Welcome to our latest informational post where we look at various different medical conditions and was of managing pain. Today we would like to focus on Meralgia Paraesthetica or “Burning Thigh Pain”. In fact it is a type of neuropathic pain. You can find out more about neuropathic pain at our previous blog here.
Meralgia paraesthetica is numbness or pain in the outer thigh not caused by injury to the thigh itself but rather to a nerve that goes from the thigh to the spinal column.
Typical symptoms often include:
• Pain on the outer side of the thigh. This can go right to the knee.
• A burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the same area
• Occasionally, aching in the groin area or pain spreading across the buttocks
• People with Meralgia Paresthetica may find themselves hypersensitive to heat!
Management is typically through anti-inflammation products and painkillers. However looser clothes are also recommended. In some cases bed rest may be suggested by your doctor.
In the long term physiotherapy and general weight loss with assist recovery.
As with many of our blogs were we look at particular conditions we are looking for the input of people with that condition. In particular we are interested in exploring the following aspects of Meralgia Paresthetica. It would be great if you could share your experiences in the comments boxes below:-
• When were you diagnosed with Meralgia Paresthetica?
• What were your original symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica?
• What tests were you given for Meralgia Paresthetica?
• What impact if any has Meralgia Paresthetica had on your lifestyle in particular your choice of clothing?
• If you had one piece of advice for a fellow sufferer what would it be?
Thanks very much for your help in advance!
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I was diagnosed in April 2014 following MRI and mail failed attempts to try medications to help the pain. Neurologist and doctor both diagnosed this and offered help, finally neuro referred me to physio to look at trying tens machine which was trial and error but helps. I find using the tens machine helps the following day so if I expect a flare up I use the tens machine and find the next day symptoms are much less.
I find heat and cold both aggravate the pains, so I wear ski trousers in the winter when outside, avoid hot baths and use a bath seat in the bath so my thighs aren’t submerged the whole time. Also use a temporary tray for my laptop rather then it resting on my lap!
I haven’t found wearing loose clothes or loosing weight to help directly, but do find that when the pain flares up I cannot have clothing or bedding touch my thighs at all, so if I’m out having looser fitting clothes means I can hold the material away from leg rather then stripping off!! Shorts also help as they aren’t touching the leg.
I also have ME but doctor and neuro don’t think the two are directly linked. I hope this info helps!
I have this and also ME but my doctor and neuro don’t think they are directly linked x I’ve just posted with some things that I’ve found helps – I hope you find relief x
Is it associated with fibromyalgia? I have had this pain now for about 4 months and drs can’t find a cause. No inflammation is shown in xrays. I have had fibromyalgia since 2003.