Meralgia Paresthetica / Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve Impingement

Meralgia paresthetica is a medical condition resulting from compression (pressure on or squeezing) of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). This large nerve supplies sensation to the front and side of your thigh. Meralgia paresthetica results in sensations of aching, burning, numbness, or stabbing in the thigh area. There is pain on the outer thigh, which may extend down to the outer side of the knee

Common symptoms:

• 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

What not to do:

• Wear tight clothing, girdles, or tight stockings or wear a heavy utility belt (like a tool belt). An incorrectly worn SI belt may cause this as well.

What can help:

• Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) to provide symptom relief by using an electric current to stimulate your nerve

• Transverse abdominal muscle work - using the muscles to help lift abdomen upward/ “hug” baby up - as an exercise and with functional movements/daily activities.

• Posture instruction in same way - avoid sticking your belly out, aim for a slight little posterior pelvic tilt and shifting your weight so your pubic bone is moreso back over your heels in standing.

• In sitting, a pillow under abdomen to lift belly so nerve is not getting as compressed

• Fix anything creating a functional leg length difference — including but limited to shifting your hip chronically to one side in standing, sitting with crossed legs, sleeping with one leg jacked up toward your head, sitting on your foot etc.