Meralgia Parasthetica Treatment
- Pain Management
- /
- Meralgia Parasthetica
Table Of Contents
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What is Meralgia Parasthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica (also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment) is a tingling, numbing, and burning sensation in the outer thigh. In this condition, the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin of the thigh is compressed.
Meralgia paresthetica is commonly caused by tight clothing, obesity or weight increase, or pregnancy. Local trauma or an illness like diabetes can also cause meralgia paresthetica.
In most situations, conservative measures, such as looser clothing, can alleviate meralgia paresthetica symptoms. In extreme circumstances, medicines to reduce pain or, in rare cases, surgery may be used to treat the condition.
What Causes Meralgia Parasthetica?
Compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve causes meralgia paresthetica (compressed). This nerve is responsible for transferring sensations from the thighs to the brain.
Most people have little issue passing this nerve from the crotch to the upper thigh. But sometimes, the nerve becomes trapped in meralgia paresthetica, usually under the inguinal ligament, which goes from the abdomen to the upper thigh and runs along your groin.
Any condition that raises pressure on the groin is a common source of this compression, including:
- Increased abdominal pressure due to fluid collection in the abdomen
- Restrictive apparel.
- Pregnancy
- Presence of scar tissue has developed near the inguinal ligament
- Obesity
- Nerve injury
What are the Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica can induce the following symptoms in the outer (lateral) thigh:
- Numbness and tingling
- Increased sensitivity and pain after a light touch
- A burning sensation
- Reduced sensation
These symptoms usually affect one side of the body and may become more severe after walking or standing.
How is Meralgia Paresthetica Diagnosed?
A diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica is usually made based on the patient’s medical history and a physical exam. The doctor may ask to describe the pain, trace the numb or painful area on the thigh, and test the sensation of the affected thigh. Additional testing, such as strength and reflex tests, may be performed to rule out other possible explanations for the symptoms.
Following tests may also be conducted to rule out other problems such as nerve root problems or femoral neuropathy;
- Imaging tests like x-rays, CT scans and MRI
- Electromyography evaluates and diagnoses muscle and nerve problems by measuring the electrical discharges produced in muscles.
- Diagnostic nerve blocks.
- Nerve conduction studies to aid in the detection of damaged nerves
How is Meralgia Paresthetica Treated?
The symptoms of meralgia paresthetica usually go away after a few months for most patients. The goal of treatment is to relieve nerve compression.
Conservative measures
- Putting on looser clothes
- Taking over-the-counter pain medicines such acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), or aspirin
- Getting rid of excess weight
Medications
If your symptoms last longer than two months or your pain is severe, you may need to seek treatment.
- Antidepressants
- Corticoid injections: Injections can help decrease inflammation and temporarily relieve pain.
- Anti-seizure drugs
Surgery
Surgery to decompress the nerve is only considered in rare cases. This is only an option for persons who have severe and long-term problems.