Meralgia Paresthetica

Targeted cryoneurolysis for burning, tingling pain on the outer side of the thigh

What is it?
Meralgia paresthetica is a nerve condition caused by compression or irritation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN) — a sensory nerve that passes through the pelvis and provides sensation to the skin on the outer side of the thigh.

The condition often leads to abnormal sensations or pain in one leg without affecting strength or mobility. Symptoms are usually one sided and may include:

  • Burning or tingling sensation on the outer side of the thigh
  • Sharp or aching pain in the same area
  • Numbness or reduced sensation in the upper outer part of the leg
  • Worsening with tight clothing, belts, or prolonged sitting
  • Relief when lying down or bending the hip

Common Causes

Meralgia paresthetica is most often caused by compression of the LFCN where the nerve exits the pelvis. Common triggers include:

  • Tight clothing, belts, or tool belts
  • Weight gain or obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Scar tissue after prior abdominal or pelvic surgery
  • Direct trauma or repeated pressure on the hip region

How Cryoneurolysis Helps

Barcelona Cryo Center offers ultrasound guided cryoneurolysis to precisely locate and treat the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. By applying controlled cold therapy to this superficial sensory nerve, pain signals are safely interrupted without affecting motor nerves or deeper tissues.

Key Benefits:

  • Minimally invasive: Performed through a small skin puncture
  • Outpatient and drug-free: No general anesthesia and no opioid therapy required
  • Targeted relief: Specifically treats the LFCN without impacting surrounding structures
  • Long-lasting effect: Relief can last for several months and treatment can be repeated
  • Ultrasound guided: Enables precise treatment with minimal risk

Suitable Candidates

Cryoneurolysis for meralgia paresthetica may be appropriate if you:

  • Have persistent burning, tingling, or numbness on the outer side of the thigh
  • Have symptoms that worsen with movement, clothing, or pressure
  • Have tried medications or physical therapy without lasting relief
  • Prefer a non surgical, targeted treatment approach

Break Free from Lateral Thigh Nerve Pain

Meralgia paresthetica can affect daily life and limit your mobility. Cryoneurolysis offers a focused, non-destructive path to relief so you can regain comfort and freedom of movement.

Book your consultation with Barcelona Cryo Center today.

Neck, Spine & Back Pain Conditions We Treat

Cryoneurolysis may be an effective treatment for a range of nerve-related pain conditions affecting the neck and back:

Lower Back Pain

Chronic or post-surgical lumbar pain that may involve nerve compression, muscle strain, or degenerative conditions.

Facet Joint Pain

Pain originating from the small joints between spinal vertebrae, often worsened by twisting, bending, or prolonged standing.

Occipital Neuralgia

Stabbing or aching pain in the back of the head or upper neck, often misdiagnosed as migraines or tension headaches.

Meralgia Paresthetica

Burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh caused by compression of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve.

Cluneal Neuralgia (Pseudo-Sciatic Pain)

Pain in the lower back, buttock, or upper thigh caused by irritation or entrapment of the cluneal nerves—often mistaken for sciatica.

Ready to feel relief?

Explore the individual conditions above or book a consultation today to discuss whether cryoneurolysis is the right treatment for you.

Why Patients Choose Barcelona Cryo Center

  • Minimally Invasive

    Cryoneurolysis requires only a small skin puncture. No incision or general anesthesia is needed, which means minimal tissue impact and faster recovery.
  • Outpatient Care

    The treatment is completed during a single clinic visit. Patients come in, receive care, and return home the same day without hospital admission.
  • Ultrasound Guided

    Real-time imaging ensures precise placement next to the target nerve and improves both safety and effectiveness.
  • Evidence-Based Relief

    Clinical studies show that Cryoneurolysis can provide lasting relief from chronic pain while reducing the need for ongoing medication.
  • Specialized Pain Center

    Barcelona Cryo Center focuses exclusively on chronic pain, post-surgical pain, and spastic paresis related to conditions.
  • Unique In Barcelona

    Founded in Denmark in 2014, now in Barcelona offering ultrasound guided Cryoneurolysis, as well as advanced treatments for spasticity.
  • Opioid-Free Approach

    We treat chronic pain without using opioids such as morphine or related drugs.
  • Quality Of Life Focus

    Our goal is to help people with chronic or acute pain and spastic paresis live with less pain and greater independence.

Coverage

Prices in EUR
Consultation €100
Ultrasound-guided diagnostic block €250
Cryoneurolysis treatment for pain €1,500
Hyaluron injection – consultation + injection package €400
PRP – 3 treatment sessions €930

What to Expect

1

Free Records Review

We review your medical history to see if our approach is a good fit for your condition

2

Consultation

Patients who are a good fit for treatment will meet in person to further discuss

3

Treatment

Ultrasound-guided Cryoneurolysis, minimally invasive

4

Relief

Improved mobility and quality of life; plan for next steps

Meet Your Care Team

Real clinicians, modern methods, and a patient-first approach.

Igor Filipovski

Specialist in anesthesiology

Ognen Poposki

Specialist in Rehabilitation and Pain

Sonja Zikova

Administration and Finance Manager

Frequently Asked Questions

Click to open

Generally considered safe with trained clinicians; side effects can include temporary numbness, bruising, soreness.

Varies by condition; some patients have relief for months; plans can be revisited.

Coverage varies and is discussed at the consultation.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

Share a brief description of what you are looking for and we will follow up to schedule your consultation.
Please do not include medical history or sensitive personal information.

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Clinic Information

Address:
Pg. de la Bonanova, 91, Sarrià-Sant Gervasi, 08017 Barcelona

Phone: +34647915544

Monday: 16:00 to 20:00
Tuesday: 16:00 to 20:00
Wednesday: Closed
Thursday: 16:00 to 20:00
Friday: 16:00 to 20:00

Saturday and Sunday: By appointment