Twinging Thigh Could Be Pinched Nerve
Upper leg muscle pain, specifically in the outer thigh, could be a sign of a nerve condition called meralgia paresthetica.
This condition causes thigh pain that’s not necessarily a musculoskeletal problem. It occurs when the nerve that supplies feeling to the outer thigh (called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve) gets compressed.
Causes of nerve compression include:
- Tight clothes: Yes, those super-tight leather pants could actually compress a nerve.
- Injury: A previous injury may create scar tissue that puts pressure on the nerve.
- Disease: Conditions such as diabetes can promote nerve injury.
- Pregnancy: The changes in body shape during pregnancy can cause pressure on the nerve.
- Obesity: Being very overweight can put pressure on the nerve.
If you have symptoms of meralgia paresthetica, see a specialist for an evaluation. He or she will use imaging tests to rule out other medical problems. Treatments include putting away the tight pants for a while, losing weight, and taking mild pain relievers. But if your pain is extreme and persists, a clinician may recommend corticosteroid injections or tricyclic antidepressants.
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