Meralgia Paresthetica
Meralgia Paresthetica is a condition that causes tingling, numbness, and burning pain in your outer thigh. It is caused by thigh nerve compression, which means compression of the Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve (LFCN).
What are the causes of Meralgia Paresthetica?
There are few reasons that may trigger this condition. Meralgia Paresthetica is mostly caused by;
• Obesity
• Hip surgery
• Excessive standing or walking
• Injuries
• Pregnancy
• Diabetes
• Fibroids
• Tight Clothing
• Tight use of belt
What are the most common symptoms?
The major symptom of this condition is shown on the outer side of the thigh or the nearer parts. If you want to know if you have this condition, look for the following symptoms:
• Numbness in the outer thigh
• Aching, tingling in the outer thigh
• Pain in outer thigh
• Extended pain in the outer side of the knee, leg
• Partial loss of sensation in the outer side of thigh
• Intense pain after long walks or after standing for long time
How to treat this condition?
Treatments for Meralgia Paresthetica, or in fact any health related issue, is based on its severity. The first thing to observe is for how long this condition lasts!
At the first stage, tests include, physical examination, questions describing the suffering, medical history, finding the most paining areas, etc. The doctor might suggest an MRI scan or X-RAY to get the clear diagnosis. After the diagnosis, the doctor will suggest the following treatments according to need or the severity of the problem:
Change in the routine
Change in the lifestyle
Physiotherapy
Exercises
Medications
Local Injections
Radiofrequency Neurotomy
How to prevent it?
• Maintain a healthy & effective lifestyle.
• Keep a healthy, well guided exercise routine.
• Wear loose & comfortable clothes.
• See a doctor when you experience any symptoms to prevent or control the severity of it.
What we must understand is that the majority of the health problems are entirely within our control. And the ones that arrive suddenly can be managed if they are diagnosed & treated on time. The best thing we can do is keep up a healthy lifestyle and seek a consultation as soon as we can.
