Fact Checked
Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes pain, numbness and a burning sensation in the outer thigh. Generally, it is due to excessive pressure or damage to one of the nerves that gives sensation to the surface of the thigh. The development of this condition is caused by nerve entrapment due to swelling or narrowing the passage of the nerve and trauma.
Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica
- At first, burning pain on the outer area of the thigh
- Numbness and tingling sensation in the outer or lateral area of the thigh
- Sensitivity to light touch or pressure
- Severe sensitivity to heat
- Pain after walking or standing
Burning pain on the outer area of the thigh is an indication.
Causes
- Obesity or gain in weight
- Using constricting clothes such as tight pants as well as belts and corsets
- Using a heavy tool belt
- Formation of scar tissue close to the inguinal ligament caused by past surgery or injury
- Pregnancy
- Nerve injury due to diabetes or injuries from seat belts after a vehicular accident
- Repetitive movements that cause irritation on the nerve such as certain movements of the leg
- Prolonged standing or walking
Treatment
- Apply heat on the affected area using a heating pad or a hot water bottle for at least 10-15 minutes to lessen the stiffness and the spasms of the muscles. Place a damp cloth between the skin and the heating pad or hot water bottle to prevent burns and worsen the condition.
- Take plenty of rest especially from prolonged walking, cycling, standing or other activities that causes pain on the area.
- Apply an ice pack on the area to lessen the inflammation and the pain. Put some ice cubes in plastic bag and then wrap it in a towel before placing to the affected area. Another alternative instead of ice, bag of frozen vegetable such as corn or peas is also good for the condition. ice compress also lessen the burning and the itching sensations
- Take the prescribed over-the-counter medications to lessen the pain and the inflammation.
- Prescribed anti-seizure medications to lessen the symptoms.
- Loss some weight, to prevent making the condition worse.
- Prescribed corticosteroid shot to lessen the swelling and the pain.
- Wear loose clothing especially on the upper front area of the hip such as belts to prevent further irritations and worsen the condition.
- Deep tissue massage to lessen tension in the gluteal muscles and further irritations.
- Rehabilitation exercises with the help of the physical therapist to relieve of nerve entrapment. Perform exercises to strengthen the thigh muscles and the inner area of the hip to lessen the entrapment and restore normal range of movement of the affected area.
- Take the prescribed Vitamin B12 supplements to lessen the tingling and burning sensations. Increase consumption of egg, meat and poultry products.
FACT CHECK
https://www.webmd.com/diabetes/guide/meralgia-paresthetica#1
https://www.healthline.com/health/meralgia-paresthetica
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/symptoms-causes/syc-20355635