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.