What causes nerve pain in the leg following a hysterectomy?

Reviewed by Yoshinori Abe, MD

Internal Medicine

Nerve pain in the leg after a hysterectomy is most commonly caused by pressure or stretching of the femoral nerve during surgery. This risk is highest when the patient is placed in the lithotomy position, where prolonged hip flexion and abduction can compress the nerve. Symptoms may include weakness, numbness, tingling, or burning pain in the thigh, and while many cases resolve within weeks, some require physical therapy or further evaluation.

If you're experiencing leg nerve pain after a hysterectomy, it's important to identify the underlying cause quickly—since symptoms can range from temporary nerve irritation to more serious complications requiring treatment. A free, instant, online symptom check can help you clarify your symptoms, understand possible causes, and decide whether to see a doctor. It takes just a few minutes and gives you personalized insights to guide your next steps with confidence.

Reviewed for medical accuracy: 07/14/2026

Important Next Steps

Discover likely causes of leg nerve pain Learn if your leg pain needs care Find out if it could be nerve damage See OTC options for leg nerve pain Find a specialist for nerve pain Understand home remedies for leg nerve pain Check if leg pain needs urgent care

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Explanation

After a hysterectomy, some people may experience nerve pain in their legs. This pain is often due to pressure on the femoral nerve during the operation.

Causes

Positioning During Surgery: The lithotomy position, where the legs are elevated and bent at the knees, can put stress on the femoral nerve.
Surgical Pressure: During a vaginal hysterectomy, instruments or the position of the body can compress the nerve.

Effects

This pressure can lead to a condition called femoral neuropathy, which may cause pain, weakness, or numbness in the leg. If you're experiencing leg pain, weakness, or numbness after your hysterectomy, use this free symptom checker to better understand what might be causing your symptoms.

References

Studies have documented cases where patients developed femoral neuropathy after being in the lithotomy position for extended periods during surgery.

Understanding these risks can help in managing and potentially preventing nerve pain after surgery.

(References)

Hsieh LF, Liaw ES, Cheng HY, & Hong CZ. (1998). Bilateral femoral neuropathy after vaginal hysterectomy. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 9710179.
Tondare AS, Nadkarni AV, Sathe CH, & Dave VB. (1983). Femoral neuropathy: a complication of lithotomy position .... Canadian Anaesthetists' Society journal, 6297699.
Räber G, & Schneider HP. (1993). [Femoral nerve paralysis after vaginal hysterectomy and its .... Zentralblatt fur Gynakologie, 8342350.

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