Symptoms
Some symptoms of meralgia paresthetica include: 
- Tingling on the outside of the thigh 
- Numbness on the outside of the thigh 
- Pain on the outside of the thigh 
- Burning pain on the outside of the thigh 
- Sensitivity to light touch 
- Sensitivity to heat 
- Sharp or shooting pain on the outside of the thigh 
- These symptoms may get worse after standing or walking. 
Causes
Meralgia paresthetica happens when the lateral femoral nerve, which supplies sensation to the outside of your thigh, becomes trapped or compressed. 
Many times, this can be caused by: 
- Weight gain or being overweight 
- Tight clothing (such as belts or tight pants) 
- Pregnancy 
- Trauma, like nerve injuries 
- Diabetes 
- Wearing a heavy tool belt 
- Nerve irritation, such as repetitive movements 
Diagnosis & Tests, Treatments, & Prevention
Diagnosis & Tests
To diagnose meralgia paresthetica, your doctor will start by performing a brief physical exam and asking you about your symptoms and medical history. This is usually enough to diagnose the condition, but they may also want to do one or more of the following tests: 
- X-ray 
- MRI 
- Electromyography (EMG) 
- Nerve conduction study 
- CT scan 
- Nerve blockade 
It can be difficult to rule out other conditions that have similar symptoms to meralgia paresthetica. Be patient while you work with your doctor on a diagnosis. 
Treatments
Prevention
Although not every case of meralgia paresthetica can be prevented, such as those caused by pregnancy, this condition can sometimes be prevented by wearing looser clothing and maintaining a healthy weight. 
Meralgia paresthetica is when the nerve that helps you feel things on the outside of your thigh becomes compressed. This might be because of weight gain or tight clothing. Most of the time, this condition is only felt on one side of the body.