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!

[lorettainnz]

I am in New Zealand. About 2 years ago I developed a small burning area on my front left thigh, this has spread to almost the whole front thigh, is numb, burns and itches at times, I recognised it as nerve sensation but can't think why it occurred. Can't see anything on the outside, guess in am one of the many who seem to have this problem, nothing helps so I just live with it.

[beazu]

this is crazy… to have so many suffering these same symptoms and seemingly nothing to do to solve our problems.  I had a sharp pain which pulsed over my right top thigh while on a weekend vacation which was filled with walking on concrete street. Thought I was going to die, my nerves were on fire, once I sat down it subsided, thank God. It has been 10 days now and I have been left with a totally numb thigh, which tingles and itches so bad.. I am afraid that after reading these posts I have damaged myself permanently.  I am hopeful to read some of the information I have found here in hopes to find a remedy.. Thank you all for sharing your stories.. I have been so worried about this situation.  If someone finds any help please come back and tell us you helpful experience.

[beazu]

what is that therapy and what core exercises did you do?  

[Napaguy]

I have the exact same thing but on my left leg.  Looking for treatment such as stretching, yoga or something less invasive than drugs and knives... :-/

[Clintblaq]

Thank  you all for sharing your experience.  I have these symptoms in my right leg. I haven’t seen a doctor about my issue. It all started close to 10 years ago I was in fairly good shape back then. I am a little overweight now. The symptoms went away for a while however recently the symptoms have come back and gotten worse. I know I can afford to lose weight I hope that will help.

[root486]

I believe this is what a lot of us are experiencing:

Meralgia paresthetica (Burning Thigh Pain)
Cheryl A. Faber, M.D.

Nerves bring information about the environment (sensory nerves) and messages from the brain to activate muscles (motor nerves). To do this, nerves must pass over, under, around and through your joints, bones, and muscles. Usually, there is enough room to permit easy passage, but swelling, trauma, or pressure can narrow these openings and squeeze the nerve. When that happens, pain, paralysis, or other dysfunction may result.


Meralgia paresthetica (me-ral'-gee-a par-es-thet'-i-ka) is caused by entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it passes from the pelvis into the leg. It is also known as lateral femoral cutaneous nerve syndrome. It is characterized by a constellation of symptoms including unpleasant sensations called dysesthesias in the upper lateral thigh. The pain is often burning in character, but can also be prickly, tingly, "creepy-crawly" or even itchy. Patients suffering from meralgia paresthetica will often avoid any contact of clothing with the affected area. The pain of meralgia paresthetica is often exacerbated by sitting or squatting for long periods of time. Wide belts and obesity have also been implicated as inciting factors for development of the syndrome. Meralgia paresthetica is usually unilateral (one-sided) but can occur bilaterally, especially in the obese patient.

Signs and Symptoms

    Pain on the outer side of the thigh, occasionally extending to the outer side of the knee
    A burning sensation, tingling, or numbness in the same area
    Occasionally, aching in the groin area or pain spreading across the buttocks
    Usually only on one side of the body
    Hypersensitivity when skin is brushed or touched.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis is typically made based on the symptoms and physical exam findings. Occasionally imaging studies (X-ray, CT, MRI) of the back, pelvis or hip may be ordered. X-rays will help identify any bone abnormalities that might be putting pressure on the nerve. If your physician suspects that a growth such as a tumor is the source of the pressure, you may need to get an MRI or CT (computed tomography) scan. In rare cases, a nerve conduction study may be advised.

Treatment

Treatments will vary, depending on the source of the pressure. It may take time for the burning pain to stop and, in some cases, numbness will persist despite treatment. The goal is to remove the cause of the compression. This may mean resting from an aggravating activity, losing weight, wearing loose clothing, or using a toolbox instead of wearing a tool belt. Topical pain agents and oral medications can be taken to reduce the nerve pain. In more severe cases, your physician may give you an injection of a corticosteroid preparation to reduce inflammation. This generally relieves the symptoms for some time. In rare cases, surgery is needed to release the nerve.