Nerve injury, which can be due to diabetes, trauma after surgery or seat belt injury after a motor vehicle accident, for example, also can cause meralgia paresthetica. Risk factors Symptoms of meralgia paresthetica only occur on one side of your body in the front of your upper thigh. They include:

Physical therapy may help, but there’s limited research on its effectiveness in treating meralgia paresthetica.Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — which supplies sensation to the surface of your outer thigh — is pinched (compressed). The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve only affects sensation and doesn't affect your ability to use your leg muscles. Meralgia paresthetica results from the compression of your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN). Your LFCN is a large sensory nerve. It travels from your spinal cord through your pelvic region and down the outside of your thigh. This compression can happen due to swelling and inflammation, injury or pressure. Temporary symptom relief: Icing the area may help reduce nerve irritation and symptoms. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) and topical medications such as capsaicin and lidocaine can also help symptoms.

Extra weight. Being overweight or obese can increase the pressure on your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The majority of cases improve with conservative treatment, such as losing weight, wearing loose clothing or avoiding certain restrictive items like belts. Rarely, surgery is necessary to correct compression on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Healthcare providers usually only recommend surgery for people who try other treatments but still experience symptoms. Does meralgia paresthetica go away?

Meralgia paresthetica

Healthcare providers can typically diagnose meralgia paresthetica with a physical exam and a thorough understanding of your symptoms, medical history and lifestyle.