Common Peroneal Nerve Entrapment
Foot drop is a symptom characterized by difficulty lifting the front part of the foot, leading to a dragging or slapping gait (or steppage gait). A frequent cause of foot drop is an injury near the common peroneal (fibular) nerve, resulting in entrapment of the nerve.
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Understanding Common Fibular (Peroneal) Nerve Entrapment
Common fibular (peroneal) nerve entrapment happens when this nerve is compressed or injured, typically near the fibular head, where it wraps superficially around the neck of the fibula.
- What Causes It? Common peroneal nerve entrapment can result from prolonged pressure, trauma, compression pressure, or injury.
- Common Symptoms
Clinically, patients may experience:- Partial foot drop
- Weakness in pulling the foot up during gait
- Aching in the leg
- Instability while planting the foot
- Numbness or tingling along the outer leg and top of the foot
- Distinctive gait disturbance
- Feeling of clumsiness
Common Sites of Lower Extremity Nerve Entrapments
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Common peroneal (fibular) nerve
Cause
Compression or injury to the common peroneal nerve below the fibular neck, where it is most vulnerable
Location
Outer aspect of leg below the knee, outer aspect of leg, top of the foot
Symptoms
Foot drop- inability to lift the front part of the foot with a high-steppage gait, numbness, tingling, pain, loss of sensation along the course of the nerve, weakness
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Superficial peroneal (fibular) nerve
Cause
Compression or irritation of the superficial peroneal nerve as it exits the fascia in the lower leg
Location
Lower 1/3 of the leg at the outer aspect, ankle, and top of the foot
Symptoms
Burning, tingling, or numbness along the course of the nerve, often exacerbated at the boot line and worsened by activity
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Deep peroneal (fibular) nerve
Cause
Compression of the deep peroneal nerve as it passes under the inferior extensor retinaculum at the ankle and/or under the extensor hallucis brevis muscle at the forefoot
Location
Top of the foot- especially between the 1st and second toes, can extend to just above the ankle joint
Symptoms
Pain, tingling, and aching along the course of the nerve, often exacerbated by up-and-down motions of the foot
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Soleal sling nerve entrapment
Cause
Compression of the tibial nerve in the upper leg as it passes through the tendinous arch of the soleus muscle
Location
Back of the leg
Symptoms
Pain, tightness, and cramping in the calf can coexist with tarsal tunnel syndrome.
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Tarsal tunnel syndrome
Cause
Compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel at the ankle
Location
Behind and below the medial malleolus at the inside of the ankle joint, extending to the sole
Symptoms
Shooting pain, burning, tingling, and numbness, often exacerbated by activity, can worsen at night
Image of Condition
Name of Condition
Morton’s nerve entrapment
Cause
Compression of the tibial nerve as it passes through the tarsal tunnel at the ankle
Location
Behind and below the medial malleolus at the inside of the ankle joint, extending to the sole and toes
Symptoms
Aching, burning in the forefoot, feeling of walking on a pebble
Start Feeling Better
Submit our contact form or give us a call at (612) 353-9311 to talk to our dedicated and compassionate team.
Common peroneal nerve injury treatment
Treatment options include physical therapy, bracing of the foot and ankle, injections and advanced podiatric procedures.
Dr. Moore was incredibly patient with me and took the time to evaluate all possible causes of my condition. The results that I have seen since my diagnosis have been amazing. I am pain-free now and am back to being a kid. I highly recommend Dr. Moore!
Ruby
Frequently Asked Questions About Common Peroneal Nerves
The common peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve, which originates in the lower back and travels down the back of the leg where it divides into its two terminal branches. The common peroneal (fibular) branch wraps around the head of the fibula, a bone in the lower leg, making it susceptible to compression and injury at this point.
The nerve plays a crucial role in the movement of the foot, innervating the muscles responsible for dorsiflexion (lifting the ankle and toes upward) and eversion (turning the foot outward). It also provides sensation to the front and sides of the lower leg and the top of the foot.
Damage to the peroneal nerve disrupts the nerve signals to the muscles that lift the foot, leading to weakness. This weakness or paralysis results in the inability to lift the front of the foot and/or pull the foot to the side, causing an unsteady gait. The severity of foot drop and other symptoms depends on the extent and location of the nerve damage.
Besides the difficulty lifting the foot, common peroneal nerve injury can present with more subtle symptoms which include:
- Numbness, tingling, or decreased sensation on the top of the foot and the outer part of the lower leg.
- Pain in the foot or lower leg
- Restless leg
There are a few different things that can cause common peroneal nerve injury, including:
- Trauma or injury to the knee or lower leg
- Severe ankle sprains
- Compression of the nerve from:
- Tight casts, splints, or bandages.
- Prolonged kneeling or squatting.
- Crossing the legs regularly.
A healthcare professional will diagnose peroneal nerve injury and foot drop based on:
- Physical examination involves evaluating muscle control, sensation, and gait.
- Imaging tests like MRI, X-rays, ultrasound
- Diagnostic injections
Treatment options depend on the cause and severity of the injury.
Conservative treatments
– Braces, splints, or shoe inserts to support the foot.
– Physical therapy to strengthen muscles, improve gait and mobilize the nerve
Advanced podiatric procedures
– Cortisone injections
– Regenerative medicine
– Nerve decompression procedures
– Tendon transfer for long-standing cases.
On the Journey With You
At Janus Lower Extremity Pain Center, we understand the challenges of life with common peroneal nerve entrapment. We are here to guide you toward less pain and better mobility, treating you with dignity, understanding, and respect.
Dr. Moore, the founder of Janus, brings her 30 years of experience as a foot and ankle surgeon. We specialize in advanced procedures for lower extremity nerve pain, including nerve decompression surgery.
Lower Extremity Advanced Procedures for Nerve Pain
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2. Meet
At your visit, we will take a detailed medical history and perform a comprehensive medical exam.
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We will work with you to determine if our treatment options may be of benefit to you for your pain symptoms.
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