Numbness, itchy, cold, burning leg

[asisenhart]

For 4 months, I have suffered from a numb, itchy, and cold/burning right upper leg. It is also sensitive to the touch and I sometimes get stabbing pains in the same area. In June it started as a quarter size area...now it has increased to my whole front leg. I do have an appt. for an MRI next week, but am very curious about this until I get a final diagnosis. The doctor I chose to go to did not offer much info...he thinks I may have a damaged nerve in my back. He also told me during my exam that I have 'brisk reflexes' and had asked me if I had always had 'brisk reflexes'. He seemed very concerned about this condition. I also have fatigue and always a feeling of muscle aches and sometimes confusion. Please...anyone that has suffered from this condition, please respond....I am very concerned about this and would appreciate any info from anyone!

[bengalcats]

I HAVE VERY SIMILAIR PROBLEM IN MY LEFT FOOT, ONLY AFFECTS THE ARES RIGHT AROUND MY SMALL TO, WAS VERY ITCHY AND IT DROVE ME CRAZY BUT AT THE SAME TIME IT FELT NUMB, THE ITCH HAS GONE BUT NOT THE NUMB FEELING. i DID NOT SEE A DR FOR THIS BUT FEEL IT IS A SYMPTOM OF AN UNDIAGNOSED CONDITION THAT I HAVE. FOR MANY YEARS i BELIEVED i HAD MS, I HAD SO MANY TESTS, BLOODWORK, BRAIN SCAN, MRI, NERVE CONDUCTION TESTS, SPINAL TAP, XRAYS, CT SCANS, ALL COME BACK NORMAL, i GIVE UP BUT WHEN i START HAVING A FLAIR UP i START WORRYING AGAIN. i HOPE YOU CAN FIND AN ANSWER TO YOUR PROBLEM. iF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN READING ANY OF MY EARLIER POSTS i STARTED WRITTING AROUND LAST FEB, MARCH AND APRIL.YOU CAN FIND THEM IN THE ARCHIVES, SOMEWHERE THERE I LISTED ALL MY SYMPTOMS

[Jenny Wren]

Ho Jeannie!!!

[asisenhart]

Thanks for your info.....sounds like you have had your share of health issues as well. I am sure it is aggravating to have so many tests done and not have a diagnosis. It helps to know someone understands. I have had 1 doctor, 1 pa, and 1 physical therapist all tell me I have them a little stumped. I hope you find out what your condition is involving your foot....I will keep referring to this, so you can let me know if you ever get a final diagnosis. Thanks again!!!

[Ouchmyneckhurts]

I too have the same problem with my right upper thigh.  Numbness and burning and itchy. It started out the size of a quarter just above my knee cap during my last pregnancy.  Docs said it would go away after I delivered because most likely a nerve was being pressed on...Needless to say it did not go away, and has only been progressivley getting worse. It now starts just above the knee cap and covers almost the whole upper thigh in front...no numbness or anything on the back of my leg.  While the leg is numb, it still gets itcy and it is very irritating to scratch it. If I stand or walk for too long, the burning sensation comes into play, and I have to sit down, because it also hurts my lower back, makes my back feel like it will break if I don't sit down. This has been going on for 23 years! And not one doctor can tell me what is wrong...I've been sent for many, many tests, including the nerve test where they stick needles in your leg...now they are telling me that it is probably due to weight and that it won't go away, I'll just have to live with it.  This pain really ruins outings, as I always have to sit and rest for a while so I can punch the leg & massage it to try to get some feeling in it, even if the feeling only deep down, not on the skin. When we go places I sometimes just want a wheel chair because it is just too painful to walk. Sorry I don't have an answer for you, but at least you know you are not alone....I sure hope someone reading this has had it and found a cure for it..

[asisenhart]

Thanks for responding....I cannot believe I finally found someone w/ the same symptoms in the same area....finally someone understands! So the dr said it is probably a pinched nerve? That's what a friend of mine says it is....did you ever have an MRI? And the dr said you will have to live w/ it? That is not positive...I can't imagine anyone having to live w/ this....there have been times I have been ready to saw my leg off! For the last 2 days, it has not been bad....last week there was 1 day I thought it was going to explode! Right now, I am not sure rather to have the MRI...I may try other alternatives....but whatever I find out, I will be sure to let you know so maybe I can be of some help to you. I am sorry it has been 23 yrs of suffering for you....I just cannot imagine putting up w/ that for that amount of time! Thanks so much for your input....I will let you know if I can come up w/ a fix for it...someone I hope will respond to us that can offer, if not a cure, some good relief! Thanks again!

[Ouchmyneckhurts]

Never had an MRI done, just the test that sticks needles in your leg to determine where the damaged nerve is...Since it was not the Sciatic nerve, which I think is what they were looking to find, they are deducting that it is a pinched nerve in the pelvic area.  My regualar doc said there is a surgery for this, usually people just live with it....All I know is that the pain gets so incredible, I feel like taking to a wheelchair whenever we go anywhere that involves walking or standing for any length of time.  Like cooking Thanksgiving dinner...I'll put a barstool in the kitchen so I can lift my right leg up on it to get some relief.  I too hope someone knows what this is.  The neurologist that is going to perform my surgery on my neck asked me if I knew what it was or if anyone had diagnosed it.  I told him that no one had diagnosed it for 23 years, he looked at me in disbelief...he just can't believe that no one has done anything to find the exact cause...I'm hoping that after we get my neck fixed he'll look into a cure for my leg pain.

[Kate4peace]

I am SO glad to find this place.  I have your exact same symptoms and I haven't gone to the doctor yet.  It started out almost 2 years ago, with this strange itching on my left thigh above the knee.  I would scratch it like crazy...but it kept itching.  Then it slowly evolved into me having this numb spot where I had been scratching.  It started out small...and it has expanded up the front of my thigh.  It makes me crazy when I rub up against a chair or table and notice that I don't FEEL the edge.  I run my hand over the area and it is numb on the surface.  Now, I do notice that when I have to stand for a while or walk...the area hurts and I get a burning pain deeper down in the thigh.  I don't have a clue...but if you get feedback, would you please let us know?  I'm planning on making an appointment soon because it is starting to cause discomfort when I walk.  Thanks and good luck!  Kathy

[Avfuel]

I too have been suffering with this pain for almost a year. Mine is  in my right leg right above my knee on the outer part of the thigh. I cannot feel the surface. This came on Oct. 05 and I suffered through a painful winter. However I noticed that when the climate changed, so did the symptoms. During the summer months I would not get the sharp, burning pain that I got during the winter time. Now that winter is in full effect I am feeling the pain once again. I am comforted to know that there are others out there who are having this same issue. I am making an appt. for this week as I cannot handle this much longer.

I do have one question, I am overweight, is everyone else?

Thanks and please feel free to email me
***@****

Thanks

Levi

[mirroreimaj]

i have a similar problem in both legs, right leg has all but gone away.  my left leg on the other hand seems to be getting worse.  i am also suffering from numbness, tingling, burning, coldness, and severe pain including stabbing and nagging. all this started about a month ago when my blood-oxygen got below 14%, due to an accedental overdose to methedone.  i had two prescriptions of 5mg and one of 10mg.  the whole before i went into the hospital, i was taking 10mg thinking they were 5mg. i must have lost control because every one of the 10mg were gone.  anyway, while i was in the hospital, the doctor had mentioned a slight renial failure, and that some muscle deterioration had occured due to my low oxygen level.  i have looked at many articles with no luck.  lucky to be alive.

[TMonee]

I believe I may be in the same family with you guys.  Tell me if you can relate - for years off and on.....I get this piercing sharp pain in the upper thigh area kind of where the thigh begins and the pubic area ends...I will feel it possibly one time, or maybe a few stabs in a row - then it's Gone.  It hurts so terribly bad and it's been maybe two years.  I don't have health insurance I'm at a new joy that does not include insurance - and believe it or not I was DENIED from purchasing Health Insurance by Blue Cross Blue Shield because I'm on medication for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (couldn't be related - this is a recent diagnosis) and they said I was too much of a risk.  Isn't that wonderful?  I am not overweight. If anyone knows any type of home or herbal remedy - I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE IT.

[42or142?]

I was so happy to see I am not alone. My numb spot started above my right knee, off a little to the side about a year ago. I thought it was due to a cut I got on that knee when I was 5yrs old and I had to have quite a few stiches and a cast for 6 weeks. Now it is on the side all the way up, it burns, hurts to touch softly, yet feels ok to really rub. The shooting stabbing pains are the worst. I just started doing Jazzercise when the area increased, and my husband thinks it is because I am finally exercising. (yes overweight) Everyone says go to the doctor, but I know he will think I am kookoo. To only have a part of 1 leg feel numb, yet it burns and has pain sounds a little weird doesn't it? I have never had a back injury, but I do have terrible arthritis in my lower back, legs, arms. Any information is so appreciated.

[wrigr9]

Ahhh finally people with the same symptoms as me.  I got a numb spot (most of the time) above my right knee along my thigh.  It doesnt feel any pain but I can feel pressure.  Everyonce in a while though it feels like its trying to "wake up" and I have a mad buring or itching feeling, which just causes me to scratch it like crazy.  Not really anything I cant live with, but its damn annoying ;-)  Has anyone figured out anything that fixes this, (besides surgery??) and as for the previous responses no I am not overweight, and I first noticed it while running sprints in wrestling practice 10 years ago.  Does anyone know what the acutual "Medical" term for this condition is besides (numb itchy spot on leg?)  and doesnt it seem odd that everyone has it on there right legs???  Weird!!!!!

[towie]

I am right there with all of you. Mine started when I had my gallbladder removed in July. My doctor said it was shingles before the blisters. She gave me an antiviral medication and steriods. That helped. She also gave me Cymbalta in Sept for depression and said it would help with the leg pain. It did for a little while, but I am back to the same thing. My right leg is numb above my knee and surrounding thigh, hurts when it is lightly touched, and with the cold weather plus I get a stabbing pain as if I am being stabbed with a knife. It hurts when I am standing, sitting or lying down. Lately my lower back and pelvic area are sore as well. I have an appt with the neurologist at the end of this month. I was talking to friend who is also a gastro doctor and he thinks something is pressing on a nerve. He suggested a pelvic exam, a ct scan and a colonoscopy. I do know my problem is related to my surgery, but what it is, I don't know yet. I couldn't fathom 23 years of this! Good luck to all of you!

[2cb's]

I have been experiencing numbness and some pain in the my right knee at the top of the tibia. It started out as pain when I knelt on it but as evolved fromjust when I knelt to tender to the touch as well as numb to the touch in about a 4X5 area.  It feels tender but also feels like it has been shot with novicane.  Any idea what it might be?  I would love to have you e-mail me with some suggestions...Thanks

[nosi]

my pain is on my right thigh and started small with just a bit of numbness, like my thigh was asleep.  i noticed it mostly at night.  now it has spread and feels hot and tender to the touch.  even when i sleep and are tossing and turning it hurts just to move my leg.  i am over weight and was on meth for 5 years. clean 1 and half now.  i haven't been to a doctor but thought it was related to meth.  at times my fingers would go numb too and i figured it was the drugs.  

[shawnesty]

Same symptoms here.  I've researched EVERYTHING and have a specialist doctor who says everything from neuropathy to tumor in spine.  I've had the MRIs and x-rays and shock reflex test etc...DONT waste your money!!! (results all say nothing's there) I am overweight but dont think that's the problem.  I've been on pain meds for 6 years and then this numbness/burning/itching bullsh*t hit me and it feels like a blood vessel has popped and it trickling hot blood just under my thigh tissue right above my knee. Nobody else put it that way...does anyone else feel that along with the other symptoms? When family or friends think i'm overreacting about a little numbness i hand them the nearest sharp object and say, "stab me in the leg, if i flinch, i'll give you a hundred bucks".  I hate people who dont understand pain/distress like this.  Anyways, my doc did put me on Lyrica (very expensive nerve drug) and if i take it three times a day, the numbness goes away mostly, but the pain, pressure, burning, itching, etc is still there, along with the side effects of the pills: dry mouth like crazy and cramps (charlie horse in calf at 3 am).  So, it's sixes. But, the numbness for me is the worst part.  Ask your doctor for a sample of the stuff; you'll know if it helps you within 2 days.  if you have any info to add please post and email if you dont mind: shawnesty(AT)h*tmail <---you know how the address works :)
Good luck guys!

[jacksonjohnson]

My symptoms began after I was placed on methadone for a herniated disc. My question to you is; after you recovered from your overdose, did your numbness and other symptoms in your legs ever recover?.

[anna25]

I have these symptoms for 11 years now and nothing has been done it travels around my body and does go on my legs to. I am glad i am not the only one cause i can see what help people are getiting here so i can get something done. Mine gets so bad i lost all the jobs i had over it and cant even work now. The numb tingling on my back has spread and have a new area up by my neck also. Also i had an xray and shows my muscle spasm on my neck for the past year. How come nothing is being done by my doctor?

[Philagios]

I just found this other site that gave me a name ..I looked it up and it sounds like it could be it...   Meralgia Paresthetica    or Lateral  Femerol  Cutaneous  Nerve  Syndrome

Now some of the site say it is due to Over weight and some say to pregancey but IF you keep looking you will also find a site that says it is dye to a nerve in the bak L2 and L3 I belive... and when excamaned the doc find nothing wrong yet it IS a symptom..ANd there are such few cases of this reported ..So EVERYONE go and tell your doc this so More folks will get diganosed earlier cause it wont be a rare thing anymore... Yea... A name for this.. Pain..

[Baduk]

You were not alone.  I got a numb spot (most of the time) above my right knee along my thigh.  It was so itchy sometimes and has a burning feeling. It started last April 07, I already consulted 2 doctors and told me that it was my nerves. The doctor prescribed me Vitamin B1, then referred me back to a neurologist, he told me the same thing and advised me to go for Eletromyography test. Last month I had the test and I am still waiting for the result on my next appoinment on August 27, 07 and hoping that they will find solutions on this.Yes I agree with "wrigr9" Does anyone know what the acutual "Medical" term for this condition is besides (numb itchy spot on leg?)  and doesnt it seem odd that everyone has it on there right legs???  Weird!!!!!  

Please share your experience and how it was solved!!!

Thank you!!

[Coop63]

My numbness started about 20 years ago and has gotten worse over the years. Started out as a small numb spot about mid thigh. It has gradually progressed to the entire thigh. I have also had lower back pain often too.  If I stand in one place too long, my lower back gets so painful, I have to lean on something to hold myself up. In the last two years, my thigh numbness has begun to have pain in the same area too.  It sometimes feels like a knife cutting pain, sometimes it feels like a layer of skin is ripping off, sometimes it doesn't hurt unless I rub on it and then the skin has pain.  The pain usually goes away when I get up and walk around but the numbness stays. It happens a lot when I first wake up, and occasionally the pain wakes me up.  Finally, a family doctor actually listened to my symptoms and sent me for an xray. They found narrowing of the disc and prescribed Lyrica which I haven't tried yet.  Does anybody know if there is a permanent remedy for this besides pills?  Coop63

[itchymakinmeb-----]

Don't get pain management needles stuck in you.  I did and they went to deep and damaged my spinal cord.  I have pins and needles in my hand, numbness and an itchy neck and vibrations in my body- basically nerve damage.  I'm going to go to Dr Green in Miami , world know specialist.

[rightsideonly]

It hurts most when I drive, when I am working the pedals with my right leg.  This may be an ergonomic problem caused by a bad car seat position (too far from pedals, trying to keep far from the airbag, because I am short).  That would explain why it is just one leg.  

[[e-mail]]

I also have the same problem as everone else. I have a numbness that started out on the side of my right thigh about the size of a quarter and it has gotten really big. It covers the side of my thigh now and has woked its way to the front of my thigh. I am also overweight. I have never went to the docor about it either. I have a numb spot to the touch and when i move a certain way it has a burning sensation. This has been going on for 5 years now and it keeps getting bigger. I hope its not a blood clot! Can anyone help?

[bwilds]

Hi.
I've got all the same symptoms - began the same and progressed to worse but in my left leg. I had an MRI also. It turns out it is a pinched nerve in my hip. It is located on the front of the pelvis and runs between the hip bone and the groin. If you have the same problem, it does get better. It is associated with weight, exercise, how tight you wear your pants (and belts), and your chair you sit in! I lost about 5lbs, I don't wear clothes that press tightly against the hip, and I don't sit all the time anymore. If I push on that part of my hip, my leg will get cold, burn, itch.. and it will spread. The more weight I gain, the tighter the pants fit, the more time I spend sitting, the more painful/numb my leg is.
There is one benefit to this whole stupid leg thing, it motivates me to get exercise and get off my butt. So look at it in a positive way =)

I've read quite a few of these posts and not everyone appears to have the same thing. All of you need to have a doctor. If you don't have insurance, pay cash and call around for the cheapest MRI place. Believe it or not, they all charge differently and many accept payments!

[brookezthecook]

yeah, im going through something similar and wacky as well. one morning i woke up and it felt like my whole right leg was semi-asleep. from the top of my love handle, all the way down to my toes. i figured that it would just go away, but here i am a week later still annoyed at my extra sensitive large extremity! the weirdest symptom that im having is that anything that touches my skin which is remotely cold (anything cooler than my body temperature) feels painful. kind of like there is a sensitive bruise being brushed against. its shocking when anything, even my perfume body spray, touches the affected area. im thinking it may be a pinched nerve, and im hoping that it will just go away with some diet and exercise. should i be concerned? im not over weight. and im an active waitress who walks a lot everyday. WTF?

[ILNYCA]

Me too!  Right upper thigh.  I find that I feel it mostly when I first go to bed.  I especially feel it when I lie on my back, if I turn to my side the itching/numbness mostly goes away.  Lately (last few months), it's been itching throughout the day though.  I sometimes itch to the point of bruising.  I also find that I have some dots on my skin too.  The itching is deep, so I don't know if I can relate the two to each other.  Does anyone else have any type of dots (kind of like pimples--gross) on there skin?  Im intrigued by the fact that these posts mostly comment on the right thigh.

[rosemary7568]

I have for some time been experienced periodic numbness, itching and pain on a spot of my left outer thigh.  This morning it happened again and just to test whether it was really numb I stuck a safety pin on the surface, not deep enough to injure myself, and I didn't feel a thing but had actually pricked myself enough to cause a tiny bit of bleeding.  So I went searching on the Internet to find out if there were any other people that have experienced this and came across this website.  I do believe I have what someone else' doctor has identified as meralgia paresthetica? Meralgia paresthetica is an entrapment or "pinching" of the nerve that supplies sensation to the outer portion of the thigh. The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve becomes "entrapped" as it passes under the ligament of the groin. The pressure on the nerve causes abnormal sensations of burning, pain, and numbness in the distribution of this nerve, the outer and part of the front of the thigh.  If it will help others to know that they have this too here are some things about my current health status that may relate to you.  I hope this helps.  As I read many of the posts I could see similarities in my condition as in others.  So if your health conditions match any of mine I agree with the other person who posted information about this condition, see your doctor.  NIH says this is a rare condition but it also may be the symptom to something as serious as multiple scerlosis.

My health: obese, herniated disc, recently exercised (took a long walk) and was very sore afterwards, severe lower back pain, arithtis in my spine and also very bad edeme in both ankles and feet.

[sweethotashes]

Well.. Same problem here. Right upper thigh. Numb, cold and tingling burning sensations with EXTREME itch that seems like its under the skin.a couple small red bumps also appeared Someone mentioned a feeling like hot blood boiling and dripping under the skin.. . That describes it for me. Ive had this problem for about 3 months.. it started off a small spot .. now it covers my whole right upper thigh. I went to the doctor today... basically they had nothing to say.. something about a post virul thing.. but it was all maybe's.  So Im supposed to wait a few more weeks, and see if it goes away.. oh and im supposed to go in right away if another bump appears.  I wish I could get a straight answer because this is really bothering me. Im tired of waking up in the middle of the night with this extreme pain and itch. Ive actually been scratching too hard I guess because its bruising me by the looks of it.  Im 21 years old, a lil overweight but healthy . I eat right and excersise a few times a week. If someone wants to email me please do.. at  kick_ash_420***@****

[sweethotashes]

ok it doesnt show my email.. at the hot  male

[MoonGirl333]

I have had similar symptoms as all of you as well.  Mine started about 3 years ago.  4 1/2 years ago, I had had surgery for an intestinal disease called Chron's Disease and had gotten a spinal tap as the anesthetic, where they temporarily paralyze you from the waist down.  I recovered from the tap, no problem.  A year later (about three 1/2 years ago), I had to have another surgery for the Chron's Disease, and again, I used the spinal tap.  I got the typical symptoms of tinglies in my legs while I was recovering from the paraylsis, and they again warned me it may take a few days to feel completely normal.  The only problem was that this time, things never went completely back to normal.  When I would lay down, months later, only my RIGHT THIGH would feel asleep.  I'd have to hit it a bunch of times to feel it again.  I thought that I should give it a few months to see if it was just me recovering from the spinal tap.  Symptoms stayed the same but became more frequent--whenever I layed down, my right thigh would go numb.  I realized sometimes my fingers and hand would feel this way after I'd wake up, so I thought maybe I had diabetes or poor blood flow.  I finally told my doctor about it a year and a half later.  She did Diabetes tests on me, but they came back normal.  Throughout the next year, I started getting other symptoms--I would get sharp pains rushing up my leg once and a while if I stepped farther out than normal, and sometimes my leg would get a jolt of pain.  I dealt with it this past year but finally decided to mention it again to my doctor, since the symptoms have changed and I have become worried because the area it's affecting it getting bigger.  Occasionally, I still get the sharp pains but mostly my symptoms are now a bigger area of numbness (extending over most of the right thigh starting above the right of my kneecap toward the middle of my thigh), a hot feeling at the spot, and lot's of itchiness.  I can feel my fingers on my thigh but it feels as if the numbness is deeper inside.  Itching almost seems like it's caused the area to spread.  Important questions to ask is what causes the hotness?  Why just the right leg?  Why overweight?  I have yet to have an MRI, though my doctor has ordered one.  I have to get insurance as of this month, so I will let you know how that goes.
In order for us all to see if we have a common link, we need to list things about ourselves that may cause our symptoms, and see if anyone has a similar story.
1) Surgery? I have had three surgeries within the past 5 years.  Two involved spinal taps, 1 was with regular anesthesia.
2) Weight? I am overweight.
3) Physical Illness? I have Chron's Disease, an intestinal disorder.
4) Taking Prescription or Over the Counter Medication? I am on a medication called Mercaptopurine.
5) Diet? I am a vegetarian, and may not get all of my B vitamins everyday.
6) Vitamin? Sometimes I take a multi-vitamin called One a Day for women
7) Age? I am 25
8) Smoker/non? I am a non-smoker.
9) Psychological Illness? I have anxiety and dysthimia, but do not take meds.
10) Other? I am otherwise healthy.

Everyone on this list and anyone who reads this, please answer the 1-10 as if it is you to see if you have any similar situations.

[MoonGirl333]

Read this article on femoral nerve dysfunction  
This may be a diagnosis for some of you, but check with your doctor first.

http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/femoral-nerve-dysfunction/overview.html

[faylo]

I have the same problem as all of u---but mine started in my right foot & then travelled all the way up to just under my breasts then crossed over to left side & went all the way down to my left foot.  This has been going on for about 4 months now.  Have had MRI done & it was negative.  I don`t know what to do anymore---I am NOT overweight---in fact--I can hardly stand to look at food at present---i am down to 95 lbs.  I have no itchiness---just cold, numbness that never goes away--pins  & needles & when someone or something  touches me it`s like an electric shock going thru me.  Also my private areas are affected as well---have to take a laxative to help to go as my muscle in that area is not working.  HELP.  I am going insane.

[elcalvito]

By your comments and everybody else's this Right thigh fiery burning itching sensation that started with me also quarter to half-dollar in area about one and one/half  years ago with light tingling then last night unbearable itching (unless I walk around or sit straight), I have several observations. 1) Either pregnancy or a spinal injury (by fall on bum or head) or obesity affects women.  2) I think we can rule out Deep vein thrombosis or poor circulation problems. 3) Males that suffer with BIRT (Burning Itching Right Thigh) seem to have these characteristics:  Sleeping when it happens (ALL of you said this was one thing true for All) which takes away needed sleep keeping you fatigued (very symptomatic of Sleep Apnea).  Also this link to spinal injury is very telling.  The last time I hurt myself was when I fell very hard on my tailbone.  Eventually the pain went away with lots of ADVIL but then the qtr-sized tingling started...  My question is this:  Could there possibly be a link to Diabetes Insipidus that causes this itching?  Is there a doctor in the house?  Could there be a link to diabetes since the left side of our circulatory system DESCENDS from the heart there will not be any itching, but since the right side of our blood circulatory system is ASCENDING to the heart?  Your comments please!!!!!!!!!!!! Sincerely,   ---------elcalvito, hurting in Nashville.

[craftgirl]

I can't belief I have finaly found this site! I have had these symptoms for 3 years now and had been hoping for a cure or at least relief from the symptoms.  The one commonality seems to be the nerve thing.  My G.P. says she thinks the nerves over my right hip have been damaged and stretched causing the symptoms.  She also gave me a name for it but I can't remember what it is...I must go back and find out. Some days I think I am going to go mad, or die of embarrassment, because of the itching, then, if it's not the itching it's the burning and numbness.  I hope we don't have to just 'live with this'.  I will let you all know if I find anything out.  Here's hoping.
Bev

[Spring-02]

I can't believe that so many people suffer from practically identical symptoms, yet the medical profession practically ignores them, unless a diagnosis is confirmed by a
MRI, EMG etc.  It is almost as if they don't believe us, but how do you measure, pain, numbness, tingling, itching etc.  I can relate to your frustration and I was referred to a neurologist because my physiotherapist thought I had taken a stroke.  When my doctor tested my knee reflexes, I nearly kicked him into the wall, they were that BRISK, which was not normal for me.  Six years later and after multiple MRI's, EMG, EEG, X-Ray's and a referral to another neurologist, I am still undiagnosed.  The referral guy just tacked it all up to my being over anxious and told me to take some pills and go back to work.  I have never suffered from depression or anxiety, and he was just a quack seeing about 60 patients in two days.  Yet, we live in our skins so we know what is like to feel normal and all this tingling, nerve pain, stuttering, stammering, electric like shocks, stabbing, burning pain while your foot and leg feels cold and dead is not NORMAL.  Your sleep is affected since the leg tightens up at night and that is when the pain is worse.  If only the medical profession could walk in our shoes then maybe somebody would believe this and do more about trying to find the cause.  It is almost like your central nervous system is misfiring or is short circuited, but what has happened to cause that is still unknown.  Good luck and hang in there, you aren't alone as you can see from all the postings, there are FAR TOO MANY OF US just trying to survive.  Take care,.

[burninleg]

I have had this similar symptom in my left thigh.  The area is about as big as my hand. About 4 inches above the knee & left on the thigh.  No itching.  Mostly burning, on & off. Sometimes it feels cold.  That area is usually where I get bruised if I bump into a chair/table/tv etc.   I am about 10 pounds overweight, 56, no meds, vitamins daily.  I see a chiropractor every 6-8 weeks for an adjustment.  The last time I was there before the holidays, I did not have this sensation.  I just went to the doc this past week & described this.  His approach was a wait & watch until I see him again. Or if it seems to be getting worse, come into the office.   Part of my visit usually involves cold or heat treatments & a 10-15 minute back massage on whatever area is causing trouble.  This time it was my neck/shoulder area.  That usually puts me to sleep but I noticed when the therapist was doing the massage, that area of my leg burned a little.  I didn't equate the area of the back with the burn so I dont know what specific area it was.  I was hoping that with the spinal adjustment & the therapy the leg burn/cold area would diminish.  And so far it hasnt.  I am going to go back & get a 30 minute massage & pay more attention to when that burn sensation appears & the area of my back.

[chapman]

Has anyone who feels these numbness pains, been incontact with farm mice or has mice frequency traps in your home?, become lactose intolerant in the last year or  two? have history of multiple kidney stones or gout ?and presently feel fatique most of the time.Are you constantly dehydrated? Does Alcohol intensify the problem? cold days? hot showers? Anyone take cholesteral medicine in the last 2 years or when it began. Anyone smoke cigarattes or marjuana?
I think I have a sollution and are testing it on myself now, slight improvement has occured but I need your feedback to help me understand the root of this problem. I believe all these problems occur because of a week kidney, although the doctor may have preformed tests on your kidney and found nothing its because they are checking for common issues and not rare incidents.
The way this medical system is going we as suffering patients need to find a common denominator in the majority of us sufferers. We need to think outside the box and try anything. I tried a vet and a biochemist to get answers and believe it or not they both said nothing to do with nerves but muscles instead. both agree this can be caused by kidney malfunctions. I too am excited to find this site and to find others who share my pain...one step closer to fixing our problem.
thanks charlie

[MoonGirl333]

Chapman--I think I have become lactose intolerant, and over the last year.  However, my thigh numbness has been affecting me for over 3 years.

To all-- Hello again.  I went to my doctor and she tested my B12 and Thyroid and all was normal.  I also had an MRI done today and that came back "normal" as well.  I think my next course of action is to see a neurologist.  

I also found this online.  Maybe some of you are suffering from this.  Do a search on it.  "Arteriosclerosis of the extremities".

[arsonwonatbellsouthnet]

Mine started New Years day as I was wrestling with putting an artificial Christmas tree, in the box, back in the attic. My back was a little sore is all. That night was a sleepless one as my lower back hurt so bad. The next day I went to my GP who upon seeing the level of pain I was in gave me a shot of morphine and sent me home with pain pills and muscle relaxers. Later that night the whole top of my thigh was 100% numb. At some point later, all around where the numbness ended, was worst pain ever, the only I can describe it is somewhere between a blow torch and needles. And yes the itching started, like trying to scratch a deadman's leg. Went back to me GP and he said it was a pinched nerve, suggested a pain management clinic. Could not get an appt for over a week. Went to the ER the other night received more morphine and had MRI. The MRI results "torn muscle in my butt".   My butt!  does not hurt. I don't think they even care. I even printed off the link to this site for them to read. They said that they weren't able to

[arsonwonatbellsouthnet]

view the site. I need help. I think that lady Dr. in the ER thought I was trying to scam for drugs. Right!!

[lindsyj]

Wow... So glad to know I'm not just losing my mind. My upper left thigh started with numbness in about a 4"x6" area. This progressed to itching, crawling and burning and my skin feels warm to the touch. It's been a few years now and the area has gotten larger and now I've noticed a slight swelling just above my left knee, which involves the numb area.

I do have 3 buldging discs in my back and have frequent lower back pain. Also, for whatever reason, the itching, burning and crawling in my leg has subsided considerably over the past 6 months or so. The numbness has been there all along. My chiropractor told me it was probably a pinched nerve - yet nothing he did ever provided relief.

I have been experiencing some kind of upper digestion problem for about 5 years. I've never smoked anything and haven't been on cholesterol meds. I have been on hypertension meds for 2 years and I am overweight.

I just started going to a new holistic dr. She had me do a 3 day gallbladder flush, started treating me for hypothyroidism and instructed me to do an 11 day detox diet. From the day I started the diet which is basically fruits, veggies and lean protein with a juice fast on day 7 (today), my leg has gone crazy itching and crawling and burning. I didn't change my physical activity at the same time, only the diet.  

I'm going to talk to my dr. about it this week and see if she can make the connection in the timing of the diet and the resurection of of the itching, crawling and burning.... the numbness I can take, these other things drive me batty.

Thanks so everyone for sharing. I'll keep you posted if I find out anything!

Lindsyj

[sportsmom1208]

I'm really glad to know I'm not losing my mind. My husband thinks I'm crazy when I try to explain my situation to him. The mid- to outer part of my left thigh started with numbness in an area about the size of my hand; however the numbness also consisted of a tingling, burning sensation sort of like a "waking up" feeling. I've never had the itching or warm feeling, but I've noticed in the last month or so that the area has gotten larger and now I've noticed a slight swelling just above my left knee, which involves the numb area. It feels tight at times and rubbery at other times.

I too have searched the internet and found all of the same stuff as you guys; however, when I start reading all the information about it, I don't have all of the symptoms described, nor do they discuss the swelling mass. The only thing I could find about the some type of mass was a neuroplasm which is a form of cancer. It says it has to do with damaged tissue and could be either benign or malignant. Now I'm really scared about it.

I'm 38 years old and in fairly good health, I think. I don't have any back pains or any other areas of concern so I'm not sure what to do.

Anything new that anyone has found out would be appreciated.

[RLS0567]

I have similar symptoms in the legs (burning, itching, numbness, vibrations, tingling, etc.)  I believe mine is caused by RLS (Restless Leg Syndrome). Some of you may be too. My mother was diagnosed with it and went through a study. There is a medication that helps (worked for her). I have not gone to a doctor for mine. Mine is worse at night, but I have symptoms during the day as well (especially the vibrations in my feet). Google RLS online for more information.  

[abby76]

I found this site and all I can say is its great to know that I am not going crazy. The symptoms of Meralgia Paresthetica fit mine exactly. I have the intense itching in both thighs but the left is worse than the right. It started about a year ago and correlates to a weight gain. The itching is so bad sometimes and at first I thought it was skin related and tried all kinds of anti-itch lotions. But in reading all of your posts, I realize its inside. The numbness comes and goes and I only have pain with massage. The itching drives me crazy. From what I have read, there is no treatment except weight loss which doesnt come easy for me at all and I have been diagnosed with a very slow Basal Metabolic Rate. Thyroid tests are normal. All blood work except a low Growth Hormone level was normal.
I welcome all comments and information!!
Thanks,
Abby

[shareone]

I donated a kidney in October 2007 and experience the same numbness, burning, itching, etc that most of you describe.  The doctors tell me that in order to remove my right kidney they had to stretch the femoral nerve beyond it's capacity.  They said it may never get better.  Well originally I was numb from my knee to my groin line and all the way around with the exception of maybe 2 inches on the back of my leg.   Now six months later I have regained feeling half way up my thigh in the front and totally in the back.  The pain gets so bad at times that I have to take pain medication.  At least I know what caused mine and I have had improvement and hope to regain all feeling one day.  Good luck to you in getting a diagnosis and a cure!

[DrKalraMD]

Hi, this could be neuropathy either due to nerve compression at lumbar spine or meralgia paraesthesia which is charcterized by pain, paresthesias (lack of sensation), or numbness occurs about the outer aspect of the thigh, usually on one side. It is sometimes relieved by sitting.
Physical exam by a physician shows no abnormalities, except in severe cases when sensation of the skin is impaired in the affected area. It is a condition characterized by pain, paresthesia (abnormal sensation of burning, tingling, etc.) and numbness on the lateral surface of the thigh in the region supplied by the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.
Investigations like MRI, blood CPK,CKMB, etc should be done.

[Challah]

I have burning/numbness and itching on my front thighs... its constant when I am still- so lying, standing and sitting sitl it is constant! I cant sleep becuase it burning so much, and its hard to shave becuase I cant feel the skin.

I am not over weight, Im 98 pounds and 5'2. I am not a sedentary person-... my doctor doesnt think its lateral cutaneous nerve syndrome since that is a commnon problem for people who drive a lot since the seatbelt is compressiing the nerves. I had an Xray and there was nothing wrong.  

I have NO back pain at all, I have no "siactic" pain, and the symptoms I do have do not travel or centralize.

No one knows what to tell me, Im only 24, Im at my wits end!

[Challah]

Ive been diagnosed with meralgia paresthetica-
but because they cant figure out why I have it, they cant do anything to relieve it, and nothing seems to relieve it (besides walking and moving around- doesnt help me when I want to sleep though).  Im afraid Im going to have permanent nerve damage!

[kmcd81428]

I've had my numb thigh for about 10 years now.  It hasn't burned lately, although when it did, it felt like a bad sunburn and the pressure of clothes touching it was very painful.  The slightest pressure-usually when one of my cats decides to trek across my lap-is excruciating, as is a slight bump.  I ran into an object outside a few weeks ago, bumping it very slightly, and felt as if someone had slammed my thigh with a sledgehammer.  And it left an awful bruise!

I've had weird issues with cold, especially at night when I'm trying to get to sleep.  If there is the slightest opening in the covers and air touches my thigh, it is really, really painful.  I have to pack blankets around my butt just to keep this from happening.  Now, if the blankets are off and my whole leg is exposed, there is nothing.  It only happens when the tiny spot gets cold.

Another weird thing was, a few months ago I was having this feeling of very cold spots on my rear end, almost as if I were sitting on a block of ice, and the only relief I could get was to sit on a hot heating pad but even then I could still feel it.  This went on for several weeks. Then I went to a massage therapist, and she worked over the area very intensely.  I haven't had that problem since-and I hadn't mentioned to her that I'd had this.  When she dug her knuckles into those nerves I nearly went into orbit, but I could tell something was happening so I told her to keep on.

I also have the numbness in my back, not always but usually after standing awhile.  It's a spot about fist-sized, a pins-and-needles feeling, and it crawls around!  I can feel it moving around the surface of my back, mostly between the shoulder blades.

I am overweight.  When I first had the thigh thing, my doctor told me it was a pinched nerve and was due to weigh gain.  So I lost weight, and got down to several pounds lower than I was when the numbness first started, but it didn't go away.  Now I weigh lots more...

[Shyandemure]

I am classified as obese in weight. About a year ago I noticed on my upper left outer thigh it was going numb. Then I noticed about the size of a quarter in that area became really itchy when numb. Now for the past few nights I have been awakened in the early morning by extreme heat coming from the whole outer left thigh then stabbing pain accompany it to where I nearly scream in pain. During all these symptoms that part of the thigh is totally numb with tingling. I am amazed a person can get all these symptoms to run concurrently? They seem so foreign to each other. anyone have any ideas? I have heard it was a pinched nerve.

[Lise247]

I have most of the same symptoms on my outer left thigh, numbness, pain, crazy itchy, feels like bugs are crawling around an area the size of my hand. It also gets extreamly cold and hot. Sometimes I feel a tingling that runs down my leg all the way to the foot. Also pain in the back of my legs. At first it was only at night and now it's most of the time. I do have pain in the bottom of my back. I also have swollen lymp nods on the inside crease of my left leg and I also noticed some on my lower back. My doctor said without any tests or exrays the I most likely have a herniated disc in my lower back and its pressing on the ischiatic nerve, which is causing all the symptoms. I would like to know if anyone else has swollen lymb nods.
I am going back to the doctor and insisting exrays to prove the herniated disc. I have a curved spine (scolioses) and the doctor said that I am a candidate for spinal problems like herniated discs. I am a 46 year old female. I don't take drugs and I quit smoking one year ago. I did have an asid reflux problem but I am ok. since I quit drinking caffine and changed my diet. I've had 2 C-sections but no epidermal in my spine.
Most people suffering from these symptoms seem to be over weight. I have come to the conclusion the the weight is not the cause but it is a problem. My symptoms started around 3 years ago when I was about 30 pounds over weight. I lost 40 pounds and became under weight. I felt really good and all my symptoms in the leg went away. Then I quit smoking around 1 year ago and gained the 40 pounds back and the symptoms came back worse then ever. My doctor told me not to do any exercises that are hard on my back but I desperately want to lose the weight. I go to the gym about 4 times a week and I also do weights. I feel the pain in my back and leg. Even if I just go for a walk I feel the pain in my leg.

I have also come to the conclusion that the reason doctors are not helping is probably because the they can't help. The spine and ischiatic nerve are complicated and risky business to play with. I sujest a chiropractor and not surgery. My husbands first wife died on the operating table for the exact problem I'm having, if that's what I have.

I need to get more tests done. I can't sleep good at night with all the pains and symptoms in my leg. Also the stress of not knowing for sure what the proplem is. I was worried about cancer and even if I have to deal with these symptoms for the rest of my life, it's a little relief to hear that people have lived 20 years or more with the symptoms.

I feel that if I can lose 20 pounds I may lose the pain in the leg and other might want to do the same. It may relieve the symptoms in the leg.

Lise

[confused0283]

I have a quick question, I am 26 years old and I just started having a numbness in my right thigh its above my knee a little to the outside of my leg. I went to the er a couple of days ago and the dr said it was a sciatica nerve on the right side of my body. The problem I have with this is on all my research it states that its a lower back pain that extends down through the buttocks and back of the leg. If that is the case then why isn't the pain in the back of my leg. Should I be worried about this or just let it go? Any feed back will be helpfull.

[tracpalm]

.I have the same itching/stabbing pain that you are describing, (I will post my story under this comment) but I just wanted to say that you all should talk to your doctor about a medication called Nortriptyline.  It started as an antidepressant, but now is also used for several other reasons, including nerve problems.  It completely takes the itching pain away.  Doesn’t completely take away the numbness, but I would do anything to get rid of the itching pain.  At first the doctor put me on amitriptyline, but the side effects made me very drowsy, so they changed it to 50mg of Nortriptyline. ( A sister drug) and it works wonders

I am 23 years old and I started noticing an itchy/stabbing pain in my thighs when I was about 15 when I would run or jog. (I would describe the pain as if you would have 1000 mosquito bites on your legs and the itch becomes painful) The only thing that would make the pain go away was to stop moving.  It would go away in about 5-10 minutes.  I narrowed down the occurrences to running, jogging or walking.  Any other exercise didn’t seem to do it.  I think it has something to do with the hard quick pressure you do when you are in a stepping motion.  Now I still get the pain when I run or walk, but I also have been experiencing numbness in my thighs and calves.  This will come during the day, sometimes standing, sometimes sitting or laying down.  The odd thing is, once I take only a sip of any kind of alcohol (wine, beer, liquor) the numbness comes. The doctors put me through all kinds of testing and found nothing.  They think it may be my L3 from where the numbness is located, but that’s as far as that went. They then had me try nortriptyline.  It is a drug that is mostly used as an antidepressant, but also helps with nerve problems.  It seemed to help my itching/ stabbing pain 100%!!!  It’s great that I can be mobile again but the numbness hasn’t gone away.  I also do not like the idea that the doctors do not know what is wrong.  Another worry I have is that you can not take nortriptyline when you are pregnant or breast feeding.  I want to start a family in the next few years, and I'm scared that I will not be able to walk during the process.  If anyone has any ideas or has the same pains, please let me know. Thank you for your time.

[Peppermint542]

I have been having the itching,pain,tenderness,nausea,diarrhea,can't sleep unless I take my sleeping medicine.  But, my pain is in my left side and back , mid ways.  The itching,burning,sweating,hotness is only getting worse.  I do have a chronic illness.  Lupus (SLE) & I have fibromyalgia but this is totally different than the stiffness, rashes,and other things that accompany my chronic illness.  I'm thinking that this could have something to do with my Kidneys??  Does anyone have any ideas.  Because my Doctor's don't.  all, I know is that the pain is their and all of my symptoms seem to be getting worse.

[sports108]

As others have said, thank goodnes I am not alone and crazy!  Mine started about 4 months ago as a small red spot on my outer right thigh, thought it was a bee sting or insect bite since I was outside gardening.  Then another sprang up and another, till I had about 5 in the same area, so I knew it could not be all these insect bites in the same place occuring every 2 or 3 days in succession.  They itched and hurt deep down,  then they started to fade away, even though there was still some pain below them.  Then I was not getting any new red dots, but then my outer thigh started to burn, tingle, feel cold to the touch, and really hurt. It almost felt like the thigh in that area was slightly indented from the rest of my thigh.  The area seems to be expanding, and when I lay down to sleep at night now, the pain gets worse and stabbing, the tingling increases, and when I get up in the morning, it seems to get a little better once I have started to move around.  But then it gets very itchy, and the pain is there all day.  I was overweight but have lost 45 lbs, still have a little more to go, did have ankle surgery for a bad break  a year ago, if that is any help, walk/run 1-2 miles a day on my treadmill, eat healthy, only meds are baby aspirin daily and calcium supplement. Any one out there with similar background?

[bobo88]

Everyones comments about the right front thigh burning/numbness hit home with me. I am 62 ,male,140 lbs.,have always been an active person.About two years ago my right front leg above the knee suddenly became a "hot spot", right behind my pocket of change and car keys.I quickly emptied my pocket and the coins even felt hot. I rubbed the leg and it subsided after a while. This happened again every few days.If I moved the coins to the left pocket,or carry my cell phone in any pocket,it would eventually burn there,too.
  This  happens more frequently today and I have developed some psoriasis.Doctor wasn't much help.My personal diagnosis for myself is: eat more banannas(potassium), hydrate myself more often,may try the honey/cinammon intake...do some orbital movement exercises.
Check proper shoe fit,also.

[wvanname]

Hi,
I have this problem too. About a year ago I started getting a feeling like a vibrating cell phone on my leg behind my left front pocket. Drove me crazy thinking I was getting called. Now it has evolved into an itchy burning feeling, feels like its numb just on the surface skin when I scratch but burning/itching underneath. I noticed a few weeks ago a hard pimple like soare in the center of the site but it has since vanished.
Also it seems that the srea of burning is getting bigger. Started out quarter sized now  much larger.

[Mark4077]

Hello.  I read all the postings here and I appreciate all that's been said (thank you :)   And so I'll add my experience too.
    I have the same lower outside right thigh numbness issue.  I has also grown larger from its "quarter" size start.  I occurs mainly when I lay down flat on my back.  It is never itchy nor does it burn, but I suspect that'd be around the health corner, if I didn't work on minimizing it.  I first thought it was due to holding tension in the fascia layer just below the skin in that area, but I learned that is more related to the Meralgia Paresthetica view of things.  I had a sports fall injury in my lower back back in 1991 and I think that's what started things.  Then the numbness would occur after standing for hours at my job, in 1997.  The numbness while sleeping started around 2002.  Regarding weight, I have now done triathlons for 22 years and have always been trim.
   In terms of making my symptom better here's what's working for me: When standing for hours, don't lock your knees nor sway your back, and do distribute your weight evenly on the full soles of both feet .  Also I had a big utility belt and when I loosened it, the numbness stopped. (I never get it on the job now).  When sleeping on my back, a big pillow under my knees helps. In the summer when I am most active, it almost disappears.  Yoga and (consistent) stretching are 2 key elements which work well too.   I have visited chiropractors, sports medicine docs, massage therapists and the like, and each one of them will have an exercise or stretch that they can recommend (do ask them too), and the more I tried/learned them, the clearer it became as to what works.
   Best wishes to all,
   MC

[KttyLn027]

I seriously thought I was the only one in the universe with these symptoms.  And although its nice to hear that I'm not the only one, I still feel bad that we are all going through this.  I went to my family doctor and he told me that it was from wearing my jeans too tight; that I must have pinched a nerve which would cause that.  

Bigger jeans and 4yrs later, I still have the symptoms.  I am overweight, I'm 27, non-smoker.  I have lower back pain that started around the same time as the burning in my leg.  I have hypothyroidism, but I do not have high blood pressure or high cholesterol. (surprisingly)

I was doing some research and found that it may have something to do with Diabetes.  I have not been diagnosed with Diabetes but I know it does run in my family.

Usually when i'm sedentary it stops burning and sometimes for months I have no symptoms.  Now that I'm getting out and doing yard work and gardening, etc, its starting to act up.  The only thing I can do to dull the pain is to massage my leg.

I skimmed through most of what everyone wrote but the one condition I have . . . I did not read that anyone else has.  When I get the burning feeling, my leg is actually warmer to the touch in that area.  My husband has even felt my leg and agreed that it feels warmer.  (So I know I'm not going insane)

Hopefully with all of us tryng to get this figured out, maybe one of us will be able to post something that will help all of us.  In the meantime, I'll add my name to the Members List of our "Club" (hehe).

Angie :)

[cabby92]

Three weeks ago I had an open partial nephrectomy for removal of part of my kidney (right side).  I had an epidural for two days for pain control.  When it was removed the first pain I felt was in my left thigh, much more so than the 10" incision on my right flank.

The surgery site has healed quite nicely but the thigh pain is severely limiting my activities.  After reading up on it I am sure I have Meralgia Paraesthetica.  It's most disheartening since I am now cancer free and the surgery is healing wonderfully.

I am not scheduled to see my surgeon for another three weeks but I think I must see someone else sooner.  There is no way I can return to work like this.  I can walk and it seems to loosen things up but sitting in place for long is agonizing.  I don't even know where to start looking for help.

[marley06]

I to have the burning, itching, and numbness feeling in my one of my legs.  However, it is in my left leg.  I am 16 weeks pregant and the doctor tells me that it is the uterus pressing on the Siactica nerve.  I have been having these symptoms for about three weeks now and mine started out with my leg going to sleep.  Then a tiny spot above my left nerve cap began to burn and feel numb.  It has gotten worse and now my entire thigh sore almost like have gotten a bad bruise.  I am enjoy walking and exercising but this has been put on hold for now.  I mostly have to sit.  I can't be on my feet for no longer than 15mins because the burning sensation is so unbearable.  I am making this post at 5:00 in the morning because I woke up with not only burning but extreme itching in my thigh and a feeling of something being poked in the bottom of my foot.  My doctor saids she thinks it will go away in a few weeks.  I hope she is right because its driving me nuts.  

[Dirk1971]

WOW I'm shocked!!! I have had a numb, fire burning, needle,sharp pain in my left upper thigh for about 3 months. It started small and only once in a while. Now its about my whole thigh and man like some of you said I want to saw my leg off!! I just got laid off work so as soon as I get some Insurance I'm heading to the DOCTOR!!! I could have sworn I was alone in this! I glad to see you all have the same, but sad for you as well!! I search this in a last ditch effort before the saw got sharpened!!! I will post what the doctor says!!

                          Dirk

[nitacure]

Wow, this sounds very familiar too what i've been going through the past 2 years w/no explanation to date, given. My situation is when i stand on my legs for any long periods of time ( over an hour  or so ) i'll feel my shin area of my legs get very hot at first then is accompanied by very intense itching then burning then shoot pains that radiate from shin area up my leg. Note that this has not occured any where else on my body but my shins, and i first thought maybe an allergy too elastic or soaps so i stopped wearing socks and wore sandles, and went too soaps that have no perfume, etc.. didnt help work. This started out as an occassional thing but has developed now into a all the time thing. I DO have liver issues and thought perhaps this was a symptom of liver disease, i'm told it COULD be but further testing is needed. I asked if my weight could have anything to do with this, i'm five foot 10 and weight 160 lbs the doctor said, no, not in this case. I asked could it be sugar, could i be diabetic? they said in some people they have difficulty with this but my wounds are healing slower and when i do get a wound of any kind a scratch etc, they heal brown or black instead of my natural skin tone. Weird aye? Has me confused, frustrated and scared because i cant find anything on the net as to what would be causing this and it has the doctors baffled too. Again this only occurs when i've been on my feet for a period of time, it will begin with a buring hot feeling in my legs/lower shin area, then will turn intensely itchy (more so than the chicken pox wanna scratch feeling) then will be so hot and deep red that it will turn my entire shin area front and back deep red and u can feel the heat coming off it. Skin infection? perhaps, but i've been on antibiotics /keeflex 500mgs and that didnt do any good, i still had occurances during and after treatment. Also i'm noticing my memory is getting worse too the point its noticed by others that know me, I'm only 43 years old so this shouldnt be happening lol, not YET anyways! so what would cause my legs to act up like this along with confusion and memory loss?
I'm baffled, anyone got any ideas because it isnt allergies. I'm wondering IF blood clots or live issues (hepatitis c ) really IS the culprit in this whole thing? Suggestions?
Much obliged,
Nitacure

[ash02]

Hi, I am 25 years old and in 2004 I had a traumatic brain injury. I was in the hospital for 2 weeks. I had that same itchy spot above my knee (outer thigh area-right leg) It was very intense at first. The pain was there all of the time. I went for my month followup with my neurologist and told me that everything is fine..it could be nerve problems...He would refer me to the specialist if I wanted to go. The pain seemed to be getting better. Now, it is still there, but unlike most of u, it doesn't bug me as much. It bothers me sometimes when I exercise. I know it's there, but I haven't had to go to the specialist. I'll go if it gets to that point. However, I've had urinary retention problems since then. I've seen two urologists since then, and they never seem to believe that I have real problems even though they give me antibiotics for UTIs all of the time. I think they believe that it's all in my head and that since I'm 25 I shouldn't have any problems there yet.:^( It drives me crazy and I always have that sensation that I have got to pee. I haven't mentioned the brain trauma to them. They have my med records. I want to know if the same thing that causes my weird itchy leg pain(meralgia paresthetica?) has anything to do with my bladder/urinary problems? Please, if there is anyone out there that has these same problems or if you know anything let me know. Thanks!

[Dr Vinod]

The most common reason would be UTI, which would increase your urinary frequency and increase your urge for urination. You can also get your blood sugar estimated for Diabetes which is another cause. You can explain your brain surgery part to your urologist and see if they correlate something based on your tests. Alternatively you can also send your urine for culture for confirming UTI.  Take care!

[jennicat73]

Well, I'm kind of freaked out. To find so many people with the same problem.
I was also thinking that I was alone with this (itchy, numb, sometimes cold sometimes hot burning sensation in upper right thigh). It started small and has spread.

I'm morbidly obese, age 35, and female. I take medicine for high blood pressure, high cholesterol, heart burn, depression. Diabetes type 2 runs in my family. I had an Epidural with both of my pregnancies; the last one was nine years ago. I have really horrible lower back pain.

I fell down a flight of stairs (mostly on my face) a month ago. But the spot has been bothering me for half a year now. Although my back does hurt even worse than before the fall. I'm going to look up every suggestion I have found on here.
Thanks!

[preggoinpain]

I am glad I'm not alone here! I have read all of these and it seems it must be meralgia paresthetica.
I am 32 and 15 weeks pregnant.  I am overweight. The numbness started small about a year ago, which was tolerable, but since I have been pregnant, I have had, the intense burning, pain, and some itching.  It is absolutely horrible when I stand or walk for more than 15 minutes.  It is horrible to bare.  I feel for all of you.  I intend to see my chiropractor and give him all of this information.  Thank you all so much, and good luck.

[laluvchyl]

Hi.  I am in desperate search for an answer to my problem as well.  I too suffer from something with my right leg.  It only affects my outer right thigh.  I have the numbness, the itching and definitely the burning/stabbing sensation.  The other night I tried to turn over in bed, and OH MY GOD!!!!  The fiery and stabbing feeling that ran through my outer right thigh was so great that I couldn't do anything but cry and call on the Lord.  It was absolutely unbearable.  I was afraid to move at all after that because every time I tried, I could feel the stinging building in my leg.  PLEASE HELP ME?????  I have been going through this off and on for a couple of years now and it is really taking a toll on me.  If anyone has seen a neurologist, or some other type of specialist please let me know what they think it could be?  

[miza_b]

I guess I'll just add to this, instead of creating another topic on it.  I too suffer from Meralgia Parethetica (translates to Leg Pain).  I have had it for about 10 years and have found nothing that will get rid of it.  I have even lost weight with no change.

Things I've tried, but didn't work:

1. Nerve block on Lateral Femoral Cutaneous Nerve
2. Nerve block on Femoral nerve. (I seriously don't recommend you try this)
3. Lyrica
4. Topamax
5. Gabapentin
6. Topical Lidocaine gel (the kind used for burns)

Recently, it has been getting worse and itches like a son of a gun.  It is kind of a cold itch, if that makes sense.  I don't know what else to do besides surgical decompression.

Has anyone ever tried acupuncture to alleviate the pain?

[kspears68]

Hoping someone can help shed some light on a health problem that just recently developed for me.  A week ago I had breast surgery and after I was released and had gone home I noticed that my leg from knee to thigh just on the front was completely numb.  After 2-3 days it was still numb but now also there is burning sensation, pins and needles and its gets to be awful painful.  It has been so difficult to sleep ever movement the pain is terrible I just want to cry out.  I have no idea what may have caused and the dr. just thinks its due to low back pain but I hardly have pain there.  Anyone shed a light on this?  Should I be concerned?  Please HELP!!

[Kld08]

I just started having the pain and itching in my right leg on my outer hip and it seems to be spreading inward. It is driving me crazy. If anyone finds out an answer please let me know.

[vanessa00]

Hi,  I too am having the same problems.  A burning on the outter side of my left leg, then it starts to get itchy....I cannt relieve the itch, I've tried scratching with a brush and slapping it will work for seconds and then it is back.  I first thought that I had that flesh eating virus but I have ruled that out.  Maybe accupuctuncture?  I really need help...my husband has had this for over 30 years although I am new to it, maybe 1 year or two.   Please help...I don't think I can handle it for 29 plus years.
Thanks you,
Vanessak

[alemapoj]

I too am happy to know others have the same thing.  Mine started with only my right leg, terrible itching, non-stop to where I would scratch it raw,
then mild numbness off and on, lately, both outer thighs, I go to sleep and depending on which side I sleep on determines which thigh wakes me up with extruciating burning pain, so I change position, and then its the other one.  It feels like I have 3rd degree burns on them and someone is pouring hot water on the burns, if that makes sense (the way the pain feels), then after I get up, and have walked around a bit, the pain subsides, but then itching / intermitent numbness follows.  
I do NOT have any health insurance (laid off) and can not get state assistance because I receive unemployment - so any help or ideas on this will be appreciated !!

my stats:      age:   47
                    5'4",   120 lbs
                    no underlying illness (that I know of)
                    Take paxil cr for anxiety/depression
initial onset of this :  approx 1 year ago
                                    now at untolerable pain causing sleep disruption

hope someone (a caring doctor) out there can make sense of this "condition" so they come up with adequate treatment.

[jennjenn51]

I have the numbness, tingling and itching on my outer portion of my left thigh. I had x-rays and am seeing a chiropractor. I was told I have a spinal stenosis. It's an impingement by a bone onto the nerve in my back (by the spinal column) that runs through the leg. I was told it is not dangerous, only very uncomfortable at times. I have been given back exercises to do to strengthen the muscles and ligaments. I am also taking Ligaplex supplement and Glucosamine Sulfate. The exercises have come in very handy to alleviate the discomfort to quite a degree.

Hope this helps.

[Mike1462]

I'm not a doctor,but you have the same symptoms as myself,I had to find a diagnosis online, meralgia paresthetica.A nerve is being pinched at some point by either bone muscle or tendon.The cure that worked for me was physiotherapy to strengthen my core muscles.I've had this problem nearly 30 years and today I barely notice it.