Common tests & procedures
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.
What is the prognosis of 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 some of the best exercises for Meralgia paresthetica?
Your risk of getting the condition is higher if you:
- Are overweight
- Are pregnant
- Have certain medical conditions, including diabetes, hypothyroidism, and alcoholism
- Are between ages 30 and 60
- Have been exposed to lead-based paint
- Have legs that are different lengths
What is Meralgia paresthetica and what are its causes?
The treatment possibilities for meralgia paresthetica include:
- Weight Loss.
- Myofascial Release.
- Chiropractic Adjustment.
- Accupuncture.
- Corrective Flexibility.
- Corrective Strength Training.
- Physical Therapy.
How to effectively treat Meralgia paresthetica?
What is the treatment of meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia Paresthetica: What You Need to Know The condition is also called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome. Proper diagnosis of the underlying cause of the nerve compression is essential for effective treatment. Treatment may include physical therapy, weight loss, nerve block, injections or surgery.
What causes meralgia paresthetica?
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.
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.
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.
What vitamins are good for nerve repair?
B Vitamins Vitamins B-1, B-6, and B-12 have been found to be especially beneficial for treating neuropathy. Vitamin B-1, also known as thiamine, helps to reduce pain and inflammation and vitamin B-6 preserves the covering on nerve endings.
Is meralgia paresthetica life threatening?
In some cases, meralgia paresthetica can be a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including: Leg weakness. Numbness, tingling or weakness in other parts of the body.
How do you release pressure from the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?
In more severe cases, corticosteroid injections or injectable pain medications may relieve symptoms. Rarely, surgery is necessary to correct any compression on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Surgery is usually only recommended for people who try other treatments but still experience symptoms.
Is sitting good for meralgia paresthetica?
Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica include: Pain, numbness and tingling, and diminished sensation on the upper outer thigh. Pain may be described as burning, stinging, or "pins and needles" Pain may worsen with prolonged walking or standing, and is relieved by sitting.
What is the best position to sleep with meralgia paresthetica?
The best option is to sleep on the side opposite the discomfort with a pillow between your legs. (If the burning is in your left thigh, sleep on your right side.) This can help ease the compression of the nerve enough to allow you to get to sleep.
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 ...
Where does the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve go?
But in meralgia paresthetica, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes trapped — often under the inguinal ligament, which runs along your groin from your abdomen to your upper thigh. Common causes of this compression include any condition ...
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 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 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.
What nerve is involved in hip extension?
Examination might show altered sensation in the area of skin supplied by the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh. The pain can usually be provoked by getting you to extend your hip. Hip extension is the movement of the leg backwards. The main buttock muscle (gluteus maximus) tightens when you make this movement.
Where is the lateral cutaneous nerve located?
The lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh is found in the upper leg. It provides sensation to an area of skin on the upper outer thigh. If this nerve is trapped or compressed, burning pain, numbness or tingling might be felt in the area of skin supplied by the nerve. These symptoms constitute meralgia paraesthetica.
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.
What is lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?
mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LCFN) is what brings about the symptoms of MP. Originating from the L2 and L3 spinal nerves, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve enters the pelvic cavity lateral to the psoas muscle. It continues towards the ASIS over the iliacus muscle. Many variants can be found for its path as it makes a right angle to exit the pelvic cavity above, below, or through the inguinal canal. Whichever course it takes, it is usually within 5cm of the ASIS. Therefore, it passes through the lacuna muscularis, a passageway inferior to the inguinal canal that takes the nerve to the sartorius muscle. In this passageway it may travel along the iliopsoas muscle, which, if in a contracted state, may compress some nerve fibers. After passing this location, the nerve passes superficially over the sartorius muscle and branches into the anterior and posterior branches (Figure 1). There is also a common variant of the nerve piercing though the sartorius muscle. The anterior branch continues deep to the tensor fascia lata for about 5-10 cm down the lateral thigh and then pierces the fascia to become subcutaneous, where it may be subjected to mechanical stress. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve takes a long and complicated pathway, which presents many opportunities for the nerve to become entrapped. As with any nerve, prolonged chronic repetitive trauma may lead to trophic changes of the skin, neuropathic pain, and underlying tissue changes.
What is MP in medical terms?
Meralgia paresthetica (MP) is the diagnostic term given to a patient presenting with a mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) and typically presents with numbness, tingling, paresthesias, or any other sign of nerve impingement along the anterior and lateral thigh. It is specifically due to compression of this nerve as it passes over the anterior superior iliac spine and then under the inguinal canal at the lateral end as it progresses. It may be more commonly seen in individuals who are obese, have diabetes, or wear their pants too tight at the waist. Presenting clinical signs and symptoms may be sucient for obtaining the diagnosis, however, electrodiagnostic studies may be useful in confirming the diagnosis and quantifying the degree of nerve involvement.1 Treatment can vary from activity modification and a holistic approach to TENS unit applications, analgesics and local and/or systemic anti-inflammatories. Surgical interventions with neurolysis or neurectomies for those with significant weakness and atrophy or focal conduction blocks on electrodiagnostic examinations have also been used as treatment modalities.2 Given that this condition can be considered an inflammatory mononeuropathy based on its clinical presentation, relieving compression of the nerve along its course with osteopathic manipulation and behavioral modifications can provide symptomatic relief and restore normal functioning of the lateral femoral cutaneous 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Is surgery necessary for meralgia paresthetica?
In the very worst cases of meralgia paresthetica, surgery may be necessary. The surgery should relieve the pressure on the nerve and provide instant relief of any associated pain. That being said, surgery does carry the risks of infection and even possible nerve damage.