Meralgia Paresthetica: Causes, Symptoms, and Myotherapy Treatment

Meralgia Paresthetica is a condition characterized by numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the outer thigh. It occurs when the “lateral femoral cutaneous nerve” (LFCN), which supplies sensation to the skin of the thigh, becomes compressed or irritated. While not life-threatening, it can be uncomfortable and disruptive to daily activities. Now let’s see how Myotherapy treatment can help with this presentation.

Causes of Meralgia Paresthetica

Meralgia Paresthetica presents with symptoms of lateral thigh weakness and numbness, which are caused by compression or the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

This compression can have typical causes, which include:

• Tight clothing – Wearing tight jeans, belts, or shapewear can compress the nerve at the hip height.
• Obesity or weight gain – Excess weight puts pressure on the nerve.
• Pregnancy – The growing uterus may contribute to nerve compression.
• Prolonged standing or walking – Excessive movement can irritate the nerve.
• Injury or trauma – Previous surgeries, injuries, or direct impact to the hip area can damage the nerve.
• Diabetes – Diabetic neuropathy may increase susceptibility to nerve-related conditions.
• Inguinal ligament – The LFCN passes right under the inguinal ligament, which may create compression on the nerve itself.

All those factors can compress the branch of the femoral nerve, which innervates the lateral portion of the thigh. The origin of the nerve is at the lumbar level L2/L3. Indeed, when a portion of the skin has altered sensation, it is often a peripheral compression that causes the symptoms.

Symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica

The symptoms for Meraglia Parestetica often involved one leg only, as it is quiet uncommon to get compression bilaterally.

Those symptoms include:

• Burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh. The skin of the lateral thigh can also become very sensitive and painful to the touch.
• Sharp or aching pain that worsens with prolonged standing or walking. If the compression is due to organs or the inguinal ligament, movement can aggravate the presentation due to the tightness of the structure during movement.
• Increased sensitivity to touch in the affected area.
• Muscle weakness is not a symptom, as this condition affects sensation, not motor function.

How can myotherapy treatment help individualise this presentation?

As a myotherapist, I specialise in muscular skeletal presentations, and we focus on soft tissues. Through a series of assessments, we can determine whether the compression is peripheral or root nerve compression. Let’s see how.

Medical History

In the first step, we examine the medical history and physical examination, identifying risk factors and symptoms. Along with the physical examination, we examine the Myotome and Dermatome.

Examination

On top of active range of motion and another orthopedic test to rule in and out other possible presentations, there are some specific tests which we want to focus on, Myotome and Dermatome.

The Myotome are resisted movement, like in this case, hip flexion, knee flexion, knee extension, where it would result in positive findings if we have evident weakness and or back pain. This test would rule in a compression to the spine level.

Dermatome, on the other hand, are used to test the connectivity of the cutaneous nerve. So with a sharp and soft object, we will mark some line along the thigh area, looking for loss or confused sensations. This test would rule in a peripheral compression of the nerve.

Notice that both presentations can be presented at the same time.

Other tests that can be done for this presentation include:

• Electromyography (EMG) – To rule out other neurological disorders.
• Imaging tests (MRI, X-ray, or ultrasound) – Identifying structural issues or nerve compression.

For those tests, Giovanni would write a referral letter for your GP.

Treatment Options for Meralgia Paresthetica

As often happens, the treatment options are multiple and must be embraced in groups, not individually. The overall aim of any treatment is to relieve pressure on the nerve and reduce symptoms.

Here is a list of treatment options and modalities:

Lifestyle Modifications

• Wear loose-fitting clothing to reduce nerve compression.
• Weight management to decrease excess pressure on the nerve.
• Avoid prolonged standing or walking if symptoms worsen.

Medical Treatments

• Pain relievers – NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) or acetaminophen for mild pain relief.
• Myotherapy treatment – along a series of myotherapy sessions we can reduce symptoms and improve the presentation.
• Corticosteroid injections – Reduce inflammation and pain.
• Nerve blocks – In severe cases, numbing the nerve can provide relief.

Surgical Options (For Severe Cases)

• Nerve decompression surgery – Relieves pressure on the nerve.
• Neurectomy – Removing the affected nerve if pain is persistent.

How Myotherapy Can Help

At Melbourne Massage and Treatment, during a myotherapy session, after ensuring we are dealing with a Meralgia Paresthetica I may use a series of techniques to help you out with your symptoms. What technique to use is based on your individual presentation,, other cohexsitng presentations, adn also your choice and comfort.

Here is a list of modalities used during a Myotherapy session:

• Muscle Energetic Technique (MET) – Helps reduce tension in the hip, thigh, and lower back muscles that may be contributing to nerve compression.
• Trigger Point Therapy – Addresses myofascial trigger points that can exacerbate pain and discomfort.
• Mobility and Strengthening Exercises – Improves mobility and reduces pressure on the nerve.
• Postural Education – Helps correct movement patterns that may be aggravating symptoms.
• Joint Mobilization – Enhances circulation and reduces inflammation in affected joints.
• Dry needling – Using a needle can help reduce pain and muscle ache and increase the neurological connection of those same soft tissues.

After the hands-on treatment, we will then look into exercises that can help maintain the change we created. That said, there are other precautions to take in consideration, like:

• Maintain a healthy weight to prevent excess pressure on the nerve.
• Choose comfortable clothing that doesn’t constrict the waist or thighs.
• Incorporate gentle mobility and exercise into your routine.
• Monitor underlying conditions, such as diabetes, to reduce nerve-related complications.

Conclusion

Meralgia Paresthetica can be managed effectively with lifestyle changes, medical treatment, and preventive care. Myotherapy can be a valuable complementary treatment, helping to relieve muscle tension, improve mobility, and support long-term pain management. That said, there is no quick fix. If you experience persistent thigh pain or numbness, be aware that early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms and improve quality of life. Book now you next Myotherapy treatment if you are suspicious of any Meralgia Paresthetica symptoms.

FAQs on Meralgia Paresthetica and Myotherapy Treatment

1. What is Meralgia Paresthetica?

Meralgia Paresthetica is a condition that causes numbness, tingling, and burning pain in the outer thigh due to compression or irritation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).

2. What causes Meralgia Paresthetica?

The condition is commonly caused by:

• Tight clothing (jeans, belts, shapewear)
• Obesity or weight gain
• Pregnancy
• Prolonged standing or walking
• Injury, trauma, or previous surgeries
• Diabetes (which can lead to nerve-related complications)
• Compression under the inguinal ligament

3. What are the symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica?

• Burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh
• Sensitivity to touch in the affected area
• Sharp or aching pain, especially with prolonged standing or walking
• Note: Muscle weakness is not a symptom, as the condition affects sensation rather than motor function.

4. How is Meralgia Paresthetica diagnosed?

A myotherapist may assess your symptoms through:

• Medical history and physical examination
• Myotome testing (to check for weakness and rule out spinal compression)
• Dermatome testing (to assess sensory function in the affected area)
• Additional tests may include Electromyography (EMG) and Imaging (MRI, X-ray, ultrasound) – but for those you would need a GP refferal.

5. How can Myotherapy help with Meralgia Paresthetica?

Myotherapy focuses on relieving nerve compression and improving muscle function using techniques such as:

• Muscle Energy Technique (MET) – Reduces muscle tension
• Trigger Point Therapy – Targets myofascial pain
• Mobility and Strengthening Exercises – Improves movement and reduces pressure on the nerve
• Postural Education – Corrects movement patterns to prevent aggravation
• Joint Mobilization – Improves circulation and reduces inflammation
• Dry Needling – Relieves pain and enhances nerve function

6. What other treatment options are available?

• Lifestyle Modifications – Loose clothing, weight management, and activity adjustments
• Medical Treatments – NSAIDs (pain relievers), corticosteroid injections, nerve blocks
• Surgical Options (for severe cases) – Nerve decompression or neurectomy

7. Can Meralgia Paresthetica go away on its own?

In some cases, symptoms may improve with lifestyle modifications. However, persistent symptoms may require Myotherapy or medical intervention to prevent worsening discomfort.

8. How long does it take to see improvement with Myotherapy?

Results vary depending on individual cases, depending on what factors are actually the root cause of the problem. As my other therapist I would give hands-on treatment a goal for 3 to 4 sessions in a matter of a month or 2, for a presentation as such. But along this time frame, there is to take into consideration the changes of lifestyle modifications.

9. When should I seek treatment?

If you experience persistent thigh numbness, tingling, or pain that interferes with daily activities, it’s best to seek Myotherapy or medical advice as early intervention can prevent worsening symptoms.

10. How can I book a Myotherapy session?

You can book a session at Melbourne Massage and Treatment to assess your symptoms and start a personalized treatment plan.