What causes meralgia paresthetica?
Meralgia paresthetica is the condition that is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. There can be a number of causes to this problem, but it is frequently seen in pregnancy, individuals who suddenly gain weight, patients who wear tight clothing or belts, and some other conditions.
What are the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica?
Patients who have meralgia paresthetica may complain of some or all of the following symptoms:
- Pain or burning over the outside of the thigh
- Numbness over the outside of the thigh
- Sensitivity to light touch over the outside of the thigh
- Worsening of symptoms with certain positions
- Increased symptoms when wearing tight belts, work belts, or tight waisted clothes
- Recent weight gain or pregnancy
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 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 program may be recommended.
If simple measures do not relieve your symptoms of meralgia paresthetica, then a cortisone injection around the nerve may be helpful. The hope is to reduce inflammation around the nerve that may be contributing to the pressure on the nerve.
Surgery is rarely necessary in the treatment of meralgia paresthetica. When all conservative treatments fail to provide relief, a surgical procedure may be considered. Your surgeon would dissect out the nerve, look for locations of compression, and try to free the nerve from any areas where it may be pinched.
