Good morning. I began having symptoms of lateral femoral nerve impingement back in the mid-1990s after spending a lot of time sitting with my legs crossed "Indian style." Meralgia Paresthetica is often used as another name for the diagnosis. The affected nerve distribution is sensory and has not interfered with muscle strength or movement ability. I had severe but intermittent pain in the outer upper thigh area, which increased to the point that I would awaken from sleep in severe pain when repositioning in bed. Lidoderm patches helped; however, the pain of removing the patch was significant.
Finally, after multiple tests and years of pain, I underwent a lateral femoral nerve clipping (through my appendectomy scar), also called a neurectomy, and a lateral calf nerve release to relieve abnormal dorsal foot sensations. The Surgeon who performed my procedure now lives in Arizona and is named Sean Wolfort, MD. If surgical intervention is the chosen way to move forward, I recommend that a surgeon who is trained in this specific procedure be located.
The pain is now mostly resolved. I do have intermittent flares of nerve discomfort, but I am mostly pain-free. I take low-dose Pregabalin at night to suppress any discomfort and use a Lidocaine, gabapentin, and Flexeril topical compound created by a local apothecary as needed. I believe that other treatments, including local medication injections, are also available. An ice pack for 10 minutes or so before bed has also been helpful.
I hope this information has been helpful. Know that you are not alone and that others understand the pain. Best of luck!