Understanding Femoral Neuropathy

Femoral neuropathy refers to a pinched or compressed femoral nerve or other damage to this nerve. The femoral nerve runs from the pelvis down the leg. Pressure on this nerve can cause pain, tingling, numbness, or weakness in the leg.

Femoral neuropathy can develop from any inflammation or injury in the pelvis, abdomen, knee, or hip. It can also occur with pregnancy, obesity, or diabetes. Bleeding in the abdomen or pelvis can also lead to this condition.

Femoral neuropathy causes a loss of feeling (sensation) in the thigh.

It can cause pain that spreads through the outer thigh and mid-calf. Pain may be described as:

• Numbness.
• Tingling.
• Stinging.
• Burning.

It also may cause muscle weakness, trouble walking, and loss of coordination.

In some cases, femoral neuropathy goes away without treatment. Treating conditions that may cause it, such as diabetes, also may resolve the neuropathy. Other treatments include:

• Physical therapy.
• Avoiding certain movements of the hip and knee.
• Knee bracing.
• Pain medicines, if needed.
• Medicines that block the pain (nerve block).
• Corticosteroids or other medicines to reduce inflammation.
• Surgery if other treatments have not helped.

Complications may include:

• Permanent nerve damage.
• Injury that you are unable to feel to the leg or foot.
• Muscle wasting.

Contact your doctor right away if you have any of these:

• Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, or as directed by your doctor
• Pain that gets worse
• Numbness or weakness that doesn't get better, or gets worse
• Trouble walking
• Redness, swelling, cracking, or ulcer on any numb area, especially the feet
• New symptoms