Skinny, tight jeans are in fashion and leading to a rise in what’s being called the “tight jean syndrome“, a condition where tight-fitting clothing compresses nerves in the groin and thigh region causing pain and sensations of stinging, burning and numbness. The medical term for this condition is Meralgia Paresthetica and the nerve involved is called the lateral cutaneous nerve. Aside from tight jeans, other causes include tight belts, seat belt trauma from motor vehicle accidents, pregnancy and weight gain. The diagnosis is usually made after x-rays, CAT scans, MRIs, or EMG studies show no other cause for the pain. Various treatments are available including pain medicines, neurologic medications, injections and, of course, taking the pressure off of the nerve by weight loss and not wearing tight-fitting pants or belts.
Tags: jeans, leg pain, meralgia paresthetica, nerve, Pain, tight jean syndrome
Dr. Steven Chang, the author of DailyDose, is a staff physician with Kosmix RightHealth. Dr. Chang practices Family Medicine at the University of California Davis Medical Center, where his medical interests include both pediatric and geriatric care, public health, gay and lesbian health, and sleep medicine. Dr. Chang trained at the Stanford University affiliated O'Connor Hospital, and was a research fellow at the National Institute of Health. He holds an M.D. from McGill University and a BA in Public Health from Johns Hopkins University.
June 5th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
What a hoot! But I also believe it may lead to yeast infections/ not enough ventilation…
June 7th, 2009 at 6:44 am
“Various treatments are available including pain medicines, neurological medications, injections…” these should not be “treatment” for tight pants. change your pants and go see your chiropractor! putting drugs in your body should be a LAST RESORT!