Meralgia Paresthetica
Meralgia paresthetica is caused when one of your large sensory nerves (lateral femoral cutaneous nerve) to one of your legs is being compressed. This compression results in a terrible burning sensation felt in your outer thigh.
The trusted experience and surgical expertise of the neurosurgeons at The Johns Hopkins Peripheral Nerve Surgery Center make us the best choice for treatment of this condition.
Symptoms
Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica may include:
- Burning sensation felt in your outer thigh
- Tingling or numbness felt in your thigh
- Sensitivity felt on light touch more than on deep pressure
Causes
Meralgia paresthetica is caused by nerve entrapment. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve running through your pelvis, groin and into the thighs becomes compressed. This can be caused by swelling, trauma, or pressure narrowing these openings and squeezing the nerve.
Common causes of meralgia paresthetica may include:
- Repetitive motion of the legs
- Recent injuries to the hip
- Wearing tight clothing
- Weight gain
Diagnosis
Proper diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica requires the expert attention of an experienced physician. Diagnosis will include:
- Complete medical history
- A comprehensive clinical exam, including neurological exams
- Imaging studies such as X-rays and/or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging)
- Electrodiagnostic studies (EMG)
Diagnosis is necessary to determine the cause of meralgia paresthetica, so the appropriate treatment plan, including a surgical option is considered.
Treatment
Treatment will depend on the cause of the pressure on the nerve. The primary goal is to remove this compression. Depending on the original cause, your doctor may recommend the following:
- Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles of the legs and buttocks, and reduce injury to the hips
- Wearing less restrictive clothing
- Weight loss management
- Surgical treatment
Your doctor may also recommend an injection of a corticosteroid to aid in reducing swelling. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to relieve the compression surrounding the nerve.
Surgical Intervention
This surgery is performed under general anesthesia. Tracing the nerve as it comes through the groin under or through the inguinal ligament, your surgeon will make an incision in order to enlarge the opening. In certain cases, rather than decompress the nerve, your surgeon will divide or cut it.
Factors in Surgical Intervention
When physical therapy and other forms of non-surgical treatment fail, surgery is the best option to restore function and alleviate pain.
Recovery
Your bandages will be removed within 24 hours. Stitches if present are taken out in 10 days. Most people return to full activity within three weeks.
