Meralgia paresthetica, anatomy
Compression or injury of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve that supplies the skin on the outside and partly the front of the thigh
Meralgia paresthetica, causes and symptoms
- The symptoms are usually due to the nerve being compressed under the inguinal ligament (ligamentum inguinale)
- Some underlying triggering factors
- Use of tight belts or tight-fitting clothing
- Overweight and obesity
- Rapid weight gain in connection with pregnancy
- Prolonged static positions or activities that cause compression of the nerve
- Direct injury to the nerve, as a complication in connection with surgery, or in connection with underlying disease, such as diabetes
- Symptoms
- Burning or stinging pain in the skin on the outside or front of the thigh
- Loss of sensation and numbness on the outside/front of the thigh
- Hypersensitivity to heat on the outside of the thigh
- Tingling and/or itching on the outside/front of the thigh (paresthesia)
- Aching or tenderness in the groin