For about three weeks now I’ve been experiencing what is known as meralgia paresthetica, or entrapment of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN).  Basically the layman explanation is that I’ve pinched a sensory nerve somewhere along my right thigh and I’m now suffering from diminished sensation along the outside — practically from my knee to about a foot and a half up. It’s actually a pretty common disorder. Some people get it when they put on a lot of weight, become pregnant or wear too-tight clothes (none of which apply to me!).

I know the exact moment when I probably damaged the nerve. It was a Sunday and I pushed myself a little too hard doing a crescent moon pose during yoga. Releasing from the stance, I felt this unfamiliar pain and discomfort shooting down my thigh but it eased somewhat after that. According to medical journals, what happens is that blood flow is constricted due to the entrapped position of the ligament where the nerve is found, resulting in numbness or a burning pain.

The doctor said two weeks ago there is no immediate cure and gave me a bunch of anti inflammation pills which I’ve long consumed. He said I just have to wait for it to heal on its own.

Because it only affects sensation and doesn’t impede any of my motor skills, I sometimes forget I’m supposed to ease off on pressure and excessive weight bearing activities around the area. I’ve been going to the gym everyday, treadmilling, cardiowaving, bicycling. Not forgetting yoga twice a week.

From time to time, I run my hand along my outer thigh just to see if I can feel it. It’s a very odd and altered sensation. I can vaguely feel something but not the exact texture of my hand. I can’t feel itch or pain and I wouldn’t know if my leg fell asleep from sitting in a cramped position for too long. Very weird, get better already.