Compression of the lateral cutaneous nerve in the thigh can result in tingling, burning, and sometimes a condition termed meralgia paraesthetica, causing numbness in the thigh. This nerve, which services the skin on the front and outer parts of the thigh, runs beneath the inguinal ligament in the groin. If this ligament presses on the nerve, it can trigger the symptoms. Common causes include obesity, overstretching the hip joint during sports activities, or wearing tight clothing around the hips.
There isn’t a definitive treatment for this condition. For those who are overweight, shedding some pounds might alleviate the symptoms. In rare instances, surgery might be pursued to ease the pressure on the nerve.