You may be at an increased risk of experiencing meralgia paresthetica if you: To diagnose meralgia paresthetica, a doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam. The name Meralgia paresthetica is derived from the Greek word meros (thigh) and algos (pain) and was first described in the late 19th century by Martin Bernhardt, a German pathologist 1). Nerves are responsible for sending information about the environment back to the brain and also for sending messages from the brain to the muscles. Live healthier and stay inspired. Try these exercises for relief. In many cases there is no specific factor which can be identified as the cause of this compression. Treatments will vary, depending on the source of the pressure. Corticosteroid injections. In more severe cases, your doctor may give you a corticosteroid injection to reduce inflammation, which relieves the symptoms for some time. Meralgia paresthetica symptoms. no hypo/hyperreflexia or weakness). Meralgia paresthetica is burning nerve pain, numbness, and tingling on the outer thigh caused by compression of the nerve that runs from the spinal column to the thigh (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve). Meralgia paresthetica happens when a nerve, known as the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, becomes compressed. Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms. Any of the following can trigger the condition: Typically, meralgia paresthetica goes away in a few months on its own or with conservative treatment, like wearing loose-fitting clothing or losing weight. In most cases, there are simple ways to treat the condition, such as wearing looser clothing. Meralgia paresthetica symptoms are pretty clear to recognize. Meralgia paraesthetica. (1995). This large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of your thigh. The foundation of treatment for meralgia paresthetica is removing the compression that is causing the symptoms. National Center for Advancing Translational Sciences, Bernhardt-Roth syndrome; Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment; Meralgia paraesthetica familial (type). Restrictive clothing and weight gain are two of the more common causes of pressure. Washington, DC 20010, 1133 21st St., NW Meralgia paresthetica is also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome.. Signs and symptoms of meralgia paresthetica include a sensation of tingling, pain, burning, or numbness in the distribution of the involved nerve, the . The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is purely a sensory nerve and doesn’t affect your ability to use your leg muscles. Meralgia paresthetica: Relation to obesity, advanced age, and diabetes mellitus. Learn about the causes of excessive testicular…, Here are simple tips to reduce the appearance of scars. A manual therapy and exercise approach to meralgia paresthetica in pregnancy: A case report. This condition is known as meralgia paresthetica (me-ral'-gee-a par-es-thet'-i-ka). Sensory nerve conduction velocity (SNCV) testing has the best evidence in meralgia paresthetica. Accessed 7 Jun. Meralgia paresthetica (also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment) is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh. If symptoms persist for more than two months or your pain is severe, treatment might include: Rarely, surgery to decompress the nerve is considered. 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. While studies evaluating neurolysis and resection have been small, the evidence to date suggests that neurolysis typically provides at least some relief, although it may be temporary. 8. 883-93. Find resources for patients and caregivers that address the challenges of living with a rare disease. Pain Prac. Common causes of this compression include any condition that increases pressure on the groin, including: Nerve injury, which can be due to diabetes or seat belt injury after a motor vehicle accident, for example, also can cause meralgia paresthetica. They build public awareness of the disease and are a driving force behind research to improve patients' lives. How should the results be interpreted? Meralgia paresthetica (Bernhardt-Roth syndrome) is a neurological condition causing numbness, tingling, and sometimes pain in the outer thigh. What laboratory studies (if any) should be ordered to help establish the diagnosis? Rotator Cuff and Shoulder Conditioning Program, Burning Thigh Pain (Meralgia Paresthetica). The condition usually affects only one side of the body, but both sides may be affected in up to 20% of cases. Unpredictable Days With Myasthenia Gravis. Tenderness over the lateral inguinal ligament. Symptoms may worsen after walking or standing. Meralgia paresthetica. 669-677. The most common symptoms include: Tingling, numbness, or burning pain on the outer thigh. Meralgia paresthetica, or burning thigh pain, arises with lateral femoral cutaneous nerve compression. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. You may need both an abdominal and/or a pelvic examination to exclude any problems in those areas. If symptoms persist or are significantly bothersome, anticonvulsants (such as carbamazepine, phenytoin, or gabapentin) can tried as treatment for neuropathic pain. Talk to our Chatbot to narrow down your search. If there is uncertainty about the diagnosis, electrophysiologic testing can be done. A diagnostic/therapeutic block of the LFCN (typically done where the nerve enters the thigh, adjacent to the anterior superior iliac spine) may also be performed. DOI: Pearce JMS. (2017). What Are Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica? For pregnant women diagnosed with meralgia paresthetica, the condition will likely resolve right after delivery. They may also try phonophoresis, which uses ultrasound to help your body absorb a medication through your skin, or transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS), which delivers electrical impulses through pads applied to your skin to block pain. Most patients benefit from surgery. You might also hear it called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome. To rule out other conditions, your doctor might recommend: For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. Some patients describe itch in the affected area. Tingling sensation or a feeling of numbness on the outer (lateral) part of your thigh. B. In persistent cases a steroid injection around the nerve may help. Surgery (including neurolysis or transection of the LFCN) is generally reserved for disease refractory to other treatments. Exercises to Help Relieve Spondylolisthesis Pain, Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS. What Are Complications of Meralgia Paresthetica? To save this word, you'll need to log in. (2013). 1551-5. Compression may be associated with various causes such as wearing tight clothing or a heavy tool belt, diabetes, nerve injury during local or regional surgery, weight gain, pregnancy, seatbelt injury, or rarely, a mass pressing on the nerve. If a doctor is unable to confirm a diagnosis based on your symptoms and medical history alone, they may also recommend the following tests: Since symptoms typically subside on their own in a few months, medical treatment usually isn’t necessary. Patijn, J. To verify the site of the burning pain, the doctor will put some pressure on the nerve to reproduce the sensation. Bemerkbar macht sich eine Meralgia paraesthetica durch brennende Schmerzen, die an der äußeren Oberschenkelseite auftreten. The muscles of the thigh aren’t affected. Patient organizations can help patients and families connect. Take steps toward getting a diagnosis by working with your doctor, finding the right specialists, and coordinating medical care. Your privacy is important to us. Distance from Treatment focuses on relieving nerve compression. Burning thigh pain (meralgia paresthetica). Johns Hopkins Medicine: “Meralgia Paresthetica.”, NYU Langone Medical Center: “Meralgia Paresthetica.”, American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons: “Burning Thigh Pain (Meralgia Paresthetica).”, UCLA Neurosurgery: “Meralgia Paresthetica: Conditions.”, UpToDate: “Meralgia paresthetica (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment.”, Mayo Clinic: “Meralgia paresthetica.”, Cleveland Clinic: “Meralgia Paresthetica.”, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: “Meralgia Paresthetica Information Page.”. Diagnostic Confirmation: Are you sure your patient has Meralgia Paresthetica? Hear a word and type it out. Side effects include constipation, nausea, dizziness, drowsiness and lightheadedness. DOI: Skaggs CD, et al. These generally are given as part of conservative treatment during the first two . Meralgia paresthetica affects the skin on the outer thigh. The disorder is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (spinal nerve ventral rami of L2 and L3), a sensory nerve to the skin (see Figures 1 and 2). Tasmania: +61 3 8862 0000. Surgical treatment should be done only in those resistant to conservative management. Meralgia Paresthetica can increase the sensitivity of the skin around the front or side of the hip and thigh and can cause painful sensations such as aching, burning, tingling, and stubbing.. Patient Care & Health Information; Diseases & Conditions; Meralgia paresthetica; Your gift holds great power - donate today! Symptome, Beschwerden & Anzeichen. 1460-4. What Is the Treatment for Meralgia Paresthetica? 41. Medication: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), Anticonvulsants, Anti-depressants, Pain killers, Corticosteroid injections, etc. The most common symptoms of meralgia paresthetica will occur on only one side and include pain, tingling or burning on the outer thigh, increased sensitivity to . Meralgia paresthetica is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, a sensory nerve to the skin on the outer thigh. Pain that worsens with standing, walking, or prolonged sitting. This may involve: In rare and painful cases of meralgia paresthetica unresponsive to a nerve block, surgery may be indicated: Most cases of meralgia paresthetica go away slowly on their own over time. 2013. pp. 11. Have certain medical conditions, including diabetes. You have many nerves throughout your body. You may be asked questions about your medical history, including any other conditions you may have, medications you’re taking, and if you’ve had a recent surgery. If electrophysiologic testing is performed, it should be done bilaterally (for comparison, as responses can be quite variable, particularly in obese patients). Copyright ©1995-2023 by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. CON-20251934. This may be due to swelling, trauma, or increased pressure in this area. But in a few cases. Symptoms usually occur on only one side of the body and include: During the appointment, your doctor will ask about recent surgeries, injury to the hip, or repetitive activities that could irritate the nerve. Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — which supplies sensation to the surface of your outer thigh — becomes compressed, or pinched. Some people with more severe meralgia paresthetica may need medication or surgery. Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if you’re overweight. If you’ve been diagnosed with meralgia paresthetica, make sure you’re taking steps to reduce the nerve compression that causes it. More severe cases which do not respond to conservative measures or medications, may be treated with surgery. Rarely, patients may undergo biopsy of the LFCN. Nerves travel throughout your body, carrying messages to and from your brain. Injections can reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain. C. History Part 3: Competing diagnoses that can mimic Meralgia Paresthetica. This website also contains material copyrighted by third parties. These anti-seizure medications might help lessen your painful symptoms. Use ClincalTrials.gov button below to search for studies by disease, terms, or country. The doctor will touch your leg to find the affected area. Burning thigh pain (meralgia parasthetica). Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes numbness, pain, or a burning feeling in your outer thigh. Meralgia means pain in the thigh, and paraesthetica refers to burning pain, tingling or itch. Causes can include tight clothing, rapid weight gain, and injury. The trapped nerve in question is called the . If there are any “red flag” symptoms that suggest a mimicking diagnosis, imaging studies can be done, including pelvic x-rays (to identify bony tumors) and spine x-ray, computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) [disc herniations]. Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms. Usually, meralgia paresthetica goes away on its own or after changing contributing factors, such as . Compression may occur next to the spine, within the abdominal cavity, or as the nerve exits the pelvis. The type of therapy you get depends on the cause of your condition. 2010. pp. The numbness and pain are not mutually inclusive; you may just experience one of the symptoms as opposed to one occurring after another. 10 Things People With Depression Wish You Knew, Pain, numbness and tingling, and diminished sensation on the upper outer thigh, Pain may be described as burning, stinging, or "pins and needles", Light touch (such as from clothing) may cause unpleasant sensations, Symptoms are usually present on one side, though they can occur on both sides in about 20% of cases, Work-related equipment such as tool belts worn by carpenters, duty belts worn by policemen, and body armor worn by soldiers, Lying in the fetal position for prolonged periods, Remaining in the prone position after certain surgeries, A prolonged leaning of a thigh against a table, bench, or other surfaces, Carrying heavy objects supported by the thigh, Distance walking, cycling, or circuit training, Sensory examination with pinprick and a light touch of the affected thigh, Motor examination including muscle strength testing of lower extremity major muscle groups such as hips, thighs, knees, ankles, and, Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as, Surgical release – Decompression of the nerve, Nerve transection – Completely cures symptoms, but results in permanent loss of feeling (anesthesia), Taking breaks from long periods of standing, walking, cycling, circuit training, or any activity that aggravates the nerve, Not carrying heavy objects supported by the thigh. You might feel: Your symptoms may be mild at first, but as the condition gets worse, you might feel sharper, shooting pain. The most common cause of damage to this nerve is entrapment at the level of the inguinal ligament. Healthy volunteers may also participate to help others and to contribute to moving science forward. AAOS does not endorse any treatments, procedures, products, or physicians referenced herein. We avoid using tertiary references. ), Close more info about Meralgia paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetica is caused by compression of the lateral femoral . Meralgia paresthetica. Occasionally, trauma to the nerve may have occurred. If there is doubt about the diagnosis, ultrasound of the LFCN may be considered. In most cases, though, you should be able to recover within 4 to 6 weeks. 2. 1. This nerve starts in the lower spine and leaves the pelvis underneath a ligament called the inguinal ligament. The numbness or pain can be remedied with weight loss, exercise . A painful, burning sensation on the outer side of the thigh may mean that one of the large sensory nerves to your legs — the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) — is being compressed (squeezed). Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from compression (pressure on or squeezing) of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Currently GARD aims to provide the following information for this disease: This section is currently in development. | MedStar Health, MedStar Health: Medical Center at Lafayette Centre, MedStar Health: Medical Center at Brandywine, Good Faith Estimate and No Surprise Billing. Meralgia paraesthetica is known as a nerve entrapment syndrome. Meralgia paresthetica won’t cause complications with your pregnancy or affect your baby. Learn about symptoms, cause, support, and research for a rare disease. Most patients (>80%) will have improvement in symptoms over 4-6 months with conservative management. When impingement or entrapment of the nerve occurs, the patient can experience numbness, burning, stabbing, and aching along the well-delineated path of the LFCN, from the front of the thigh to . 2008. pp. IJSPT. Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms As mentioned above, some of the most common symptoms are numbness and pain in the region of the thighs. Tricyclic antidepressants. Some patients benefit from radiofrequency lesioning of the nerve, a procedure performed by our pain specialists.