Thigh Pain: Meralgia Paresthetica
Presenting Complaint
The patient presented with right thigh pain, mainly affecting the outer aspect up to the knee. The pain had been persistent for at least 6 years now. She described significant sensitivity and burning sensation in the area. The pain was exacerbated by light touch and on contact with her clothes. The pain limited her activities significantly and disturbed her sleep.
Previous Investigations/Treatments
The patient had seen various specialists in the past including physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors and the orthopaedic team. She was investigated with an MRI scan of the lumbar spine which showed degenerative changes in the discs but no evidence of nerve root entrapment.
The patient was taking a cocktail of medications including Amitriptyline, Pregabalin, Co-codamols, Morphine, and Paracetamol without benefit.
Treatment from DR. Krishna at Pain Spa
The patient saw Dr. Krishna at his private clinic in Bristol, desperate for treatment of her leg pain. Dr. Krishna suspected Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve entrapment in the groin as the cause of the pain and diagnosed her of Meralgia Paresthetica. Dr. Krishna offered diagnostic injection with local anaesthetic and steroid, targeting the right Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve under ultrasound guidance.
The patient had an excellent response to the Lateral femoral cutaneous nerve block and was almost completely pain-free within a week. The pain relief lasted nearly 3 months, following which Dr. Krishna offered her pulsed radiofrequency ablation of the nerve under ultrasound guidance.
Outcome
At the follow-up appointment 3 months after the injection, the patient reported complete pain relief from the pulsed radiofrequency ablation treatment. She has managed to reduce her medications significantly, including stopping the Morphine, Amitriptyline, and Pregabalin completely. She was much more functional and her sleep had improved significantly as well.
For further information please contact us at clinic@painspa.co.uk.