Femoral nerve dysfunction

Alternative Names

Treatment

Treatment is aimed at increasing mobility and independence. Your health care provider should identify and treat the cause of the damage if necessary. In some cases, no treatment is required and you'll recover on your own.

Conservative treatment is given if there is sudden onset of symptoms, minimal sensation or movement changes, no history of trauma to the area, and no sign of nerve degeneration.

Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve in some cases. You may need pain medication to control your symptoms. Various other medications can reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience. Whenever possible, avoid or limit medication to lessen the risk of side effects.

Some people might benefit from surgical removal of tumors or other growths that press on the nerve.

Physical therapy may be helpful to maintain muscle strength. Orthopedic appliances such as braces or splints may help in walking. Your health care provider might recommend vocational counseling, occupational therapy, job changes or retraining, or similar interventions.

Outlook (Prognosis)

If the cause of the femoral nerve dysfunction can be identified and successfully treated, it is possible to recover fully. In some cases, there may be partial or complete loss of movement or sensation resulting in some degree of permanent disability.

Nerve pain may be quite uncomfortable and can continue for a long time. Trauma to the femoral area may also injure the femoral artery, which can cause fatal bleeding.

Possible Complications

A complication is a recurrent or an unnoticed injury to the leg.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your health care provider if you develop symptoms of femoral nerve dysfunction.