Inflammation of the nerves in the thigh

introduction

A multitude of nerves run along the thigh. These can be inflamed by various causes.
The symptoms express themselves differently depending on the affected nerve and mostly in the localization of the innervation area. A distinction is made between nerves that innervate the muscles and those that are responsible for the sensitivity of the skin in particular.

causes

The causes of an inflammation of the nerves in the thigh are similar to those of any inflammation of the nerves elsewhere in the body. The most common causes are listed below.

• Infection of the nerve by viruses or bacteria e.g. Shingles, borreliosis
• Autoimmune diseases, etc. Guillain-Barré Syndrome
• Nerve inflammation due to mechanical irritation or compression e.g. Nerve congestion syndrome
• Injuries or trauma
• Drugs or toxins, etc. alcohol
• Metabolic diseases such as polyneuropathy in diabetes

In addition, a disease of the spine can cause radiating nerve pain to the thigh and cause similar symptoms. Inflammation of the central nerves that precede the peripheral nerves of the thigh is also possible. Important diseases that should be mentioned are multiple sclerosis and degenerative spinal diseases such as spinal stenosis and herniated disc.

You may also be interested in this topic: Shingles on the leg

Meralgia paraesthetica

Meralgia paraesthetica is a nerve congestion syndrome of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve that causes pain, numbness, or tingling in the lateral thigh.
Usually this is only temporary and is favored by certain attitudes or circumstances. These include crouching, wearing a belt or tight jeans, pregnancy or being overweight. All of these factors lead to a pressure or compression of the nerve under the inguinal ligament.

If symptoms do not go away on their own or with a change in posture, a doctor should be consulted.

Symptoms

The symptoms of nerve inflammation are primarily pain in the respective innervation area. This pain can be dull, burning, or sharp. In the advanced stage, when there is a complete loss of function of the nerve, as in polyneuropathy, a lack of pain is also typical.

Numbness or tingling of the skin suggests an inflammation of a sensitive nerve such as the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. Nerves that supply muscles can lead to paralysis or failure of the muscles. This would be indicative of a cause close to the spinal cord before the nerve divides into the individual fibers, such as in spinal diseases and others. a herniated disc.

Infections such as shingles are usually accompanied by other symptoms such as general fatigue, fever or, in this case, a typical skin rash. In the context of MS (multiple sclerosis), other nerves such as the optic nerve are often also affected, which manifests itself in visual disturbances and double vision.

In addition to the lack of pain, polyneuropathy in diabetes leads to a loss of sensitivity and can be accompanied by symptoms of diabetes such as frequent urination, weight loss or decreased performance. Since the polyneuropathy tends to occur in the course of diabetes, however, it is usually already diagnosed and treated.

More on this: These symptoms indicate inflammation of the nerves

Pain

The pain associated with nerve inflammation is nerve pain. They can range from burning and stabbing to a dull quality of pain.
In addition, they often radiate down the course of the nerve, so possibly to the lower leg.

Localizations

Outside of the thigh

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is primarily found on the outside of the thigh. Accordingly, meralgia paraesthetica would be typical.
However, polyneuropathy in the context of diabetes, nerve inflammation caused by viruses and bacteria, or autoimmune diseases can also lead to symptoms on the outside of the thigh.

Rear thigh

The rear thigh is primarily supplied by the sciatic nerve.
This can also be irritated by muscular tension or even pinched by bony structures. In piriformis syndrome, the sciatic nerve is irritated by the piriformis muscle in the hip. This pain can radiate to the back of the thigh.
Sliding vertebrae or the classic lumbar sciatica and lumbar spine syndrome are diseases of the spine that can lead to nerve pain or nerve inflammation of the sciatic nerve.

Also read our topic: Pinched sciatic nerve

diagnosis

Diagnosis is usually based on symptoms. If a spinal disease is suspected as the cause, imaging such as an MRI may be requested.

In the case of an autoimmune process, blood tests can be carried out and, particularly in the case of Guillain-Barre syndrome, recent infections can be inquired about. In addition to a blood test and an MRI, a CSF puncture is done to diagnose MS.
Electronurography can also provide information about an inflammatory process or a functional disorder of a nerve. Shingles can be diagnosed based on the clinical manifestation with the classic rash in the form of vesicles in the dermatome of the affected nerve.

You may also be interested in this topic: Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis

therapy

Therapy differs depending on the cause of the disease. In the case of nerve compression, painkillers from the group of NSAIDs or glucocorticoids can help to reduce swelling and inflammation.
In the case of MS, a special therapy, including immunosuppressants, is initiated. In polyneuropathy, the focus is on optimal blood sugar control and the treatment of diabetes. The Guillain-Barre syndrome is treated with immunoglobulins, among other things.

Physiotherapy, massages and acupuncture can be used as supportive measures and especially help with musculoskeletal causes.

An operation is only in rare cases with an acute illness of the spine or a lack of improvement e.g. indicated for nerve compression such as meralgia paraesthetica.

Also read: Therapy of multiple sclerosis

These drugs can help

The administration of medication is a large part of the treatment for nerve inflammation.

Painkillers such as NSAIDs are often used for nerve inflammation because, in addition to controlling pain, they have an anti-inflammatory effect. Glucocorticoids also have an anti-inflammatory and decongestant effect on an inflamed nerve.
Autoimmune diseases must be treated by modulating the immune system with immunoglobulins or immunosuppressants.

Home remedies

Home remedies are particularly suitable for treating nerve inflammation in muscular diseases. The application of heat through wraps or cherry stone pillows is particularly helpful here to relieve tension. Massage or physiotherapy can also help.
A balanced diet and sufficient exercise should also be ensured. Vitamins such as vitamin B12 in particular are essential for nerve metabolism. Most of the foods of animal origin such as red meat, fish, eggs and dairy products contain vitamin B12.

Ginkgo biloba can also be taken as a home remedy to support the nerve cells. Tablets are most commonly used, but other dosage forms such as powders are also available.

Also read our topic: Vitamin B12 deficiency

homeopathy

Homeopathic remedies should only be used as a support for therapy, as their effect has not been proven.

Hypericum perforatum (St. John's wort) or Gnaphalium should help for nerve inflammation. Aranea diadema or the Schüssler salt No. 5 Kalium phosphoricum are also popular.

You might also be interested in this topic: Schüssler salts

Duration

The duration of the nerve inflammation depends on the cause.
In the case of meralgia paraesthetica, a change in posture alone can bring about an improvement and thus last from minutes to hours. In the case of other diseases, short-term relief can be achieved with the help of medication, however, especially with spinal diseases, renewed nerve inflammation often occurs. These can be prevented through regular physiotherapy exercises.
Polyneuropathy or MS, on the other hand, are chronic diseases that must be treated for life in order to prevent the symptoms from progressing.

Read more about this: Duration of an inflammation of the nerves

forecast

As with the duration of the illness, the prognosis depends on the triggering factor.
For acute meralgia paraesthetica, the prognosis is very good and complete regeneration is usually achieved.
In the case of chronic diseases, however, the quality of life in particular is restricted by frequent relapses and pain. MS requires lifelong treatment to reduce relapses and prevent further nerve failure. Polyneuropathy should also be treated in terms of a good blood sugar control so that there are no further complications of diabetes that reduce life expectancy.

also read: Consequences of diabetes