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Meralgia paresthetica is a condition characterized by tingling, numbness and burning pain in your outer thigh. The cause of meralgia paresthetica is compression of the nerve that supplies sensation to the skin surface of 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.

In most cases, meralgia paresthetica can be relieved with conservative measures, such as wearing looser clothing. In severe cases, treatment may include medications to relieve discomfort or, rarely, surgery.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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Pressure on the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to your upper thigh, may cause these symptoms of meralgia paresthetica:

• Tingling and numbness in the outer (lateral) part of your thigh
• Burning pain in or on the surface of the outer part of your thigh

These symptoms commonly occur only on one side of your body and may intensify after walking or standing.

When to see your doctor

See your doctor if you experience any of the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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Meralgia paresthetica occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve — which supplies sensation to the surface of your outer thigh — becomes compressed, or "pinched." The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is purely a sensory nerve and doesn't affect your ability to use your leg muscles.

In most people, this nerve passes through the groin to the upper thigh without trouble. But in meralgia paresthetica, the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes trapped — often under the inguinal ligament, which runs along your groin from your abdomen to your upper thigh.

Common causes of this compression include any condition that increases pressure on the groin, including:

• Tight clothing, such as belts, corsets and tight pants
• Obesity or weight gain
• Wearing a heavy tool belt
• Pregnancy
• Scar tissue near the inguinal ligament due to injury or past surgery

Nerve injury, which can be due to diabetes or seat belt injury after a motor vehicle accident, for example, also can cause meralgia paresthetica.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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In most cases, your doctor can make a diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica based on your medical history and a physical examination. He or she may touch the affected leg, ask you to describe the pain, and ask you to trace out the specific location of the numb or painful area on your leg.

To rule out other conditions, your doctor may recommend:

• X-ray imaging. This diagnostic tool uses electromagnetic radiation to make images of your hip and pelvic area.
• Electromyography. This test measures the electrical discharges produced in muscles to help evaluate and diagnose muscle and nerve disorders. During the test, a thin needle electrode is placed into the muscle to record electrical activity. Results of this test are normal in meralgia paresthetica, but the test may be needed to exclude other disorders when the diagnosis isn't clear.
• Nerve conduction study. In this test, patch-style electrodes are placed on your skin to stimulate the nerve with a mild electrical impulse. The electrical impulse helps diagnose damaged nerves.
• Nerve blockade. Pain relief achieved from anesthetic injection into your thigh where the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve enters into it can confirm that you have meralgia paresthetica. Ultrasound imaging may be used to guide the needle.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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The following self-care measures can help treat and prevent meralgia paresthetica:

• Avoid wearing tight clothing.
• Maintain a healthy weight, or lose weight if you're overweight.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com

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The following conditions may increase your risk of meralgia paresthetica:

• Extra weight. Being overweight or obese may increase the pressure on your lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
• Pregnancy. A growing belly puts added pressure on your groin, through which the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve passes.
• Diabetes. Diabetes-related nerve injury can lead to meralgia paresthetica.
• Age. People between the ages of 30 and 60 are at a higher risk.

Source: http://www.mayoclinic.com