Meralgia paraesthetica or meralgia paresthetica (see spelling differences) is a chronic neurological disorder featuring a single peripheral nerve, namely the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve. The term meralgia paraesthetica is comprised of four Greek roots, together denoting "a condition of the thigh characterized by pain and dysfunctional, disturbing sensations."

The lateral femoral cutaneous nerve typically becomes entrapped and unduly stimulated at some point in its course by muscle, tendon, ligament or bone and the result is a painful area in the lateral aspect of the thigh on the affected side.