Meralgia Paresthetica

Targeted Cryoneurolysis for Burning, Tingling Pain in the Outer 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 supplies feeling to the skin of the outer thigh.

This condition often leads to abnormal sensations or pain in one leg, without affecting strength or movement. Symptoms are typically one-sided and may include:

  • Burning or tingling in the outer thigh
  • Numbness or reduced sensation in the upper outer leg
  • Increased pain with walking, standing, or hip extension
  • Worsening with tight belts, pants, or prolonged sitting
  • Relief when lying down or flexing the hip

Common Causes

Meralgia paresthetica is usually caused by compression of the LFCN where it exits the pelvis. Common triggers include:

  • Wearing tight clothing, belts, or tool belts
  • Weight gain or obesity
  • Pregnancy
  • Scar tissue from previous abdominal or pelvic surgeries
  • Direct trauma or repetitive pressure on the hip crease

How Cryoneurolysis Helps

Dr. Igor Filipovski offers ultrasound-guided cryoneurolysis to precisely locate and treat the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. By applying cold therapy to this superficial sensory nerve, pain signals are safely disrupted — without damaging motor nerves or deeper tissues.

Key Benefits:

  • Minimally invasive: Performed through a tiny skin puncture
  • Outpatient and drug-free: No general anesthesia or opioid use required
  • Targeted relief: Specifically treats the LFCN without affecting surrounding structures
  • Long-lasting: Relief can last several months and is safely repeatable
  • Ultrasound-guided: Ensures accurate treatment and minimal risk

Ideal Candidates

Cryoneurolysis for meralgia paresthetica may be appropriate if you:

  • Experience persistent burning, tingling, or numbness in the outer thigh
  • Have symptoms worsened by movement, clothing, or pressure
  • Have tried medications or physical therapy without lasting relief
  • Prefer a nonsurgical, targeted treatment option

Break Free from Thigh Nerve Pain

Meralgia paresthetica can disrupt daily life and limit your mobility. Cryoneurolysis offers a focused, non-destructive way to get relief and get back to feeling like yourself.

Book your consultation with Dr. Filipovski at Copenhagen 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 listed above or book a consultation today to discuss whether cryoneurolysis is right for you.

Why Patients Choose Copenhagen 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

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

    Founded in 2014, we are the only clinic in Denmark 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 (Capital Region of Denmark)

Referred patients do not have to pay for the treatment themselves.
All citizens and patients in the Capital Region can be referred from any hospital department for pain treatment at Cryo Center Copenhagen.

Prices in DKK
Consultation 1.350,- kr
Subsequent consultations in the same course of treatment (up to 3 months) 640,- kr
Ultrasound-guided diagnostic blockade 3.000,- kr
Cryoneurolysis treatment for pain 14,800,– kr
Cryoneurolysis treatment of spasticity Upper extremity including 6 weeks/12 hours of training 27,500,- kr
Cryoneurolysis treatment of spasticity Lower limb including 6 weeks/12 hours of training 27,500,- kr

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

René Kestenholz

Nurse Anesthetist and Intensive Care Nurse

Freja

Clinic Assistant

Katrine

Clinic Assistant

Frederikke

Clinic Assistant

Clara

Clinic Assistant

Victoria

Clinic Assistant

Sonja Zikova

Administration and Finance Manager

What Our Patients Say

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.

Capital Region referrals mean no patient payment; other coverage varies and is discussed at consultation.

Browse all conditions →

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.

Consent *

Clinic Information

Address:
Østerbrogade 62, 2. sal, th.
2100 Østerbro
Copenhagen

Phone: +45 53 62 97 89

Monday through Thursday: 09:00 – 14:00

Friday: 09:00 – 12:00

Saturday and Sunday: By appointment