Meralgia paraesthetica in pregnancy

During pregnancy, the nerve affected by a meralgia paraesthetica (nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis) can be compressed or even pinched off in its already very narrow course under the inguinal ligament due to increased pressure, which can then lead to the characteristic sensory disturbances in the outer region of the thigh. During pregnancy, the risk of suffering from Meralgia paraesthetica is increased because the development of the child in the womb leads to various changes in the maternal body system. On the one hand, during pregnancy there is increased water retention in the connective tissue, which can swell and compress or pinch off surrounding structures (e.g. nerves). On the other hand, the increasing weight of the child also causes increased pressure on the pelvis as the pregnancy progresses, as does the increasingly tense abdominal wall, so that irritations of the nervus cutaneus femoris lateralis can occur.Usually the symptoms disappear after the end of the pregnancy without any residual symptoms.

Meralgia paraesthetica and sports

Meraligia paraesthetica or Inguinal Tunnel Syndrome, which is primarily caused by increased traction and pressure on the lateral cutaneus femoris nerve under the inguinal ligament, can also be triggered during sports activities. In sports, the main risk factor for the development of this nerve irritation is considered to be weight training, in which the muscle groups of the thighs (thigh extensor), hips (muscle flexor) and abdomen (straight and oblique abdominal muscles) are trained in particular. Incorrect training or incorrect posture during the strength exercises can cause the nerve to become entrapped. However, unbalanced strength training with resulting imbalances and muscle shortening can also lead to compression of the nerve in its anatomical constrictions, so that it becomes irritated and irritated and causes the characteristic symptom of the Meralgia paraesthetica on the outside of the thigh.

Which doctor treats the Meralgia parästhetica?

In principle, the family doctor as a specialist in general medicine is the first point of contact. He can make the diagnosis and start the first drug therapy measures. If there is no improvement in the general practitioner’s therapeutic measures, a referral to a specialist is recommended.

This can be a specialist in neurology or a specialist in orthopedics. Both specialists treat this clinical picture. If surgical decompression is planned, then a presentation to the surgeon is the right step.