If you experience thigh tingling when lying down, nerve damage due to meralgia paresthetica is a possible culprit. Also called "pinched nerves," this condition causes thigh nerves to compress. Because damaged nerves are highly sensitive, the slightest movement activates symptoms of meralgia paresthetica. Numbness often accompanies the tingling, which typically occurs at the front of thighs. In severe cases, the tingling sensation shoots to the back thighs, pelvis and lower back.
Causes
Leg trauma, surgery, weight gain, tight clothing and excessive use of the quadriceps muscle causes meralgia paresthetica. Activities or illnesses that restrict blood flow throughout the body also tighten thigh nerves. When thigh nerves compress, pressure is put on the femoral cutaneous nerve, which is the nerve that gives them sensation. This pressure causes abnormal sensitivity and eventually leads to permanent nerve damage.
Symptoms
Aside from tingling and numbness, individuals with meralgia paresthetica experience mild burning sensations, sharp pains, shooting pains throughout the leg, pelvic discomfort and back pain. Sufferers experience these symptoms when jogging, walking, sitting, standing or lying down. Strenuous exercises, excessive leg movement and restricted blood flow to the legs or thighs exacerbate the symptoms of meralgia paresthetica.
Diagnosing Meralgia Paresthetica
Doctors perform X-Rays and CT scans to identify nerve abnormalities in thighs. Prior to performing these procedures, physicians generally inquire about daily activities, recent surgeries or accidents that caused thigh trauma. When severe pain is present, electromyography tests, which diagnose muscle and nerve disorders, discover severe nerve abnormalities. Nerve conduction studies also detect pinched nerves.
Treatment
If you have a mild case of meralgia paresthetica, ease the symptoms by maintaining a healthy weight, wearing low-heeled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing. Relieve discomfort temporarily with over-the-counter pain medications that contain ibuprofen. In severe cases, your physician may recommend corticosteroid shots or nerve decompression surgery to reduce pain and inflammation.
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