hyena
Member
I am only sharing this in case others have experienced a similar problem. I very recently alluded to it on another member's post, and already got a private message asking for more detail. Rather than send a lengthy response, I'll share it here. I'll try to keep it tight. Time frames are general estimes.
I am 6'2", 195 pounds, 66 years old. For decades, I have worn cheap military style canvas (nylon?) belts, the kind that are infinitely adjustable, bought at my LGS for $5. When I began to carry concealed a few years ago, I bought a thick leather 1.5 inch gun belt (Hanks) to carry OWB or AIWB. Gradually, carrying on my waist all the time, wearing the belt every day, with quality fitted leather holsters (Lobo, DeSantis). The gun being carried on the waist was a J frame, 642 or 640. Usually the 642. Every great once in a while a Shield 45. OWB in the winter, under a sweatshirt, AIWB in warm weather under a short sleeve shirt. Sometimes still pocket carried a BG380. I really didn't like AIWB, not as comfortable, despite the fact I was already wearing size 38 jeans when I could fit into 36 with no problem. I like loose clothing. The point is, i was wearing the belt all day every day, carrying a relatively light gun either inside or outside the belt.
Early this year, I began to get numbness down the outside of my left thigh. It got worse, then progressed to pain, which also got worse. I walk a minimum of 3 miles per day, sometimes up to 7, and my daily walk was turning into a daily limp. I'm familiar with ruptured discs - been there, done it, L5S1, had the surgery in 1998. And I was a safety manager by profession, so I am somewhat knowledgeable about these kinds of things, ie signs, symptoms, causes, etc.
I had a suspicion the belt was involved. It also should be mentioned my weight had crept up to 210, despite the vigorous core and body exercises I do. I went to a well regarded orthopedic center. They took x-rays, and quickly ruled out the spine/vertebra, because the disc that would manifest itself at that point on my leg was fine. They concluded it was nerve compression AT MY LEFT HIP from the belt. LFCN - the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve being compressed, in turn causing meralgia parasthetica - burning thigh pain. They suggested I try suspenders for a few weeks, and stick to pocket carry for a while.
I stopped at the farm store and bought a $10 pair of Hee Haw suspenders. Not my look, but no big deal since I could wear them under my sweatshirt. Shortened story - I got better within weeks. The pain went away, then more slowly the numbness. I found some suspenders that hide under a tee shirt, and that's what I wear now on my walk. The remainder of the time, I'm back to my old standard of $5 belts from the LGS.
I've not worn the heavy leather belt since. I can carry AIWB no problem with the canvas belt. 90% of the time I have just gone with pocket carry. Mostly the BG380, and depending on the pants the 642. But sometimes, like sitting in church, I want to be able to access the gun quickly while seated.
Again, I share this in case somebody else is having similar symptoms. I hope it helps. Still doing all my walking, weights, core exercises, etc, and first thing I did was drop my weight back down to 195. I am symptom free.
One last thing. We're all built different. I have no hips. So in order to hold the gun and pants up, I have to cinch the belt pretty tight. Apparently i can tolerate that with the canvas belt, but not the thick leather.
Any questions, or info I left out, I'll be glad to try and answer replies.
Best wishes.
I am 6'2", 195 pounds, 66 years old. For decades, I have worn cheap military style canvas (nylon?) belts, the kind that are infinitely adjustable, bought at my LGS for $5. When I began to carry concealed a few years ago, I bought a thick leather 1.5 inch gun belt (Hanks) to carry OWB or AIWB. Gradually, carrying on my waist all the time, wearing the belt every day, with quality fitted leather holsters (Lobo, DeSantis). The gun being carried on the waist was a J frame, 642 or 640. Usually the 642. Every great once in a while a Shield 45. OWB in the winter, under a sweatshirt, AIWB in warm weather under a short sleeve shirt. Sometimes still pocket carried a BG380. I really didn't like AIWB, not as comfortable, despite the fact I was already wearing size 38 jeans when I could fit into 36 with no problem. I like loose clothing. The point is, i was wearing the belt all day every day, carrying a relatively light gun either inside or outside the belt.
Early this year, I began to get numbness down the outside of my left thigh. It got worse, then progressed to pain, which also got worse. I walk a minimum of 3 miles per day, sometimes up to 7, and my daily walk was turning into a daily limp. I'm familiar with ruptured discs - been there, done it, L5S1, had the surgery in 1998. And I was a safety manager by profession, so I am somewhat knowledgeable about these kinds of things, ie signs, symptoms, causes, etc.
I had a suspicion the belt was involved. It also should be mentioned my weight had crept up to 210, despite the vigorous core and body exercises I do. I went to a well regarded orthopedic center. They took x-rays, and quickly ruled out the spine/vertebra, because the disc that would manifest itself at that point on my leg was fine. They concluded it was nerve compression AT MY LEFT HIP from the belt. LFCN - the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve being compressed, in turn causing meralgia parasthetica - burning thigh pain. They suggested I try suspenders for a few weeks, and stick to pocket carry for a while.
I stopped at the farm store and bought a $10 pair of Hee Haw suspenders. Not my look, but no big deal since I could wear them under my sweatshirt. Shortened story - I got better within weeks. The pain went away, then more slowly the numbness. I found some suspenders that hide under a tee shirt, and that's what I wear now on my walk. The remainder of the time, I'm back to my old standard of $5 belts from the LGS.
I've not worn the heavy leather belt since. I can carry AIWB no problem with the canvas belt. 90% of the time I have just gone with pocket carry. Mostly the BG380, and depending on the pants the 642. But sometimes, like sitting in church, I want to be able to access the gun quickly while seated.
Again, I share this in case somebody else is having similar symptoms. I hope it helps. Still doing all my walking, weights, core exercises, etc, and first thing I did was drop my weight back down to 195. I am symptom free.
One last thing. We're all built different. I have no hips. So in order to hold the gun and pants up, I have to cinch the belt pretty tight. Apparently i can tolerate that with the canvas belt, but not the thick leather.
Any questions, or info I left out, I'll be glad to try and answer replies.
Best wishes.
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