The prevention is variable depending on the cause of the nerve damage. A neuromuscular examination of the legs indicates femoral nerve dysfunction. There may be weakness on extension of the knee or flexion of the hips. The knee jerk reflex may be abnormal. They may include various blood tests, X-rays, scans, or other tests and procedures.
Treatment is aimed at maximizing mobility and independence.
The cause should be identified and treated as appropriate. In some cases, no treatment is required and recovery is spontaneous. If there is no history of trauma to the area, conservative treatment is indicated by sudden onset, minimal sensation changes and no difficulty in movement, and no evidence on testing of degeneration of the nerve axon. Corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve in some cases. Various other medications may reduce the stabbing pains that some people experience, including phenytoin, carbamazepine, or tricyclic antidepressants such as amitriptyline.