15 Ways To Effectively Treat Meralgia Paresthetica
That burning, tingling, or numb sensation on the outer thigh? It might be more than just a pinched nerve—it could be meralgia paresthetica. This condition occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which controls sensation in the upper thigh, gets compressed or irritated. The result is discomfort that ranges from mildly annoying to downright painful. Common culprits include tight clothing, weight gain, pregnancy, or underlying issues like diabetes or nerve trauma. And while the risk increases between ages 30 and 60, it can affect anyone whose lifestyle or health puts pressure on that nerve. The good news? Relief is within reach. From simple wardrobe adjustments to targeted physical therapy and advanced medical treatments, managing meralgia paresthetica doesn’t have to be overwhelming. We’ve expanded our list to 15 Ways to Effectively Treat Meralgia Paresthetica—offering a blend of traditional and alternative strategies to help you move freely and feel better, faster.
1. Lose Excess Weight
The symptoms of meralgia paresthetica tend to go away after a few months. To treat the disease, doctors focus on relieving nerve compression. One of the conservative measures patients can take is to lose excess weight, as losing weight keeps the nerve from being compressed. In addition, healthy weight loss can help reduce the risk of developing other health conditions in the future. It's important for weight loss to occur in a healthy manner. Individuals can lose weight by making changes to their diet and exercising more regularly. It's also important to stay hydrated. Supplements to lose weight are often less healthy than being overweight in the first place.
2. Wear Loose Clothing
Wearing tight clothing causes the nerves in the legs to become compressed. This is particularly true when it comes to clothes like skinny jeans, which don't have a lot of stretch. One of the simplest fixes for meralgia paresthetica is to wear loose clothing. The changes in wardrobe don't have to be drastic. If an individual is a fan of tight jeans or skirts, they can consider the same styles in just a size or two up. This allows them to preserve the style without causing themselves pain. This measure won't always relieve all the symptoms. It's best used in cases where the nerve compression was caused by clothes rather than another circumstance. If the compression was caused by being overweight or a nerve injury, patients may need additional treatment.
