Meralgia paresthetica is a relatively frequent entrapment neuropathy. It is usually caused by damage to the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve as it passes under the inguinal ligament to enter the thigh. Pregnancy, tight clothing, obesity and highly variable regional anatomy of the nerve most commonly predispose to nerve entrapment below the inguinal ligament. Less common causes include scarring after lower abdominal surgery, tumors, hematomas and blunt sports injuries of the upper thigh. Meralgia paresthetica is generally unilateral, although between 10–20% of patients report bilateral symptoms. Patients typically present with varying degrees of numbness, paresthesias and pain over the lateral aspect of the thigh. The condition can be differentiated from other neurologic disorders by the typical exacerbating factors and the characteristic symptom distribution. The diagnosis of meralgia paresthetica is usually made clinically. However, relief of symptoms after local anesthetic injection and electrophysiologic evaluation may help confirm the diagnosis. Nonsurgical treatment consists of avoiding compression agents. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are the mainstay of treatment to alleviate inflammation. Ultrasound guided technique increases the rate of success if blockage of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve is performed. If pain persists despite conservative measures, surgical neurolysis and/or transposition or nerve transection can be considered.