Meralgia Paresthetica Symptoms, Causes and More

By leslie

Reviewed: dr. stavarache

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. ’Meralgia Paresthetica.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/symptoms-causes/syc-20355635
• 2. ’Meralgia Paresthetica.’ Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meralgia-paresthetica
• 3. ’Burning Thigh Pain (Meralgia Paresthetica).’ American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: OrthoInfo https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/burning-thigh-pain-meralgia-paresthetica

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Meralgia paresthetica, also known as Bernhardt Roth Syndrome, occurs when a person experiences nerve compression in the thigh that causes pain and numbness. It only affects the nerve that transmits sensation to that area, called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The nerves that stimulate muscles to move aren't affected.

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve travels from the abdomen under the inguinal ligament in the groin through to the upper thigh. Any compression or irritation of this nerve from clothes or other sources can cause discomfort. Sometimes, meralgia paresthetica can resolve on its own if the specific cause is addressed.¹’Meralgia Paresthetica.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/symptoms-causes/syc-20355635^,2’Meralgia Paresthetica.’ Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meralgia-paresthetica

1. Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica

People with meralgia paresthetica commonly complain of numbness, tingling or burning pain on the surface of the upper outer thigh. The condition typically affects only one side of the body at a time. Walking or standing for long periods may make the unpleasant sensations worse.¹’Meralgia Paresthetica.’ Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meralgia-paresthetica/symptoms-causes/syc-20355635

Pressing on the thigh should duplicate the pain. A light touch rather than deep pressure may make the pain worse. The pain and tingling may travel down as far as the outside of the knee. Occasionally, a person may experience an ache in the groin area or pain spreading across the buttocks.²’Meralgia Paresthetica.’ Hopkins Medicine. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meralgia-paresthetica