Burning on front of thigh, above knee, while sleeping - femoral nerve?

by Wendy
(Florida)

Burning on front of thigh, above knee, while sleeping - femoral nerve?


I am a 31 year old female; for a few years I have noticed a burning or numbness on one thigh, front side, above knee, after a full night of sleeping. It is worst when laying on my back, and slightly alleviated if I curl in fetal position on my side. It's gotten worse the past few months which led me here.

Hello Wendy,
Would you do five little tests for me please, and give me exact answers.

1. Bend forwards, backwards, and to the side; does it give you any back pain, and does it increase the burning on the front of your thigh?

2. Take a pin and prick both thighs. Is there a difference, and exactly where?

3. Stand on one leg and bounce, compare with the naughty leg. Does the knee give?

4. Starting at the crest of your hip, using some oil, run the tip of your thumb down through the groin and inner thigh towards the knee. Compare sides; is it particularly tender anywhere?

5. Do the Faber test as in the graphic.

Do you have any buttock pain?

Let me know; precise answers please.

Dr B


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May 27, 2019
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by: Tara

I'm a 34 yr old female, not overweight, healthy/ active and I'm experiencing the same pain. My left front thigh BURNS, feels "dead" to touch, gives a hot /cold or wet sensation at times. Mine is more mid to upper thigh. It is extremely painful and constant. Worse at random times. I try to rub it to keep circulation and comfort but it's driving me crazy. Praying for some answers.

Hello Tara,
Apologies for the delay in replying.

Do you have no back pain? If you bend forwards, backwards, to the side, is there no lower back or increased thigh pain?

Lying on your back, pull your knee to your chest and then towards the opposite shoulder, and finally drop it into the lotus position. Is it the same as the other leg? No pain in the groin or side of the hip?

Lying on your tum with the knee bent, ask your partner to lift the knee and compare with the good leg. Are they the same?

Finally, place a little oil on your thumb and run it from the iliac crest (find the ASIS on googs) and go down through the groin and inner thigh. Is it particularly tender?

In particular, just medial to the ASIS is it very tender; this is the site of an impingement of a little branch of the femoral nerve; the condition is called meralgia paresthetica. Often if you prick the thigh with a needle it will be different to the other leg.

I hope this contributes.

Dr B

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