Meralgia Paresthetica: Numbness on the Outer Thigh
What causes that burning, tingling patch on the outer thigh, and how it is diagnosed and treated.
Meralgia paresthetica is suspected when someone reports numbness, burning, or tingling on the outer thigh. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to the outer thigh, is being compressed. It runs through the groin into the outer thigh and affects sensory (not motor) function. Symptoms often worsen after walking or standing.
Risk factors include obesity, pregnancy, very tight clothing (pants, belts), local trauma (like a seat belt injury), and diabetes.
Diagnosis is usually clinical, based on history and exam. A hip X-ray can exclude conditions like osteoarthritis. EMG and nerve conduction studies rule out inflammatory myositis. Ultrasound-guided nerve blockade can confirm the diagnosis.
Conservative treatment: wear looser clothing, lose excess weight, and use pain relievers such as acetaminophen, naproxen, or ibuprofen. Options for stubborn cases include steroid injections, tricyclic antidepressants, gabapentin, or pregabalin. For severe cases, decompression surgery is considered.
Dr. Maggie Cadet, MD