Smartphone linked to burning thigh pain: Hyderabad doctors

Time of India

10-05-2025

Doctors in Hyderabad have observed a rise in meralgia paraesthetica cases, characterized by burning thigh pain due to nerve compression
HYDERABAD: Doctors in Hyderabad have observed cases of
burning thigh pain
(
meralgia paraesthetica
), a condition where repeated or prolonged pressure leads to chronic
nerve irritation
, numbness, or tingling sensations in the outer thigh.
What is particularly surprising is that some of these cases have been linked to the common habit of keeping a mobile phone in trouser pockets. In a recent instance, a 35-year-old man from Nampally reported severe pain and burning sensations in his right thigh. His sleep was affected by the discomfort, and he struggled to perform his job effectively. Upon taking a detailed medical history, doctors discovered that the man had been habitually keeping a bulky phone in his front right pocket for extended periods.
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However, after about a month of treatment, he became symptom-free.
'Tight clothing'
Dr Sireesha Yareeda, additional professor at NIMS, explained: "In many cases, this condition arises when individuals wear tight clothing and carry heavy items in their trouser pockets. There is a nerve called the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve (LFCN), that provides sensation to the area. When it is compressed, it leads to pain."
She added that, in addition to people wearing tight clothing, cases of burning thigh sensations are commonly observed in pregnant women, as well as patients with diabetes or thyroid disorders.
Dr Sudheer Kumar, a senior neurologist at Apollo Hospital, Jubilee Hills, noted that identifying the cause of the pain in such cases often requires a detailed assessment of patient's daily habits.
"Doctors usually prescribe medication and therapies in such situations, but if we explore patients' routines more deeply, we may be able to eliminate the root cause altogether.
It is not the case that everyone who keeps a phone or heavy item in their pocket will develop this condition."
Nerve irritation
Dr Ranganadham, a senior neurosurgeon, emphasised that people should avoid storing large and heavy mobile phones or similar objects in trouser pockets for long durations, particularly while sitting. In another such case, a 29-year-old woman complained of similar issues. Working on the front desk as a receptionist, the woman would keep her phone in her trouser pocket for long hours.
However, she gradually developed nerve irritation, numbness, or tingling sensations in her outer thigh area. She was diagnosed with meralgia paraesthetica and provided treatment. After a few weeks of follow-up, she had no symptoms, and the medications were discontinued.