A physical therapist suspects a patient with tingling in the anterior thigh may have which condition?

• A. Femoral nerve entrapment
• B. Meralgia paresthetica
• C. Patellar tendinopathy
• D. Quadriceps strain

Answer: (B)

The selection of meralgia paresthetica as the condition associated with tingling in the anterior thigh is justified based on the underlying mechanisms of this condition. Meralgia paresthetica is caused by compression or irritation of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve, which supplies sensation to the outer aspect of the thigh. Patients often report symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or burning sensations specifically in the anterior and lateral thigh.

In the context of the symptoms described, the distribution of numbness or tingling aligns well with the characteristics of meralgia paresthetica. Factors contributing to this condition may include tight clothing, obesity, pregnancy, or certain activities that may compress this nerve.

While femoral nerve entrapment could also lead to similar symptoms, it more commonly presents with weakness in the quadriceps and might affect the medial thigh rather than specifically causing tingling sensations in the anterior thigh.

Patellar tendinopathy and quadriceps strain primarily involve pain rather than tingling and are more localized to the knee or anterior thigh region, not extending to cause significant sensory abnormalities like tingling. Therefore, the specific nature of the sensory symptoms helps to clarify why meralgia paresthetica is the most appropriate diagnosis for this scenario.