Localizations
The cutaneus femoris lateralis is primarily located on the outside of the thigh. Accordingly, the meralgia paraesthetica would be typical. However, polyneuropathy in the context of diabetes, nerve inflammation caused by viruses and bacteria or autoimmune diseases can also cause symptoms on the outside of the thigh.
The posterior thigh is primarily supplied by the sciatic nerve. This can also be irritated by muscular tension or even become trapped by bony structures. In piriformis syndrome, the sciatic nerve is irritated by the piriformis muscle in the hip. This pain can radiate to the back of the thigh.A spondylolisthesis or the classic lumboischialgia as well as a lumbar spine syndrome are diseases of the spine that can lead to nerve pain or an inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is usually based on the symptoms. If there is a suspicion of a spinal disease as the cause, imaging such as MRI may be requested. In the case of an autoimmune event, blood tests can be performed and, in particular in the case of Guillain-Barre syndrome, causative infections can be asked for.
For the diagnosis of MS, a cerebrospinal fluid puncture is performed in addition to the blood test and the MRI. An electroneurography can also provide information about an inflammatory process or a functional disorder of a nerve. Shingles can be diagnosed on the basis of the clinical manifestation with the classic rash in the form of vesicles in the dermatome of the affected nerve. This topic may also be of interest to you: Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis
Therapy
The therapy varies depending on the cause of the disease. In the case of nerve compression, painkillers from the group of NSAIDs or glucocorticoids can help to reduce swelling and inflammation. In MS, a special therapy is initiated with immunosuppressive drugs, among other things.
In polyneuropathy, the focus is on optimal blood sugar control and treatment of diabetes. Guillain-Barre syndrome is treated with immunoglobulins, among other things. Physiotherapy, massages and acupuncture can be used as supportive measures and are particularly helpful in cases of musculoskeletal causes.
Surgery is only indicated in rare cases of an acute disease of the spinal column or a lack of improvement, e.g. nerve compression such as the Meralgia paraesthetica. The administration of medication is a major component of treatment for nerve inflammation. Painkillers such as NSAIDs are often given for nerve inflammation because they have an anti-inflammatory effect in addition to pain control.
Glucocorticoids also have anti-inflammatory and decongestant effects in an inflamed nerve. Autoimmune diseases must be treated by modulating the immune system with immunoglobulins or immunosuppressive drugs. Home remedies are particularly suitable for the therapy of nerve inflammation in muscular diseases.
Here, heat applications using wraps or cherry pit pillows are particularly helpful in relieving tension. Massages or physiotherapy can also help. Care should also be taken to ensure a balanced diet and sufficient exercise.
Vitamins such as vitamin B12 in particular are essential for nerve metabolism. The main sources of vitamin B12 are animal foods such as red meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Ginkgo biloba can also be taken as a household remedy to support the nerve cells.
Most commonly used are tablets but it is also available in other dosage forms such as powder. Homeopathic remedies should only be used as a supportive therapy, as their effect has not been proven. Hypericum perforatum (St. John’s wort) or Gnaphalium are said to help with nerve inflammation. Aranea diadema or Schüssler Salt No. 5 Potassium phosphoricum are also commonly used.
