020
Can meralgia paresthetica be permanent?
Left untreated, however, meralgia paresthetica may lead to serious pain or paralysis. Seek prompt medical care for persistent systems of meralgia paresthetica, such as numbness, tingling, or mild pain, as continued compression of the nerve may lead to permanent damage and paralysis.
How long does it take to recover from meralgia paresthetica?
It can take some time for your pain to go away. Some people will still feel numbness even after treatment. In most cases, though, you should be able to recover within 4 to 6 weeks.14-Sept-2020
How do you release the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?
Procedure for Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Decompression An incision is made in a lateral fashion on the affected side using loupe magnification (a device used to see small details more closely). The underlying muscles are carefully separated to expose the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in the upper thigh area.
Can a herniated disc cause meralgia paresthetica?
Proximal lesions such as lumbar radiculopathy, lumbar disc herniation, and spinal stenosis have been reported to cause meralgia paresthetica-like syndrome. These proximal lesions directly injure L2 and L3 spinal nerve roots and cause a constant compression of the nerve roots.
What nerve is involved in numbness and burning sensations?
Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from compression (pressure on or squeezing) of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). This large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of your thigh. Meralgia paresthetica results in sensations of aching, burning, numbness, or stabbing in the thigh area.
Can you get meralgia paresthetica?
Anyone can develop meralgia paresthetica . However, you are more likely to develop this condition if you are: Diabetic. Exposed to lead paint. Injured by your seatbelt during a car accident. Overweight or obese. Pregnant. Recovering from a recent surgery.
What causes a LFCN to compress?
These can include injury to the hip area; medical conditions like obesity, pregnancy, and diabetes; and wearing clothing that is too tight or belts in the waist area.
Can you have meralgia paresthetica if you have tight clothing?
You are also more likely to develop meralgia paresthetica if you: Wear tight clothing, girdles, or tight stockings or wear a heavy utility belt (like a tool belt or police gun belt) Have legs of two different lengths. Live with medical conditions such as hypothyroidism or alcoholism.
What are the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica?
Many people with meralgia paresthetica experience symptoms including: Pain on the outer thigh, which may extend down to the outer side of the knee. Burning, aching, tingling, stabbing or numbness in the thigh. Symptoms on only one side of the body. Worse pain when your thigh is touched lightly.
What is the test for lead in the pelvic area?
A thorough physical examination will be performed including a hands-on test called a pelvic compression test, in which the doctor applies pressure on your thigh to rule out other causes of your symptoms.
How does a nerve conduction study work?
This test evaluates how well your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve sends electrical impulses to the surrounding muscles. To measure electrical impulses, your doctor places electrodes along the LFCN. These electrodes measure how fast the LFCN transmits impulses.
What nerve is entrapped in the groin?
Meralgia paresthetica: Entrapment or pinching of the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer portion of the thigh. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes entrapped as it passes under the ligament of the groin.
How to treat meralgia paresthetica?
Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause. Meralgia paresthetica can also be treated by local cortisone injection at the point where the nerve crosses the crease in the groin. Infrequently, surgical release of the nerve is necessary.
What causes a burning sensation in the front of the thigh?
The pressure on the nerve causes burning, pain, and numbness over the distribution of this nerve, the outer and part of the front of the thigh. Meralgia paresthetica is usually associated with enlargement of the belly, such as in obesity or in pregnancy. Treatment involves addressing the underlying cause.
How to treat inguinal ligament pain?
For lower pain levels, treatment may involve having the patient: 1 Seek appropriate physical therapy, such as stretching and massage, which plays a large role in the management of pain 2 Learn to perform inguinal ligament stretching (from a physical therapist) which can rapidly relieve symptoms 3 Use rest periods to interrupt long periods of standing, walking, cycling, or other aggravating activity 4 Lose weight, and exercise to strengthen abdominal muscles 5 Wear clothing that is loose at the upper front hip area 6 Apply heat, ice, or electrical stimulation 7 Take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications for 7–10 days 8 Remove hair in affected area (shave) 9 Lidocaine patches (must shave area first) 10 Titanium dioxide patches to interfere with the electrostatic effect of the nerves on the surface of the skin
What is the term for pain in the outer thigh?
Neurology. Meralgia paresthetica or meralgia paraesthetica is numbness or pain in the outer thigh not caused by injury to the thigh, but by injury to a nerve that extends from the spinal column to the thigh . This chronic neurological disorder involves a single nerve—the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, which is also called ...
Can standing cause hernia?
Long periods of standing or leg exercise that increases tension on the inguinal ligament may also cause pressure. The lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh can occasionally be damaged during laparoscopic hernia repair, or scarring from the operation can lead to meralgia paraesthetica.
What does meralgia paraesthetica mean?
The term " meralgia paraesthetica" combines four Greek roots to mean "thigh pain with anomalous perception". The disorder has also been nicknamed bikini brief syndrome and skinny pants syndrome, because it can be caused by wearing tight clothing.
Why does my rib cage hurt?
The nerve may become painful over a period of time as weight gain makes underwear, belting or the waistband of pants gradually exert higher levels of pressure. Pain may be acute and radiate into the rib cage, and into the groin, thigh, and knee.
What are the symptoms of a bee sting?
Signs and symptoms. Pain on the outer side of the thigh, occasion ally extending to the outer side of the knee, usually constant. A burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the same area. Multiple bee-sting like pains in the affected area. Occasionally, aching in the groin area or pain spreading across the buttocks.
How long does it take to heal a compression nerve?
Whatever the cause, typical treatment takes several weeks to months— depending on the degree of nerve damage.
Definition
Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, or pain along the outer thigh.
Description
Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to the outer part of the thigh, is compressed or entrapped at the point where it exits the pelvis. Usually, only one thigh is affected. Obese, diabetic, or pregnant people are more susceptible to this disorder.
Demographics
Overweight individuals are more likely to develop meralgia paresthetica; men are more commonly affected than women. The disorder tends to occur in middle-aged individuals.
Causes and symptoms
Meralgia paresthetica is the result of pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, and subsequent inflammation of the nerve. The point of pressure or entrapment is usually where the nerve exits the pelvis, running through the inguinal ligament.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually evident based on the patient's description of symptoms and the physical examination. Neurological testing will usually reveal normal thigh-muscle strength and normal reflexes, but there will be numbness or extreme sensitivity of the skin along the outer aspect of the thigh.
Treatment team
Depending on its severity, meralgia paresthetica may be treated by a family medicine doctor, internal medicine specialist, neurologist , or orthopedic surgeon.
Treatment
Patients with meralgia paresthetica are usually advised to lose weight and to wear loose, light clothing. Sometimes medications (amitriptyline, carbamazepine , or gabapentin , for example) can ameliorate some of the symptoms.