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.
Burning and numbness in the thigh or legs can also be caused by a number of chronic conditions that affect the nerves, such as multiple sclerosis and lupus. Sciatica is numbness, pain or weakness in the leg that is caused by damage to the sciatic nerve, often as a result of spinal stenosis or disc disease.