word-forming element meaning 1. after, behind, 2. changed, altered, 3. higher, beyond; from Greek meta (prep.) in the midst of, in common with, by means of, in pursuit or quest of, from PIE *me-in the middle (cf. German mit, Gothic miÃ¾, Old English miÃ° with, together with, among; see mid).
Quick Answer. Pain and numbness on either the left or right thigh can be caused by meralgia paresthetica, peripheral neuropathy, multiple sclerosis and lupus, explains Healthgrades. Some other causes include injury, obesity, trauma and tight clothing, notes the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.
Compression of the L5 nerve will also cause numbness, paresthesias (pins and needles) and pain in the L5 distribution. This is buttocks pain that radiates down behind the thigh to the back of the calf and then to the top of the foot. The big toe might be numb along with the inside of the foot.