Detailed Information on Meralgia paresthetica

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that can cause burning pain over the outside of the thigh. There is a nerve that passes just over the bony prominence of the pelvis and down the outside of the thigh. The disorder is caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it exits the pelvis. It more commonly occurs in men than women, and is generally found in middle-aged or overweight individuals. People with the disorder frequently report that it appears or worsens after walking or standing. The skin is often sensitive to touch.

Causes of Meralgia paresthetica include mechanical factors, such as compressive clothing, belts, obesity, and pregnancy. Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica include soreness, paresthesias (lack of sensation), or numbness occurs about the outer aspect of the thigh, usually on one side. The best treatment is to remove the cause of the compression by modifying patient behavior, in combination with medical treatment to relieve inflammation and pain. It is sometimes relieved by Treatment for meralgia paresthetica is directed at relieving the compression and usually consists of self-care measures, such as wearing looser clothing or losing weight.

Injection of a local anesthetic may be helpful in establishing the diagnosis but only gives temporary relief. If successful, local blocks with steroids may be helpful. Hydrocortisone injections often alleviate symptoms temporarily, while nerve decompression may provide more lasting relief.  Infrequently, surgical release of the nerve is necessary. Medications used in other forms of neuropathic pain, such as tricyclic antidepressants or anticonvulsants, may alleviate some of the symptoms of pain, dysesthesias, or paresthesias. Gabapentin and other medications may alleviate symptoms.

The advent of the newer antiepileptic drugs with weight-reducing effects may be perfectly suited to those patients in whom obesity is a factor, and diet and weight loss are goals. Surgery is rarely necessary in the treatment of meralgia paresthetica. Surgery is generally reserved for patients with persistent and debilitating pain refractory to other modalities of treatment. Various techniques have been used, and it is not clear whether neurolysis or transaction is the procedure of choice; some believe that the best results may be achieved by local decompression in combination with neurolysis via the infrainguinal ligament approach.