
How do you get rid of numbness in your outer thigh?
You may be prescribed neuromodulators (such as pregabalin or gabapentin) or anti-inflammatory medication to improve your symptoms. However, this will not cure your condition. Severe cases of thigh numbness may require surgery and physical therapy to improve your mobility.
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.
What does it mean when your outer thigh goes numb?
Meralgia paresthetica (also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment) is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh. It's caused by compression of the nerve that provides sensation to the skin covering your thigh.
What can a doctor do for meralgia paresthetica?
Treatment for Meralgia ParestheticaPhysical therapy to strengthen the muscles of your legs and buttocks and reduce injury to your hips.Wearing less restrictive clothing.Weight loss.An injection of a corticosteroid to reduce swelling.
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 happens if meralgia paresthetica goes untreated?
Left untreated, however, meralgia paresthetica may lead to serious pain or paralysis. Seek prompt medical care for persistent systems of meralgia paresthetica, such as numbness, tingling, or mild pain, as continued compression of the nerve may lead to permanent damage and paralysis.
Can meralgia paresthetica be cured?
MP usually resolves on its own, even without treatment. However, many physicians are not aware of this diagnosis and may confuse patients with another nerve disease such as radiculopathies.
Is massage good for meralgia paresthetica?
If tightness is found in any of the hip flexors (hip flexor musculature is often locked short due to prolonged sitting postures at home and work), then moist heat, followed by soft tissue manipulation (massage) and stretching may be helpful; particular attention should be paid to the sartorius and tensor fasciae latae ...
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.
How can I treat meralgia paresthetica at home?
Meralgia Paresthetica TreatmentHeat, ice, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen for a few days.Weight loss.Wearing loose-fitting clothing, especially around your upper front hip.
Does meralgia paresthetica need surgery?
Abstract. Background: Meralgia paresthetica is an entrapment neuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve that may cause paresthesias, pain, and sensory loss of the anterior and lateral thigh. Treatment is primarily medical. Surgery is an option for patients who do not respond to medical treatments.
Will a cortisone shot help meralgia paresthetica?
It is commonly treated medically with gabapentin and pregabalin with adverse effects such as sedation and weight gain. Perineural injection of corticosteroids such as triamcinolone, dexamethasone, betamethasone, and methylprednisolone have been shown to be effective in case series.
What is the condition that causes numbness on the outer and front side of the thigh?
Meralgia paresthetica is a neurological condition that causes numbness or tingling on the outer and front aspect of the thigh. According to an article in the journal Pain Medicine, the condition is most common in people aged 30–40 years. Meralgia paresthetica may develop following trauma to the thigh. However, a person can also develop it as ...
How to treat a thigh tumor?
Treatments for a thigh tumor depend on the specific area the tumor affects. A doctor will usually recommend surgical removal of the tumor.
What causes tingling in the thigh?
Tumor. A person may develop a tumor in the soft tissues of their thigh. This tumor might then press on the nerves and blood vessels, causing tingling and numbness. Doctors call these tumors “soft tissue sarcomas .”. According to the some estimates, these cancer types make up less than 1% of all cancers.
How do you know if you have a numb leg?
A person should see a doctor as quickly as possible if they have the following symptoms: numbness in the leg on most days of the week. pain or tingling in the leg. periodic episodes of weakness in the leg. A doctor will be able to evaluate the potential underlying causes and recommend treatments.
Why do my legs go numb?
Many factors can cause numbness in the thigh. These include keeping the legs crossed for too long, wearing tight clothing, multiple sclerosis (MS), and lupus. Treatment options depend on what is causing the numbness.
How to treat PAD?
Treatment options for PAD depend on its progression. Doctors may recommend surgical techniques to restore blood flow to the leg. Examples include bypass grafting as well as angioplasty and stent placement. Doctors may also recommend making lifestyle changes to promote better blood flow to the legs.
What is the treatment for MS?
Doctors tend to treat MS with medications such as steroids. They may also suggest plasma exchange, or plasmapheresis. Plasma exchange involves separating the plasma from the blood cells.
What does it mean when your thigh is numb?
Numbness in one thigh can be described as a loss of sensation or tingling in that area. It is reasonable to be concerned if you experience this symptom, especially if associated characteristics described below are persistent or intense. The cause can range in severity and will likely need to be evaluated by a medical provider for ...
What causes numbness in your thigh?
Changes in sensation occur when there is injury or disruption to a sensory nerve. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is particularly susceptible to injury or disruption in the form of compression because of its anatomical course in the body. It begins near the abdomen at the psoas muscle, then crosses diagonally over a bone in the pelvis called the anterior superior iliac spine, and then passes under, over or sometimes parallel to a structure called the inguinal ligament in the groin before going to the thigh.
What causes a numb feeling in the upper thigh?
This is caused by compression of a nerve known as the lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh as it passes underneath a tough fibrous ligament known as the inguinal ligament.
What are the symptoms of a thigh nerve issue?
Symptoms that never occur with thigh nerve issue (meralgia paresthetica): new headache, swollen hip, swollen hips, swelling of one hip, leg swelling, weakness of both legs, leg weakness. Urgency: Primary care doctor.
Why do my thighs go numb?
Inflammatory causes of numbness in one thigh may be related to: Autoimmune: Many inflammatory diseases that result in the body attacking itself can also affect the nerves and cause injury that results in numbness. Conditions such as multiple sclerosis and lupus are examples of such autoimmune diseases. Infections: Bacterial infections such as Lyme ...
Which nerve supplies the anterior and posterior portion of the thigh?
Branches of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve also supply the anterior and posterior portion of the thigh; thus, symptoms can be felt in these areas as well, sometimes extending to the knee. See this photo here of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and its area of innervation.
Which nerve is responsible for thigh pain?
Sensation in the thigh is primarily controlled by the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Because of this nerve's specific location, symptoms are often experienced most significantly in the outer (lateral) part of the thigh. Branches of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve also supply the anterior and posterior portion of the thigh; thus, symptoms can be felt in these areas as well, sometimes extending to the knee. See this photo here of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve and its area of innervation.
How to treat numbness in thighs?
How to Treat Numbness. Meralgia paresthetica is often treated conservatively. Wearing looser fitting clothes and losing weight can help relieve pressure felt on your thigh. Pain relievers — usually over-the-counter — or anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain felt by this disorder.
What is numbness in the outer thigh?
This disorder is characterized by numbness, tingling and a burning sensation on the outer portion of the thigh . This condition can be painful or sensitive to the touch. A majority of meralgia paresthetica cases can be treated.
What does it feel like to have meralgia?
If you have meralgia paresthetica, you may experience numbness and tingling on the outer portion of your thigh according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. A burning sensation in your upper thigh and a dull pain across the groin and thigh region are other indicators of this disorder.
What does it mean when your thigh is numb?
If you have meralgia paresthetica, you may experience numbness and tingling on the outer portion of your thigh according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. A burning sensation in your upper thigh and a dull pain across the groin and thigh region are other indicators of this disorder.
How to treat meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is often treated conservatively. Wearing looser fitting clothes and losing weight can help relieve pressure felt on your thigh. Pain relievers — usually over-the-counter — or anti-inflammatory medications can help reduce pain felt by this disorder.
What nerve is involved in meralgia?
Meralgia paresthetica is the result of the compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, according to Mayo Clinic. This nerve supplies sensation to your upper thigh. When the nerve becomes pinched or compressed, you may experience difficulty using your leg muscle.
Can meralgia paresthetica be treated?
This condition can be painful or sensitive to the touch. A majority of meralgia paresthetica cases can be treated. If you experience persistent numbness in your thigh, contact a medical professional.
What to do if you feel numbness in your thigh?
Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if a sudden feeling of numbness in the thigh is accompanied by numbness or weakness on one side of your body; a change in level of consciousness or alertness, such as passing out or unresponsiveness; or the worst headache of your life, as these can be signs of stroke.
What is numb thigh?
Numb thigh is caused when sensation in the thigh is diminished from nerve damage or dysfunction. It can result from an injury to the thigh or exposure to cold temperatures. Another possible cause of numb thigh is meralgia paresthetica, which is a disorder caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, one of the main nerves within the thigh. Numbness in the thigh or legs can also be caused by a number of chronic conditions that affect the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus.
What other symptoms might occur with numb thigh?
Numb thigh may accompany other symptoms, which vary depending on the underlying disease, disorder or condition. Symptoms that frequently affect the thigh also involve other body systems.
What causes numb thigh?
Numb thigh can be the result of peripheral nerve or skin damage to the thigh and surrounding tissues. Disorders affecting the nerves, such as peripheral neuropathy and stroke, may also cause numb thigh. Also, meralgia paresthetica, a disorder in which nerve compression affects feeling in the outer thigh, is another possible cause of numb thigh.
What does it mean when your thigh goes numb?
In rare cases, if the numb thigh is accompanied by numbness or weakness of the arms or legs on one side of the body, it can be a sign of stroke. The duration and course of numb thigh vary widely, depending on the cause. Symptoms caused by injury often have a sudden onset.
Why does my leg feel numb?
Sciatica is numbness, pain or weakness in the leg that is caused by pressure on the sciatic nerve, often as a result of spinal stenosis or disc disease . Alternatively, numb thigh may be caused by peripheral neuropathy, a disorder in which the nerves that relay signals between the body and the brain and spinal cord do not function properly.
What causes nerve damage in the outer thigh?
Exposure to cold. Exposure to toxins or poisons. Injury. Obesity. Occupational activities that may harm the outer thigh (accidental trauma, tight work spaces, confined operating space) Peripheral neuropathy (disorder that causes dysfunction of nerves that lie outside your brain and spinal cord) Pressure on nerve.
How to stop nerve pain in thigh?
If your nerve pain in your thigh is due to weight gain, something as simple as losing the extra weight can help cut back on your pain. Wearing looser clothing may help, too. And, if you find your pain bothersome but not life-altering, you can always try over the counter pain relievers. These include ibuprofen—such as Motrin IB or Advil—and ...
What is the best way to get rid of nerve pain?
Vitamin Supplements. If you’re looking into a more natural remedy, Nerve Renew is a fantastic option. It’s an FDA-approved supplement that can help people not only get rid of their nerve pain but also help themselves. This natural blend of ingredients can assist damage cells in regenerating themselves.
What nerve is responsible for thigh pain?
Your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is in charge of sending sensation to your outer thigh. So, when this becomes pinched or compressed, meralgia paresthetica happens. Because the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is only a sensory nerve, you don’t have to worry about it affecting your muscles.
Why does my thigh feel like it's burning?
If there has been some kind of trauma to the thigh, it can also cause nerve pain and/or a burning sensations. Additionally, there are a few diseases, such as diabetes or a damaged spinal cord that can cause it. Your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is in charge of sending sensation to your outer thigh.
What is it called when you feel a burning sensation in your thighs?
Called meralgia paraesthetica, this is a condition in which there is a burning pain, tingling, and numbness within the thigh. There are a few symptoms, as well as treatment options. Here’s what you need to know for nerve pain in your thighs.
What nerves are most affected by sciatica?
When it comes to nerve pain, the first places people tend to think are the most affected are usually the hands and feet. However, some individuals suffer from leg pain, a pinched nerve, or sciatica and require physical therapy, while others experience nerve pain in their thigh. Called meralgia paraesthetica, this is a condition in which there is ...
Does nerve renewal work?
Therefore, you aren’t just taking something for temporary relief— Nerve Renew not only works to get nerve pain under control but also ward it off in the future by keeping your nerves nice and strong.
What is the best treatment for a swollen thigh?
For mild cases, your doctor may recommend: Heat, ice, or taking over-the-counter pain relievers like aspirin, acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen for a few days. Weight loss.
What is the condition that causes numbness, pain, and burning sensation in the outer thigh?
What Is Meralgia Paresthetica ? Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes numbness, pain, or a burning feeling in your outer thigh. You might also hear it called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome.
How to treat meralgia paresthetica?
In most cases, there are simple ways to treat the condition, such as wearing looser clothing. Some people with more severe meralgia paresthetica may need medication or surgery.
How long does it take for a nerve to go away after surgery?
Some people will still feel numbness even after treatment. In most cases, though, you should be able to recover within 4 to 6 weeks.
What tests can be done to check for hip pain?
You may get x-rays, a CT scan, or an MRI. Electromyography. This measures the electrical activity in your muscles through a thin needle electrode.
What does a doctor do when you have a leg injury?
The doctor will touch your leg to find the affected area. They will check for any neurological abnormalities of the lower leg.
Why does my pain go away after walking?
Sensitivity to light touch rather than to firm pressure. High sensitivity to heat. Pain may be worse after you’ve been walking or standing for a time. Your symptoms may be mild at first, but as the condition gets worse, you might feel sharper, shooting pain. It may go away and come back for no clear reason.
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 ...
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 lateral femoral nerve to pass through?
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 gro in, through which the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve passes. Diabetes. Diabetes-related nerve injury can lead to meralgia paresthetica. Age.
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 ...
Why does my thigh hurt?
The cause of meralgia paresthetica is compression of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin surface of your thigh. Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica.
How to treat meralgia paresthetica?
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.
Why does my groin feel compressed?
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.
What is the treatment for a nerve compression?
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.
How to reduce swelling in hips?
Wearing less restrictive clothing. Weight loss management. Corticosteroid injection to reduce swelling. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the compression surrounding the nerve.
What does meralgia paresthetica feel like?
Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica may include: Burning sensation felt in the top or outer side of the thigh. Tingling or numbness.
What nerves are involved in meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerv e branches off the lumbar plexus, a network of nerves that connects the spinal cord in the lower back with the motor and sensory nerves of the legs and lower body. It provides sensation to the front and sides of the thigh. This is a pure sensory nerve and does not operate any muscles.
What nerve is involved in lateral femoral cutaneous nerve?
Meralgia Paresthetica. Meralgia paresthetic a is caused by the compression of one of the large sensory nerves in the leg — the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. This nerve provides sensation to the skin along the outer thigh starting from the inguinal ligament and extending down toward the knee.
What causes meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is caused by irritation of the nerve, most commonly from entrapment. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which runs through the pelvis, groin and into the thighs, can become compressed due to swelling, trauma or pressure in the surrounding areas.

Overview
- Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh. The cause of meralgia paresthetica is compression of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin surface of your thigh.Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, meralgia paresthetica can also be due t…
Treatment
- For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve compression.
- It depends on which of these factors may be contributing to your symptoms. If the cause is due to tight-fitting clothing, belts, or work belts, then modifying these garments should alleviate your symptoms. Patients who are pregnant usually have complete resolution of their symptoms after delivery. If recent weight gain is thought to contribute to the condition, then a weight loss progra…
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 the groin to the upper thigh without trouble. …
Diagnosis
- In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical history and a physical exam. He or she might test the sensation of the affected thigh, ask you to describe the pain, and ask you to trace the numb or painful area on your thigh. Additional examination including strength testing and reflex testing might be done to help exclude other ca…
- Patients normally undergo tests such as X-ray imaging to rule out other conditions that might mimic meralgia paresthetica. If you are pregnant, however, your doctor is more likely to conduct orthopedic tests instead. For instance, a Kemp test, which your doctor can perform while you're sitting or standing, checks for abnormalities in your spinal discs. The Ely test, performed while y…
Management
- The evidence base for the treatment of meralgia paraesthetica is weak; randomised controlled trials are needed. 1. In the case of obesity, loss of weight may cure the condition but is not guaranteed. It should resolve after pregnancy and tapping of ascites should help. 2. Idiopathic meralgia paraesthetica usually improves with non-operative modalities, such as removal of com…
Lifestyle And Home Remedies
- The following self-care measures can help treat and prevent meralgia paresthetica: 1. Avoid wearing tight clothing. 2. Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if you're overweight.
Symptoms
- People who have meralgia paresthetica may complain of some or all of the following symptoms: The symptoms may be transient (meaning they come and go) or they may be persistent. In some people, they are hardly noticeable, and in others they are very bothersome. Most people say that while they don't like the symptoms, it does not impact their life or activities or cause significant …
- Pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper thigh, might cause these symptoms of meralgia paresthetica: 1. Tingling and numbness in the outer (lateral) part of your thigh 2. Burning pain on the surface of the outer part of your thighThese symptoms commonly occur on one side of your body and might intensify after walking or standi…
Epidemiology
- An incidence has been estimated at 4.3 per 10,000 person years. It occurs most commonly in people between the ages of 30 to 40 years. The condition is thought to be much rarer in children. It has a higher predilection in men than in women.
Prognosis
- Most cases are self-limiting. However, although paraesthesia tends to resolve over time, numbness can persist.
Risk Factors
- The following might increase your risk of meralgia paresthetica: 1. Extra weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the pressure on your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. 2. Pregnancy. A growing belly puts added pressure on your groin, through which the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve passes. 3. Diabetes. Diabetes-related nerve injury can lead to meralgia paresthetica. 4. Ag…