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meralgia paresthetica patient handout

by Felicity Quigley Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago

What is the prognosis of Meralgia paresthetica?

Prognosis depends on the cause of the meralgia paraesthetica. If it is caused by something reversible, such as tight clothing, symptoms often recover quickly once this is addressed. The abnormal sensations usually get better over time, but the numbness may persist.

How to effectively treat Meralgia paresthetica?

The treatment possibilities for meralgia paresthetica include:

  • Weight Loss.
  • Myofascial Release.
  • Chiropractic Adjustment.
  • Accupuncture.
  • Corrective Flexibility.
  • Corrective Strength Training.
  • Physical Therapy.

How do you treat Meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica

  • Diagnosis. In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical history and a physical exam.
  • Treatment. For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. ...
  • Lifestyle and home remedies. Avoid wearing tight clothing. ...
  • Preparing for your appointment. ...

What are some of the best exercises for Meralgia paresthetica?

To perform a lunge:

  • Stand up straight with the hands at the sides of the body.
  • Take a big step forward with the right leg, and place both hands on the hips. ...
  • Lower the body until the right thigh is parallel to the floor, and the right shin is vertical. ...
  • Repeat the exercise 15 times, then switch to the other leg.
  • Do 3 sets of lunges on each side once or twice a day.

What are the causes of meralgia paraesthetica?

What is the condition that causes a numbing sensation in the upper thigh?

What are some examples of conservative treatments?

What is the nerve that causes pain in the outer thigh?

Why do I have a curled up thigh?

What is the name of the medication that is injected into the lateral cutaneous nerve?

Can a car accident cause meralgia paraesthetica?

See more

About this website

What is the best treatment for meralgia paresthetica?

For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve compression....TreatmentWearing looser clothing.Losing excess weight.Taking OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin.

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.

Can meralgia paresthetica be permanent?

Usually, meralgia paresthetica will resolve itself spontaneously or with lifestyle modifications such as wearing loose clothing. In cases in which meralgia paresthetica is painful, antiseizure or antidepressant medications that target the nervous system may be used.

What does meralgia paresthetica feel like?

Meralgia paresthetica is a disorder characterized by tingling, numbness, and burning pain in the outer side of the thigh. The disorder is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, a sensory nerve to the skin, as it exits the pelvis.

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.

What can be mistaken for meralgia paresthetica?

A number of conditions resemble meralgia paresthetica closely enough that misdiagnosis is possible. These conditions include: Lumbar radiculopathy. Pain caused by compression or inflammation of a nerve in the spine.

How is severe meralgia paresthetica treated?

In most cases, you can relieve meralgia paresthetica with conservative measures, such as wearing looser clothing. In severe cases, treatment may include medications to relieve discomfort or, rarely, surgery.

What kind of doctor treats meralgia paresthetica?

A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

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 sitting cause meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed or pinched. This nerve is in charge of sensation along the front and side of the thigh. Those who suffer from the condition report symptoms of pain, throbbing, burning, or numbness in their thighs when they sit down.

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.

Is meralgia paresthetica sciatica?

One of the false sciaticas is called “meralgia paresthetica.” Meralgia paresthetica is a compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as the nerve travels under the inguinal ligament of the pelvis.

Meralgia Paresthetica | Best Exercises for Pain Relief

Disclaimer: The information contained herein is for information purposes only and is not to be construed as a diagnosis, treatment, preventive, or cure for any disease, disorder, or abnormal physical state, nor should it be considered a substitute for medical care from your doctor. On any matter relating to your health or well-being—and prior to undertaking any health-related activity ...

Meralgia Paraesthetica: Do Not Ignore The Symptoms Of Pain

Differing Symptoms. It is also very important to rule out other conditions that may be causing the pain. That is not to suggest that if you think that you have meralgia paraesthetica, it will probably turn out to be something more sinister or longer term, but it is important to be sure that the condition is not a symptom of another disease, that may require greater investigation and treatment.

Meralgia Paresthetica: Treatment, Diagnosis, Symptoms & Causes

Meralgia paresthetica is a painful thigh condition caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Learn more from Cleveland Clinic about this condition's causes, symptoms, diagnostic approaches, treatment options and outcome.

Symptom Checker, Health Information and Medicines Guide | Patient

The same info as provided by GPs to patients during consultations,health/disease leaflets,patient support orgs,all about medicines,book GP appts online,interactive patient experience forum

Pins and Needles on one side of body - Neurology - MedHelp

I am a 34 year old male. smoker (1 pack a day 12 years) social drinker 6-8 beers every 2 weeks never more. I do not excercise / walk a lot. 03/07 woke up one morning to have my whole left side of my body feeling like pins and needles acompanied by weakness (no vision loss) somewhat slurred speach.

Meralgia paresthetica - Symptoms and causes - Mayo Clinic

In most cases, you can relieve meralgia paresthetica with conservative measures, such as wearing looser clothing. In severe cases, treatment may include medications to relieve discomfort or, rarely, surgery.

What are the risks of meralgia paresthetica?

The following might increase your risk of meralgia paresthetica: Extra weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the pressure on your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Pregnancy. A growing belly puts added pressure on your groin, through which the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve passes. Diabetes.

What is the pain in the upper leg called?

Meralgia paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in the outer part of your thigh. The condition is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper leg. Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by ...

What causes a pinched nerve in the thigh?

Causes. Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — which supplies sensation to the surface of your outer thigh — becomes compressed, or pinched. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is purely a sensory nerve and doesn't affect your ability to use your leg muscles. In most people, this nerve passes through ...

What causes numbness in the upper thigh?

Pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper thigh, might cause these symptoms of meralgia paresthetica: Tingling and numbness in the outer (lateral) part of your thigh. Burning pain on the surface of the outer part of your thigh. These symptoms commonly occur on one side of your body ...

Can meralgia paresthetica be caused by obesity?

Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, meralgia paresthetica can also be due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes. In most cases, you can relieve meralgia paresthetica with conservative measures, such as wearing looser clothing. In severe cases, treatment may include ...

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 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.

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 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.

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.

How does meralgia paresthetica work?

Usually, there is enough room to permit easy passage. In meralgia paresthetica, swelling, trauma, or pressure can narrow these openings and squeeze the nerve.

What to ask a doctor about meralgia?

If your doctor suspects meralgia paresthetica, he or she will ask questions to help determine what might be putting pressure on the nerve.

How to treat meralgia paraesthetica?

What is the treatment for meralgia paraesthetica? 1 Avoid wearing tight clothing. 2 If obese, try to lose weight. 3 If painful, medication such as paracetamol or ibuprofen may help. 4 If itchy, apply cooling lotions or creams as required (camphor and menthol). 5 If itchy, topical steroids are prescribed to treat associated lichen simplex. 6 Local anaesthetic creams may provide temporary relief of symptoms if they are mild and superficial. 7 Corticosteroid injection into the inguinal ligament may reduce swelling and pain. 8 Local nerve block at the inguinal ligament may provide temporary relief of pain. 9 Amitriptyline or other oral tricyclic at night may help sleep and counteract neuropathic symptoms. 10 Gabapentin, pregabalin or other anticonvulsant are sometimes prescribed. 11 Pulsed radiofrequency to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve has been reported. 12 Ultrasound-guided lateral femoral cutaneous nerve neurolysis has been reported. 13 Surgical decompression of the pinched nerve may be undertaken in severe cases.

What is a paraesthetic meralgia?

Meralgia paraesthetica is due to compression or traction of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve in its pathway from the lumbar plexus, L2-3. This most often occurs under the inguinal ligament and may be precipitated by: Stretch injury, including after poor positioning after spinal, pelvic or hip surgery.

What is the difference between meralgia and paraesthetica?

Meralgia means pain in the thigh, and paraesthetica refers to burning pain, tingling or itch. Some patients describe itch in the affected area. Meralgia paraesthetica is also called lateral femoral nerve entrapment syndrome.

What is stretch injury?

Stretch injury, including after poor positioning after spinal, pelvic or hip surgery. Scar tissue after surgery or trauma. Tight clothing, belts and armour. Items in a pocket resulting in a prolonged or repeated compression.

Does corticosteroid help with inguinal ligament pain?

Corticosteroid injection into the inguinal ligament may reduce swelling and pain. Local nerve block at the inguinal ligament may provide temporary relief of pain. Amitriptyline or other oral tricyclic at night may help sleep and counteract neuropathic symptoms.

Can melagia paraesthetica be numb?

Meralgia paraesthetica is characterised by tingling, numbness, burning pain or rarely, intense itch ( pruritus) on the outside of the thigh. In about one in five people, it can affect both sides. Symptoms can be intermittent or continuous. They tend to be made worse by standing and walking and relieved by sitting.

How to treat meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica is usually treated by managing the patient’s weight, pain medication and ultimately, exercise. The exercise can not only help with any weight loss that you may need as well as stretching and building the muscles in the areas that can help relieve the pain.

How to stretch quadriceps?

Quadriceps Stretch. Stand facing a wall with one hand on the wall for balance. While bending one leg at the knee, bring your foot toward your rear end. Reach back with your free hand and gently guide your foot closer to your body. Do this until you feel a little bit of stretch in the front of the thigh.

What is the term for a leg nerve that is pinched?

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition in which there is too much pressure on one of the nerves in your leg or other damage to a leg nerve. The term “pinched nerve” applies to meralgia paresthetica. This can also be a side effect of obesity as a large belly can cause that pressure on the nerves in question.

What to do if you pull a muscle in your thigh?

Medication. Certain medications like painkillers can help relieve some of the pain and pressure in your outer thigh. Aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen are all recommended to help out. 2. Weight loss.

Can a corticosteroid shot help with meralgia?

While normally reserved for joint pain, a corticosteroid shot can help relieve the pain and pressure of meralgia paresthetica. This relief can be temporary and multiple shots may be required.

Can meralgia paresthetica cause walking problems?

Meralgia paresthetica can really drag you down. It can make it difficult to do many of your daily physical activities. It often makes walking an issue. But with any luck, some exercises and stretches, and maybe the use of some medication, you might be able to get back on your feet and have your pain reduced.

Can meralgia affect sitting?

You may have heard of it as paresthetica meralgia or Bernhardt-Roth syndrome, and it can affect your everyday life whether moving or sitting. Luckily, there are some techniques you can use to help take care of the issue, including meralgia paresthetica exercises.

What are the causes of meralgia paraesthetica?

Various sports and physical activities can be associated with meralgia paraesthetica. These include gymnastics, baseball, soccer, bodybuilding and strenuous exercise. Rarer causes include a neuroma. Neuromas are non-cancerous (benign) growths (tumours) on a nerve.

What is the condition that causes a numbing sensation in the upper thigh?

Meralgia paraesthetica is a nerve (neurological) condition that causes an area of skin over the upper outer thigh to become painful, numb or tingly. Meralgia paraesthetica is known as a nerve entrapment syndrome. This means it is a collection of symptoms caused by a trapped or compressed nerve. The trapped nerve in question is called ...

What are some examples of conservative treatments?

In most cases, only conservative treatments are needed. Examples of conservative treatments include: Rest - meralgia paraesthetica is aggravated by standing and walking.

What is the nerve that causes pain in the outer thigh?

Meralgia paraesthetica is a nerve (neurological) condition that causes pain in the outer thigh. It is caused by compression of a nerve called the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh. This nerve supplies feeling (sensation) to the outer thigh. In many cases, the cause is not known.

Why do I have a curled up thigh?

Other possible causes include lying down for long periods of time in a curled-up position. Diabetes can affect nerves in general and, although it would be unusual simply to have this one nerve affected, the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh could potentially be damaged by diabetes.

What is the name of the medication that is injected into the lateral cutaneous nerve?

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - such as ibuprofen, naproxen and diclofenac. Corticosteroid injections - commonly referred to as steroid injections. A steroid and, usually some local anaesthetic, can be injected around the lateral cutaneous nerve to numb it and reduce inflammation.

Can a car accident cause meralgia paraesthetica?

Meralgia paraesthetica can, however, be caused by direct injury to the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh accidentally. For example: A seat belt injury from a car accident. Inadvertently, during medical or surgical procedures - for example, keyhole (laparoscopic) hernia repairs - and treatments.

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