Medication
For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months. Treatment focuses on relieving nerve compression. Conservative measures include: Taking OTC pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibruprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) or aspirin
Procedures
Meralgia Paraesthetica Prognosis (Outlook) 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.
Self-care
Pain relief achieved from anesthetic injection into your thigh where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve enters into it can confirm that you have meralgia paresthetica. Ultrasound imaging might be used to guide the needle. For most people, the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica ease in a few months.
Nutrition
Nerve injury, which can be due to diabetes or seat belt injury after a motor vehicle accident, for example, also can cause meralgia paresthetica. The following might increase your risk of meralgia paresthetica:
What is the treatment for Meralgia paresthetica?
What is the prognosis of meralgia paraesthetica?
How do I know if I have Meralgia paresthetica?
What are the risk factors for Meralgia paresthetica?
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.
Can anything be done for meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia Paresthetica: What You Need to Know 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 is nerve paresthesia treated?
A number of treatments can help restore function to the affected muscles.Braces or splints. These devices keep the affected limb, fingers, hand or foot in the proper position to improve muscle function.Electrical stimulator. ... Physical therapy. ... Exercise.
How long does it take to treat meralgia paresthetica?
It can take some time for your pain to go away. Some people will still feel numbness even after treatment. In most cases, though, you should be able to recover within 4 to 6 weeks.
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.
What kind of doctor treats meralgia paresthetica?
A neurologist is an expert in diagnosing and treating problems of your brain, spinal cord and nerves, including these 8 neurological symptoms and disorders. A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
Can paresthesia be cured?
Treatment depends on the cause of your paresthesia. It may be possible to treat your condition by eliminating the cause in some cases. For example, if you have a repetitive movement injury, a few lifestyle adjustments or physical therapy may solve the problem.
Is paresthesia a serious condition?
It may seem weird, but paresthesia usually is painless and harmless. But sometimes it can be a sign of a more serious medical problem.
What is chronic paresthesia?
Chronic paresthesia is often a symptom of an underlying neurological disease or traumatic nerve damage. Paresthesia can be caused by disorders affecting the central nervous system, such as stroke and transient ischemic attacks (mini-strokes), multiple sclerosis, transverse myelitis, and encephalitis.
Should I see a neurologist for meralgia paresthetica?
Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, pregnancy, repetitive motion of the legs or recent injuries to the hip are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, it can also be due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes, so it is important to consult a peripheral nerve specialist.
Can meralgia paresthetica be permanent?
Usually, meralgia paresthetica will resolve itself spontaneously or with lifestyle modifications such as wearing loose clothing. In cases in which meralgia paresthetica is painful, antiseizure or antidepressant medications that target the nervous system may be used.
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.
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.
Can you get surgery for lateral femoral 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.
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 the treatment for persistent meralgia?
In this case, recommended treatment may include medications to relieve symptoms or, in rare cases, surgery.
How to treat meralgia paresthetica?
Often, the numbness, tingling, or pain of meralgia paresthetica can be remedied with simple steps such as weight loss, exercise, or wearing looser clothing. If initial treatment is not effective for you, your doctor has a number of medication options, such as corticosteroids, tricyclic antidepressants, and anti-seizure medications.
What is the best medication for meralgia paresthetica?
Tricyclic antidepressants to relieve the pain for some people with meralgia paresthetica. Anti-seizure medications to help reduce pain. Your doctor might prescribe gabapentin (Neurontin, Gralise), pregabalin (Lyrica), or phenytoin (Dilantin). In rare cases, surgery.
Meralgia Paresthetica: Why Choose Johns Hopkins
Proper diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica requires the expert attention of an experienced physician to determine the cause and an appropriate treatment plan, including a surgical option if required.
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Treatment for Meralgia Paresthetica
Treatment will depend on the cause of the compression on the nerve, with the goal of relieving the pressure. Depending on the cause, your doctor may recommend the following conservative treatments:
What is meralgia paresthetica (MP)?
MP is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and burning pain in your thigh. MP occurs when the nerve that provides feeling to the area is pinched.
What are the symptoms of MP?
You may have symptoms in one or both thighs. Your symptoms may get worse if you stand or walk for a long time. You may have any of the following:
How is MP diagnosed?
Your healthcare provider will examine you and ask about your symptoms. Tell him or her when they began and if anything makes your symptoms worse or better. Your provider may diagnose MP based on your symptoms. He or she may use any of the following to find a different cause of your symptoms:
How is MP treated?
MP may go away without treatment after a few weeks or months. If symptoms continue, you may need any of the following:
How can I manage MP?
Take pressure off the nerve. Wear loose clothing. Do not wear tight pants, belts, or other tight clothes. Do not walk or stand for long periods of time. Ask your provider what a healthy weight is for you. He or she can help you create a safe weight loss plan if you are overweight.
Further information
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.
What nerve is involved in meralgia?
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.
Can meralgia paresthetica be seen on X-ray?
Imaging studies. Although no specific changes are evident on X-ray if you have meralgia paresthetica, images of your hip and pelvic area might be helpful to exclude other conditions as a cause of your symptoms. If your doctor suspects a tumor could be causing your pain, he or she might order a CT scan or MRI.
How to treat meralgia paresthetica?
Doctors and physical therapists may recommend exercises as a first-line treatment for meralgia paresthetica. These help stretch the muscles and tissues in the pelvis and thighs to prevent them from pressing on the LCF nerve.
What are some exercises to help with meralgia parasthetica?
This causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the outer thigh. Stretching and strengthening exercises may help release the nerve, thereby easing the symptoms of meralgia parasthetica.
How to reduce swelling around nerve?
performing muscle stretching and strengthening exercises. If the approaches above do not alleviate the symptoms, the doctor may recommend steroid injections to reduce swelling around the nerve.
Can surgery help with nerve pain?
Instead or in addition, they may recommend pain relief medication. In rare cases, a person needs surgery to release the trapped nerve. Doctors usually only recommend surgery for people with severe or persistent pain. However, surgery is not always successful at alleviating pain.
Does melagia paresthetica go away?
Most cases go away on their own or with conservative treatment, such as wearing looser clothing, losing weight if a doctor advises it, and becoming more active. Doctors and physical therapists recommend a number ...
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.
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 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.
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.
