What Is Peroneal Neuropathy?
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Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes pain and numbness. Peroneal neuropathy refers to damage to the peroneal nerve. The peroneal nerve is a nerve in the leg that gives movement and feeling to the lower leg, foot and toes.
What Happens
Peroneal neuropathy occurs when the peroneal nerve is compressed just below the head of the fibula (a lower leg bone).
Causes
According the University of Maryland Medical Center, common causes of peroneal nerve damage include knee injury, fibula fracture, using a tight plaster cast (or other long-term constriction) on the lower leg, habitual leg crossing, regularly wearing high boots, or pressure to the knee from positions during deep sleep or coma.
Symptoms
The symptoms of peroneal neuropathy are foot drop or prickling, tingling, or numbness on top of foot. Foot drop means that you cannot lift your ankle, extend your toes, or turn the foot outward.
- Neuropathy is nerve damage that causes pain and numbness.
- Peroneal neuropathy occurs when the peroneal nerve is compressed just below the head of the fibula (a lower leg bone).
Treatment
According to Medline Plus, the goal of peroneal neuropathy treatment is to improve mobility and independence. Possible treatments include physiotherapy, pain medications, corticosteroid injections and surgery.
Other Names
Peroneal neuropathy is also called common peroneal nerve dysfunction.
References
Writer Bio
Carol Wiley started writing as a technical writer/editor in 1990, was a licensed massage therapist for almost 12 years and has been writing Web content since 2003. She has a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering, a Master of Business Administration, a Certificate in Technical Writing and Editing and a Certificate in Massage Therapy.