Meralgia Parasthetica
Treatment

Table Of Contents

• What Is Meralgia Parasthetica?
• What Causes Meralgia Parasthetica?
• What Are The Symptoms Of Meralgia Paresthetica?
• How Is Meralgia Paresthetica Diagnosed?
• How Is Meralgia Paresthetica Treated?

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
• Presence of scar tissue has developed near the inguinal ligament
• Restrictive apparel.
• Obesity
• Pregnancy
• Nerve injury

What are the Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica can induce the following symptoms in the outer (lateral) thigh:

• Numbness and tingling
• A burning sensation
• Increased sensitivity and pain after a light touch
• 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
• Diagnostic nerve blocks.
• Electromyography evaluates and diagnoses muscle and nerve problems by measuring the electrical discharges produced in muscles.
• 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
• Getting rid of excess weight
• Taking over-the-counter pain medicines such acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, and others), or aspirin

Medications
If your symptoms last longer than two months or your pain is severe, you may need to seek treatment.

• Antidepressants
• Anti-seizure drugs
• Corticoid injections: Injections can help decrease inflammation and temporarily relieve pain.

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.