{"id":7159,"date":"2019-07-05T08:39:15","date_gmt":"2019-07-05T08:39:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/?p=7159"},"modified":"2021-11-09T16:04:28","modified_gmt":"2021-11-09T16:04:28","slug":"14-possible-causes-of-meralgia-paresthetica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.io\/14-possible-causes-of-meralgia-paresthetica\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Possible Causes of Meralgia Paresthetica"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Meralgia paresthetica refers to a medical condition that causes a person to experience numbness, tingling, and burning pain around the outer area of the thigh. This painful sensation is caused by the nerve that supplies the sensations to the outer area of the thigh being compressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The condition is typically treated using conservative measures such as exercise and diet. In more severe cases a person may need to take the medication in order to help control the pain. In the most extreme cases of meralgia, paresthetica surgery may be required in order to relieve the compression. Surgery is not typically necessary except in the most severe and extreme cases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are several reasons that a person may develop this condition. Most of the time it will clear up on its own with some simple lifestyle changes. Let\u2019s take a closer look at some of the most common causes of meralgia paresthetica. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. How Meralgia Paresthetica Occurs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Meralgia paresthetica occurs as the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve gets compressed. This is the nerve that supplies sensations to the surface of the outer thigh. When this nerve <\/a>is pinched or compressed. This nerve is only sensory and does not affect the ability to use the muscles in your legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Most of the time, the nerve will go through the groin and into the upper area of the thigh without any issues. However, when meralgia paresthetica occurs, the femoral cutaneous nerve is trapped, typically under your inguinal ligament. This ligament runs from the groin to the abdomen to the upper thigh. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Anything that increases pressure on the groin area can cause this condition to occur. When the nerve is compressed it can cause a person to experience an extreme amount of pain in the outer area of the thigh. This can be accompanied by a burning sensation and possible numbness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Wearing Tight Clothing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the possible causes of meralgia paresthetica is wearing clothing that is too tight. When you wear clothes that are tight it puts pressure on the skin. The clothing also compresses the muscles <\/a>of the legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

When these muscles become compressed it puts added pressure on the tissues and joints in the legs. Tight pants, belts, and other forms of tight clothing can all cause a person to develop meralgia paresthetica. One of the easiest ways to avoid developing this condition is to make sure that you are wearing clothing that is loose. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you tend to wear tight clothing often, you can increase your chances of developing meralgia paresthetica. While not everyone who wears tight clothing will develop this condition, people who tend to wear this type of clothing often increase their chances of developing meralgia paresthetica. Making the simple change to looser fitting clothing can decrease your chances of developing the condition and can also help to cure the ailment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Obesity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Being overweight can cause many health issues to develop. Most people already know that being overweight can increase their risk of developing heart disease. However, what many people may not realize is that being obese <\/a>also puts extra strain on the joints and muscles as well. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Carrying extra weight around can be hard on the entire body. A person who is overweight is more likely to develop meralgia paresthetica because of the extra pressure that is added to the muscles and joints that surround the nerves. When there is added pressure in these areas it can cause the nerves to become compressed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This compression can lead to pain throughout the thighs, which is the main symptom of meralgia paresthetica. Losing a few pounds can go a long way when it comes to alleviating the symptoms of this condition. As little as a five-pound weight loss can relieve some of the pressure on the nerves, and help with the pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Pregnancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Women who are pregnant are more likely to develop meralgia paresthetica. The reason for this is because being pregnant causes a woman to gain weight. Not only will the woman gain weight, but there is also a chance that the baby growing inside of her womb can put added pressure on the joints and muscles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

As the baby continues to grow it can stretch to impinge upon the nerves running through the legs. When this happens, a pregnant <\/a>women may experience pain throughout their thighs. The pain may be accompanied by numbness or tingling. It can also cause the woman to experience a burning sensation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Once the baby moves or the woman deliver the baby, this pain will typically subside as the compression is released from the nerve. During pregnancy, there is very little that can be done in order to alleviate the pain. Resting and stretching may help with some of the pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Diabetes<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Blood sugar<\/a> levels can affect many areas of the body. Keeping your sugar in check is extremely important when it comes to your overall health. A person who suffers from diabetes may develop nerve-related injuries. The nerve-related injuries that result from diabetes can cause a person to experience meralgia paresthetica. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you are suffering from diabetes, it is very important to make sure that you are making the appropriate lifestyle changes in order to keep your blood sugar levels in check. If you do not make the appropriate changes to your diet and exercise program, nerve damage is imminent. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Nerve damage that is caused by diabetes that is not kept under control can lead to many other health issues. In severe cases, a person may end up losing one or more of their limbs as a result of diabetes. Make sure that you discuss your symptoms with your doctor and have proper treatment in place. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Scar Tissue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you have undergone any type of surgery there is a chance that there is some scar tissue around the area that was operated on. Most of the time this scar tissue is harmless and will not cause any type of issues in the body. After all, surgery <\/a>is something that is done in order to help the body heal from some type of ailment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, there are times when scar tissue can build up around the nerves. When this happens the scar tissue can compress the nerve. When the nerve becomes compressed it can cause a person to experience pain in the area where the nerve is being compressed. If you have undergone surgery and are now experiencing pain in your outer thigh, the scar tissue could be what is causing the pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In some cases, the scar tissue will eventually move and you will experience relief. However, if the pain is persistent and you are not getting any relief, further surgery may be required to remove the scar tissue buildup. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Repetitive Motions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the nerve becomes impinged. One reason that the nerve may become compressed is simply that the hip joint, the leg muscles, etc, are overused. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

This may be from a long walk or a run. Every time we put pressure on our hip joints it can cause mini traumas to occur. These mini traumas can be just as damaging as one big trauma. A person who works out frequently and or is on their feet for work all day may experience meralgia paresthetica. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Being on a concrete floor all day can cause trauma to the hips and other joints in the legs. The continuous stress on the legs can cause inflammation. This inflammation <\/a>can cause a person to experience pain. Rest can be the best option when it comes to healing issues with the thigh and alleviating the pain that you are experiencing. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Trauma or Injury<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Another possible cause for meralgia paresthetica is an injury or trauma in the pelvic area. A groin injury caused by blunt force to the groin area can cause the area to become swollen. The area may also become inflamed. This can cause the nerve to become compressed as there is little room for the nerve to move through. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The inflammation can cause a person to experience pain throughout their outer thigh. It can also cause a tingling or numbness and even a burning sensation. If you have injured your groin <\/a>in any way, it is a good idea to ice the area immediately. This can help to reduce the swelling and the inflammation that is caused by the injury. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You should ice the area for fifteen minutes at a time every couple of hours after the injury. This can help alleviate the symptoms and pain caused by the injury to the area. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Wearing Heavy Tool Belts<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a contractor and carry around a heavy tool belt on-site, that might be the cause of your meralgia paresthetica<\/a>. Contractors carry various tools in their belts, and some of the belts can weigh 10-lbs or more when fully loaded. Carrying around the belt all day takes a toll on your hips. It also compresses the nerve sending sensations to the skin on your outer thigh, resulting in the onset of meralgia paresthetica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you’re a contractor experiencing the condition, you can almost guarantee it’s your tool belt causing the problem. Try swapping out your tool belt for a utility vest for a few weeks and see if it makes a difference. Most contractors that swap the belt for a utility vest find the symptoms ease on the first day of making the change. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you have no option but to wear the belt, look for ways to increase the padding around the beltline. Trim down the belt fabric’s width for more flex to stop it from digging into your thigh.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Inactivity<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Inactive people may experience the onset of meralgia paresthetica. The way you sit in your chair might pressure the nerve to deliver sensations of feeling to the skin. If you don’t exercise or use your body, the muscular system begins to atrophy<\/a>, leading to posture issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Muscular atrophy is a condition that results in weakness in the stabilizer muscles that control your posture. Posture problems can lead to a slew of nerve issues, including meralgia paresthetica and sciatica. If you notice you start to develop symptoms of either condition, the best option to stop the condition from spreading is to stretch out your hips and groin. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

By keeping your mobility at good levels as you age, you ensure you avoid muscular imbalances that lead to posture and nerve problems. It only takes a few minutes each day to stretch out your hips, glutes, and groin, and the benefits will last throughout the day. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Sitting Too Much<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

As mentioned, inactivity can cause all types of structural issues with your skeletal and muscular systems. People who don’t get any exercise and spend hours in a chair all day are at a high risk of developing postural problems resulting in nerve problems like sciatica <\/a>and meralgia paresthetica. If you work a desk job and come home to spend all evening on the couch, you’re asking for trouble. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You need to ensure you keep your joints and muscles mobile and limber to avoid getting postural problems. Taking up a yoga class is a great way to learn how to stretch your hips, glutes, core, and legs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitting is the new smoking, and the damage it can do to your posture can take years of physical therapy to reverse. If you find you’re developing the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica or sciatic, visit a physiotherapist and ask them about stretches and exercises you can do to alleviate the problem. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Preparing for Your Diagnosis<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You’ll need an official medical diagnosis <\/a>of the condition to know what you’re dealing with and the treatments that will benefit your condition. When you’re at the medical practice and in front of your doctor, make sure you ask the following questions. <\/p>\n\n\n\n