Meralgia Parasthetica Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh Treatment

Meralgia Parasthetica ‘Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh’

<   Back


   

 

 

  

INJURY TITLE

Meralgia Parasthetica ‘Lateral Cutaneous Nerve of the Thigh’

 

INJURY OVERVIEW

Meralgia paraesthetica is a neurological (nerve) condition that causes an area of skin over the upper outer thigh to become painful, numb or tingly.

 

INJURY IN-DEPTH INFORMATION

The lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh provides sensation only to an area of skin on the upper outer thigh. It has to pass over the front of the hip bones, and under the inguinal ligament before reaching the thigh. The inguinal ligament is a tough fibrous band in the groin. This is the site at which the nerve is most commonly compressed or trapped.  If this nerve is trapped or compressed, burning pain, numbness or tingling might be felt in the area of skin supplied by the nerve. These symptoms constitute meralgia paraesthetica.  It should be noted that most cases have no identifiable cause, but it is very possible to have the symptoms following trauma along the nerve path, or following surgery.  Also if the hip structures are injured any inflammation for there can irritate this nerve and cause these symptoms.

 

COMMON SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

  • burning pain or numbness in the upper thigh, on the outer side.
  • altered sensation of that part of the thigh, or tingling/pins and needles.
  • Symptoms tend to be made worse by walking and standing, but relieved by lying down and taking your knee toward your chest.
  • aching in the groin, pain in the buttocks and an area of skin that seems supersensitive to heat and light touch (as opposed to firm pressure).

 

HOW IS IT ASSESSED

  • Clinical examination to exclude any other causes of pain.
  • If it is related to trauma, then X-Rays may be needed to clear further injury
  • Further scans are not really necessary

 

GENERAL TREATMENT

  • Anti Inflammatory measures initially including Rest, Medication and possible injection therapy depending on the severity of the symptoms
  • Physiotherapy to address any possible muscular causes (tightness/imbalances)
  • Physiotherapy will include tailored exercises and manual therapy.

 

Exercise Videos: i.e.

  • Rotator cuff strengthening
  • Pec stretch
  • etc

 

WHICH HEALTH PROFESSIONAL TO CONSULT

PHYSIO     X

MEDIC     X

PODIATRY     

Put an ‘X’ next to each health professional that most commonly deals with this injury.

i.e. tennis elbow would be Physio and Medic as injections are common, whereas for muscular LBP it would be Physio and not Medic as they would just refer them to a Physio.

Ready to book an appointment with Physio4Life?

To book an appointment please follow the link below to our online booking page.

Book Online