Meralgia paresthetica, also known as Bernhardt-Roth syndrome or lateral cutaneous femoral nerve entrapment syndrome, is a disorder characterized by the compression of the nerve that supplies feeling and sensation to the upper front and outer thigh. This compression most often results in the sensation of numbness, aching, or burning in or around the area.

Symptoms

According to the Cleveland Clinic, many people with meralgia paresthetica experience symptoms including:

• Pain on the outer thigh, which may extend down to the outer side of the knee
• Burning, aching, tingling, stabbing or numbness in the thigh
• Symptoms on only one side of the body
• Worse pain when your thigh is touched lightly
• Worse pain after walking or standing for long periods of time
• Occasionally, aching in the groin that may spread to the buttocks

It is important to note that these symptoms can also present in many other neurological, gastrointestinal, or urologic conditions so it is crucial to get a thorough evaluation before attempting to treat meralgia paresthetica.

Causes

Sensory nerves throughout the body are crucial to gathering and delivering information to your brain from your skin, muscles, and other tissues. A person experiencing meralgia paresthetica will have their large sensory nerve located in the outer thigh compressed or squeezed resulting in the symptoms described above. Causes of this compression or squeezing can include:

• Trauma or injury
• Repetitive motions that could irritate the nerve
• Standing or walking for an extended amount of time
• Obesity or weight gain
• Pregnancy
• Tight or ill-fitting clothes

Diagnosis and Treatment

The Mayo Clinic provides extensive details on the ways in which a diagnosis can be made and how one might proceed with the treatment of meralgia paresthetica. “To rule out other conditions, your doctor might recommend:

• Imaging studies - Helpful to exclude other conditions as a cause of your symptoms.
• Electromyography - results of this test are normal in meralgia paresthetica, but the test might be needed to exclude other disorders when the diagnosis isn't clear.
• Nerve conduction study - This test might be done primarily to exclude other causes for the symptoms.
• Nerve blockade - Pain relief achieved from anesthetic injection into your thigh where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve enters into it can confirm that you have meralgia paresthetica".

For most people, treatment will come in the form of simple measures such as wearing looser clothes, losing excess weight, or avoiding movements that may aggravate the symptoms. Per the Mayo Clinic, “if symptoms persist for more than two months or your pain is severe, treatment might include corticosteroid injections, antidepressants, or other prescription medications." 

Contacting your doctor for further treatment options should always be your first action, as many people get relief from NSAIDs like Tylenol, from working with a physical therapist (this can also play a role in the prevention of new pain), and from various strengthening exercises. Always consult with your doctor before starting any new health regimen or treatment.