Q&A

Is Meralgia Paresthetica common in pregnancy?

Is Meralgia Paresthetica common in pregnancy?

Meralgia paresthetica is a common sensory mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve which occurs in pregnancy as well as in many other conditions. The most likely etiology in pregnancy is entrapment of the nerve as it passes around the anterior superior iliac spine or through the inguinal ligament.

Why does the side of my thigh hurt during pregnancy?

Many women experience pain around the outer thigh or hip area during pregnancy. This is known as ‘greater trochanteric pain syndrome or GTPS (previously called ‘trochanteric bursitis’).

What can I do to stop my legs from going numb while pregnant?

General numbness and tingling of the hands, fingers, back, legs, and buttocks during pregnancy can be treated by a gentle massage, making sure to vary your sleep positions (using a pregnancy body pillow helps a lot), soothing baths, and stretching.

Does stretching help Meralgia Paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica involves the compression of a nerve in the upper leg. This causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the outer thigh. Stretching and strengthening exercises may help release the nerve, thereby easing the symptoms of meralgia parasthetica.

Is heat or ice better for Meralgia Paresthetica?

Heat therapy to relax muscles and ice therapy to reduce pain and swelling may be recommended as they can be tolerated. If the pain is less severe, or once more severe pain begins to reduce, behavior modification is often recommended, such as making sure to take breaks during long periods of activity.

Is SPD bad for pregnancy?

It usually occurs during pregnancy, when your pelvic joints become stiff or move unevenly. It can occur both at the front and back of your pelvis. SPD is also sometimes referred to as pelvic girdle pain. The condition isn’t harmful to your baby, but it could be extremely painful for you.

What does it mean when your legs go numb during pregnancy?

As your uterus grows, it may press on the nerves in your legs. This may cause some numbness and tingling (feeling of pins and needles) in your legs and toes. This is normal and will go away after you give birth (it may take a few weeks to months). You may also have numbness or tingling in your fingers and hands.

What causes a person to have Meralgia paresthetica?

It’s usually not serious. Meralgia paresthetica happens when a nerve, known as the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, becomes compressed. Any of the following can trigger the condition: pregnancy. tight clothing. hip surgery. obesity.

When does Meralgia paresthetica go away in pregnant women?

Typically, meralgia paresthetica goes away in a few months on its own or with conservative treatment, like wearing loose-fitting clothing or losing weight. Pregnant women with the condition usually experience relief after giving birth.

Can You exercise if you have Meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia Paresthetica & Pregnancy Exercises. Meralgia paresthetica commonly occurs in pregnancy owing to weight gain. Because medications or surgery are not advisable during pregnancy, you may be able to relieve symptoms with exercise.

Can a chiropractor treat Meralgia paresthetica while pregnant?

According to a case report published in a 2006 issue of the “Journal of Chiropractic Medicine,” a 22-year-old pregnant woman with meralgia paresthetica treated the condition using the “cat-camel” exercise. If physical therapy is part of your regimen, your therapist will likely perform a variety of soft tissue manipulations.

Helpful tips

Is meralgia paresthetica common in pregnancy?

Is meralgia paresthetica common in pregnancy?

Meralgia paresthetica is a common sensory mononeuropathy of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve which occurs in pregnancy as well as in many other conditions. The most likely etiology in pregnancy is entrapment of the nerve as it passes around the anterior superior iliac spine or through the inguinal ligament.

How do you get rid of meralgia paresthetica?

Medications

  1. Corticosteroid injections. Injections can reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain.
  2. Tricyclic antidepressants. These medications might relieve your pain.
  3. Gabapentin (Gralise, Neurontin), phenytoin (Dilantin) or pregabalin (Lyrica).

What helps with numb thighs during pregnancy?

Treatment. General numbness and tingling of the hands, fingers, back, legs, and buttocks during pregnancy can be treated by a gentle massage, making sure to vary your sleep positions (using a pregnancy body pillow helps a lot), soothing baths, and stretching.

Does exercise help meralgia paresthetica?

Exercising for 30 minutes a day at least three or four times a week should help ease meralgia paresthetica pain.

How can I sleep with Meralgia Paresthetica?

The best option is to sleep on the side opposite the discomfort with a pillow between your legs. (If the burning is in your left thigh, sleep on your right side.) This can help ease the compression of the nerve enough to allow you to get to sleep.

Does stretching help meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica involves the compression of a nerve in the upper leg. This causes tingling, numbness, and pain in the outer thigh. Stretching and strengthening exercises may help release the nerve, thereby easing the symptoms of meralgia parasthetica.

Can You exercise if you have Meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia Paresthetica & Pregnancy Exercises. Meralgia paresthetica commonly occurs in pregnancy owing to weight gain. Because medications or surgery are not advisable during pregnancy, you may be able to relieve symptoms with exercise.

Can a chiropractor treat Meralgia paresthetica while pregnant?

According to a case report published in a 2006 issue of the “Journal of Chiropractic Medicine,” a 22-year-old pregnant woman with meralgia paresthetica treated the condition using the “cat-camel” exercise. If physical therapy is part of your regimen, your therapist will likely perform a variety of soft tissue manipulations.

When does Meralgia paresthetica go away in pregnant women?

Typically, meralgia paresthetica goes away in a few months on its own or with conservative treatment, like wearing loose-fitting clothing or losing weight. Pregnant women with the condition usually experience relief after giving birth.

How is the diagnosis of Meralgia paresthetica made?

In most cases diagnosis is made by history and physical examination. If you trace the area of pain or burning over the outer leg and have one of the mechanisms of compression listed above then there is a good shot that you’re lateral femoral cutaneous nerve the culprit.