What does it mean when your thigh is burning like fire?

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that causes numbness, pain, or a burning feeling in your outer thigh. You might also hear it called Bernhardt-Roth syndrome. It happens when there's too much pressure on or damage to one of the nerves in your leg, specifically the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).

Why do my thighs feel like there burning?

The medical term for burning pain in the outer thigh is meralgia paresthetica. The burning pain is due to a large compressed nerve. Causes of burning thigh pain include trauma, swelling, or pressure to the leg. Some common examples include weight gain, tight clothing, or work gear that presses on the body.

Does meralgia paresthetica go away?

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. More severe cases may require medications or surgery.

How do I get rid of the burning in my thigh?

What can a doctor do for meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia Paresthetica (Outer thigh numbness, burning and tingling)

When should I be concerned about thigh pain?

Thigh pain with redness, swelling, and warmth of your skin. This may be a sign of a blood clot and requires immediate medical attention. A muscle strain or tear may cause your thigh to look deformed. A visit to an orthopedic surgeon may be needed to accurately diagnose and treat your condition.

What does a burning pain mean?

A burning sensation is a type of pain that's distinct from dull, stabbing, or aching pain. A burning pain can be related to nerve problems. However, there are many other possible causes. Injuries, infections, and autoimmune disorders have the potential to trigger nerve pain and, in some cases, cause nerve damage.

Is walking good for meralgia paresthetica?

Exercising for 30 minutes a day at least three or four times a week should help ease meralgia paresthetica pain. Some exercises to try include: brisk walking.

What type of doctor should you see for meralgia paresthetica?

A neurologist is an expert in diagnosing and treating problems of your brain, spinal cord and nerves, including these 8 neurological symptoms and disorders. A neurologist treats disorders that affect the brain, spinal cord and nerves.

Does ibuprofen help with meralgia paresthetica?

If you've been diagnosed with meralgia paresthetica, make sure you're taking steps to reduce the nerve compression that causes it. This could mean wearing loose clothing, losing weight, or doing exercises and stretches. For mild pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medications, like ibuprofen (Advil) or aspirin.

Can sitting cause meralgia paresthetica?

Meralgia paresthetica is a condition that occurs when the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is compressed or pinched. This nerve is in charge of sensation along the front and side of the thigh. Those who suffer from the condition report symptoms of pain, throbbing, burning, or numbness in their thighs when they sit down.

What does upper thigh pain mean?

Because of a large number of muscles in the upper thigh, pain in this area is often due to a muscle injury. Some common muscle injuries in this area include: Muscle sprains and strains. Sprains and strains can affect any of the many muscles, ligaments, and tendons in the thigh. A sprain is a torn or stretched ligament.

Is burning sensation serious?

If you encounter a burning sensation, it may be caused by one of many possible health conditions including nerve damage, injury, or infection. If you cannot determine an apparent cause for your burning pain, it is in your best interest to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

Why does my skin feel like its on fire?

Burning Skin – feels like your skin has been burned, like a sunburn, yet it hasn't – is a common anxiety disorder symptom, including anxiety attacks, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, Obsessive Compulsive disorder, and others.

Can heart problems cause leg pain?

The heart connection

Your leg pain could well be a symptom of cardiovascular disease that puts you at risk of having a heart attack.

How do I know if my leg pain is serious?

See your doctor as soon as possible if you have:

A leg that is swollen, pale or unusually cool. Calf pain, particularly after prolonged sitting, such as on a long car trip or plane ride. Swelling in both legs along with breathing problems. Any serious leg symptoms that develop for no apparent reason.

What causes upper thigh pain at night?

Thigh pain at night may be caused by a condition called nocturnal leg cramps. Involuntary cramping of the legs can cause severe pain and difficulty sleeping. The calf muscles are usually involved, but the cramps can occur in the thigh as well.

Can high blood pressure cause burning sensations?

Share on Pinterest High blood pressure level is one potential cause of paresthesia, alongside fibromyalgia, a trapped nerve, or stroke. The symptoms of paresthesia or a pinched nerve include: tingling or a “pins and needles” sensation. aching or burning pain.

What infections cause burning?

Infections are often responsible for a burning sensation in the genitals. For example, yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV) commonly lead to a feeling of burning, itchiness, and unusual discharge.

Does arthritis cause a burning sensation?

In general, the first sign of arthritis is pain, also called arthralgia. This can feel like a dull ache or a burning sensation. Often, pain starts after you've used the joint a lot, for example, if you've been gardening or if you just walked up a flight of stairs. Some people feel soreness first thing in the morning.

What nerve causes pain in front of thigh?

Causes. The femoral nerve is located in the pelvis and goes down the front of the leg. It helps the muscles move the hip and straighten the leg. It provides feeling (sensation) to the front of the thigh and part of the lower leg.

What is the best position to 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.

When is meralgia paresthetica serious?

In some cases, meralgia paresthetica can be a serious condition that should be evaluated immediately in an emergency setting. Seek immediate medical care (call 911) if you, or someone you are with, have any of these serious symptoms including: Leg weakness. Numbness, tingling or weakness in other parts of the body.

How do you test for meralgia paresthetica?

Doctors may need no more than a physical exam to diagnose you with meralgia paresthetica. A doctor may look for hair loss on the affected thigh, or palpate for “Tinel sign,” which involves tapping your inguinal ligament to see if symptoms worsen.

Is meralgia paresthetica a symptom of MS?

Spinal nerve disorder, multiple sclerosis, nerve disorder and spinal cord disorder are rare causes of meralgia paresthetica.