Lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis, also known as meralgia paresthetica, presents as abnormal sensations like tingling or numbness in the lower two-thirds of the outer aspect of the thigh. It may also involve pain, often worsening with walking or standing. On objective examination, areas of reduced sensation or sensory loss can be detected on the lateral aspect of the thigh. The exact cause of this condition remains unknown, but it's believed to be due to compression of the nerve as it passes through the inguinal ligament or emerges from the fascia lata of the thigh. It's commonly seen in middle-aged overweight men and pregnant women and can also result from pelvic or inguinal surgery or injury.
Acupuncture offers both short-term and long-term relief for this condition. It's important to note that the local reflex points for this condition are often superficially distributed. When using fine needles, deep insertion is usually unnecessary, and oblique or transverse insertion suffices. When pain accompanies the condition, local tender points may appear. In cases without pain, the nature of the local acupoints may be characterized not by tenderness but only by a numbing sensation upon pressure. The optimal needle sensation during acupuncture or electro-stimulation at these points is the occurrence of numbness or a tingling pain within the area affected by the symptoms.
In treating lateral femoral cutaneous neuritis with acupuncture, it's crucial to accurately locate and stimulate these superficial points. This approach aligns with the principle of treating neuropathic conditions by eliciting sensations similar to the symptoms in the affected area, thereby targeting the nerve pathway involved. This technique helps in both alleviating the abnormal sensations and addressing any accompanying pain, offering a comprehensive approach to managing this nerve-related disorder effectively.