Skinny Jean Syndrome?!

Some people will go to enourmous lengths for fashion. Squeezing feet in to two sizes too small shoes, laying on the bed to zip up those jeans, having friends and family zip you in to that perfect wedding dress, going on an extreme liquid diet…we’ve all thought about doing it for that one night or that one special outfit. But, have you ever thought about the actual medical side effects that may accompany the risks we take for fashion?

Recently news has shifted to a neurological disorder called Meralgia Paresthetica and women who wear super tight skinny jeans. Finding a perfect pair of skinny jeans so hard sometimes! When you find that perfect pair, or so you think, you may want to check the thighs out some more.

Paris Hilton: Does She Have SJS?

This disorder, we’ll call it Skinny Jean Syndrome (SJS), is characterized by a numbness and tingling feeling in your thighs. It may happen to both thighs, but it’s usually on one side. You’ll probably feel better when you sit down and it gets worse as you start walking and will be exacerbated by wearing even higher heels.

To be accurately diagnosed with SJS you’ll have to go see a neurologist. Your neurologist will probably do some nerve conductivity tests, including an electromyography (EMG).

Once you are diagnosed with SJS your doctor will probably prescribe a heavy dose of  wide legged jeans, flats, and perhaps even weight loss (obesity is a predisposing factor for SJS). However, if your SJS is severe enough you may be prescribed some actual medicine, including some neuroepileptic medications (like Tegretol or Neurotrin).

Prognosis is good, but if you have a severe case of SJS, it could take some time for numbness to go away. That’s why I suggest alternating between jeans, dresses, and skirts during this warmer season. There’s a reason why we all talk about maxi dresses, shorts, and fun minis during the summer!

For more information on Meralgia Paresthetica read up at Emedicine.com

Photo from: Bauer Griffin