A painful, burning sensation on the outer side of the thigh may mean that one of the large sensory nerves to your legs—the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN)—is being compressed. This condition is known as meralgia paresthetica (me-ral'-gee-a par-es-thet'-i-ka). The nerves in your body bring information to the brain about the environment (sensory nerves) and messages from the brain to activate muscles (motor nerves). To do this, nerves must pass over, under,
around, and through your joints, bones, and muscles. Usually, there is enough room to permit easy passage. In meralgia paresthetica, swelling, trauma, or pressure can narrow these openings and squeeze the nerve. When this happens, pain, paralysis, or other dysfunction may result.
During the appointment, your doctor will ask about recent surgeries, injury to the hip, or repetitive activities that could irritate the nerve. If your doctor suspects meralgia paresthetica, he or she will ask questions to help determine what might be putting pressure on the nerve. Restrictive clothing and weight gain are two of the more common causes of pressure. Your doctor may ask if you consistently wear tight stockings or a girdle, or whether you wear a heavy tool belt at work. In addition, meralgia paresthetica may result from a seatbelt injury during a car collision. Physical ExaminationYour doctor will also check for any sensory differences between the affected leg and your other leg. To verify the site of the burning pain, he or she will put some pressure on the nerve to reproduce the sensation. You may need both an abdominal and a pelvic examination to exclude any problems in those areas. TestsX-rays will help identify any bone abnormalities that might be putting pressure on the nerve. If your doctor suspects that a growth such as a tumor is the source of the pressure, he or she may ask for a magnetic resonance image or a computed tomography (CT) scan. In rare cases, a nerve conduction study may be advised. Treatments will vary, depending on the source of the pressure. The goal is to remove the cause of the compression. This may mean resting from an aggravating activity, losing weight, wearing loose clothing, or using a toolbox instead of wearing a tool belt. It may take time for the burning pain to stop and, in some cases, numbness will persist despite treatment. In more severe cases, your doctor may give you an injection of a corticosteroid preparation to reduce inflammation. This generally relieves the symptoms for some time. In rare cases, surgery is needed to release the nerve. Thigh pain is a common injury, but that does not mean it can’t be serious. While pain and discomfort are sometimes unavoidable, arming yourself with accurate information can help you feel your best and prevent unnecessary complications. The best way to manage thigh pain, whether chronic or acute, is to learn about the location, causes, symptoms, and treatment options. Understanding Thigh PainPain in the thigh can be caused by a variety of conditions that affect the ligaments, tendons, muscles, joints, bones, nerves, blood vessels, and skin. When left untreated and not addressing potential underlying issues, thigh pain can lead to potentially life-threatening complications. Location of Thigh PainThe precise location of thigh pain can vary depending on the underlying issue, such as nerve, muscle, or other connective tissue strain. Once your doctor has determined the reason behind your painful thighs, your treatment plan will focus on pain relief and controlling the root cause.
Thigh Pain CausesWhat causes thigh pain? There are different reasons a person may experience mid-thigh pain or lower thigh pain, most often related to a musculoskeletal injury. Some appear suddenly after a specific incident, while others develop gradually. Here are the most common causes of thigh pain:
Symptoms of Thigh Muscle PainThe symptoms of thigh muscle pain are often worse with prolonged standing and walking or during activities that require repetitive hip movement (flexion, extension, etc.). The sensations vary, and discomfort is usually alleviated by lying down, sitting, or some other form of rest. Symptoms associated with thigh pain include:
Diagnosing Sharp Pain in ThighPain in thigh bones can be characterized as stabbing, with the severity and duration depending on the cause. A dull, aching pain in the thigh rarely requires a doctor visit. Most cases are simple muscular injuries that heal with rest and at-home treatments. However, there are certain conditions and circumstances that require medical advice. To diagnose thigh pain, your doctor will conduct a thorough physical examination to look at your medical history and for signs of a serious condition, such as nerve damage, a blood clot (DVT), or a fracture. If further assessment is required, an MRI scan, X-ray or ultrasound may be used to confirm the severity and location of your injury. Recovery Time for Thigh MusclesPainful thighs can be brief or debilitating, depending on what tissues are injured. The timeframe for returning to daily activities depends on the severity of your injury and the type of injury. For muscle strains, mild leg pain typically heals within a few days to weeks, while moderate strains can take up to six weeks. Whereas more recovery from severe pain often caused by fractures, bursitis, or nerve damage can vary anywhere from a few weeks to a few months. Severe Thigh Pain Care and PreventionThigh pain can be intermittent or constant. It can develop gradually or suddenly. While it can be frustrating, know that common pain in thigh muscles are easy to treat and are usually preventable with the right understanding too. If you don’t know what is causing your thigh pain or it keeps coming back, talk to your orthopedic doctor or healthcare provider to determine the cause and to determine the best treatment plan to manage your pain, such as home treatment, physical therapy, and more. Sources: https://www.aboutpain.com.au/category/lower-body/thigh-pain/ Shop Thigh Pain When should I be concerned about thigh pain?Signs and symptoms that warrant a visit to a medical professional include: Severe pain that limits your ability to function (like having difficulty walking) Thigh pain accompanied by fever or malaise (can be a sign of infection) Thigh pain with redness, swelling, and warmth of your skin (can sign of a blood clot)
What does it mean when the side of your thigh hurts?It's caused by compression of the nerve that provides sensation to the skin covering your thigh. Tight clothing, obesity or weight gain, and pregnancy are common causes of meralgia paresthetica. However, meralgia paresthetica can also be due to local trauma or a disease, such as diabetes.
What causes pain on the side of the upper thigh?Greater trochanteric pain syndrome can cause pain in the outside of your upper thighs. It's typically caused by injury, pressure, or repetitive movements, and it's common in runners and in women. Symptoms may include: pain worsening when lying on the affected side.
How do you get rid of pain in your right thigh?Heat or ice can be beneficial in the management of musculoskeletal pain. Ice is most beneficial if your thigh problem is related to an injury. You can try heat to help your pain levels if there's no swelling and your symptoms are not related to a recent injury. Never place ice or heat directly on your skin.
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