Meralgia paresthetica or meralgia paraesthetica  is numbness or pain in the outer thigh not caused by injury to the thigh, but by injury to a nerve that extends from the spinal column to the thigh. This chronic neurological disorder involves a single nerve—the  lateral cutaneous nerve of the thigh, which is also called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (and hence the syndrome lateral femoral cutaneous neuropathy). The term "meralgia paraesthetica" combines four Greek roots to mean "thigh pain with anomalous perception". The disorder has also been nicknamed bikini brief syndrome and skinny pants syndrome, because it can be caused by wearing tight clothing. Signs and symptoms
Pain on the outer side of the thigh, occasionally extending to the outer side of the knee, usually constant. A burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the same area
Multiple bee-sting like pains in the affected area
Occasionally, aching in the groin area or pain spreading across the buttocks
Usually more sensitive to light touch than to firm pressure
Hypersensitivity to heat (warm water from shower feels like it is burning the area)
Occasionally, patients may complain of itching or a bothersome sensation rather than pain in the affected area.The entire distribution of the nerve is rarely affected. Usually, the unpleasant sensation(s) affect only part of the skin supplied by the nerve.
Examination checks for sensory differences between the affected leg and the other leg.Differentiation of meralgia paraesthetica from a second lumbar root lesion remains the greatest problem in diagnosis and relies on the careful delineation of the paraesthetic area, the degree of numbness and a negative MR scan of the lumbar spine. Although the L2 area and the area supplied by the lateral cutaneous nerve correspond well laterally, the second root also contributes to the innervation of the groin and the inner aspect of the thigh. Furthermore, in L2 root lesions the analgesia is very slight because of the overlap between L2 and L3, whereas in lesions of the lateral cutaneous nerve, there is
almost full anaesthesia, with a clear-cut border.Accurate diagnosis may require an abdominal and pelvic examination to exclude problems in those areas.Electromyographic (EMG) nerve-conduction studies may be required.X-rays may be needed to exclude bone abnormalities that might put pressure on the nerve; likewise CT or MRI scans to exclude soft tissue causes such as a tumor. Treatment
Treatment varies. In most cases, the best treatment is to remove the cause of compression by modifying patient behavior, in combination with medical treatment to relieve inflammation and pain. Whatever the cause, typical treatment takes several weeks to months—depending on the degree of nerve damage. Typical treatment options include:
Active Release Technique (ART) soft tissue treatment
Wearing looser clothing and suspenders rather than belts
Weight loss if obesity is present
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammatory pain if pain level limits motion and prevents sleep
Reducing physical activity in relation to pain level.