Definition

The peroneal nerve is on the outer part of the lower knee. This nerve sends impulses to and from the leg, foot, and toes. If it is damaged, the muscles may get weak and feeling may be lost. Foot drop may happen. This is when you can’t raise the foot.

Causes

This injury is often caused by an injury to the leg.

This can happen with:

• A broken leg bone
• A knee injury
• Surgery to the leg or knee
• Ankle injuries

Peroneal Nerve Damage After Ankle Injury and Repair Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Too much pressure on the nerve can happen with:

• Sitting position
• Cast on lower leg, mostly if it is too tight
• Blood clots, tumors, or other masses

Risk Factors

Your risk may be raised with:

• Recent trauma to the leg
• Having a cast on your leg
• Too much sitting with your legs crossed
• Being on bedrest
• Being very thin

Symptoms

You may have:

• Numbness or a feeling of pins and needles in the lower leg
• Pain in foot or shin
• A week foot
• Prickling feeling

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and health history. A physical exam will be done. An part of your exam will be checking how well your nerves and muscles are working in your leg. Your doctor may want to watch you as you walk.

You may need:

• X-rays
• MRI scan
• Electromyography (EMG) or other nerve conduction tests

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. You may have:

Prevention

To lower your chance of a peroneal nerve injury:

• Avoid crossing your legs.
• Move around often.
• If you work on your knees, wear equipment to protect them.
• If you have a cast on your leg, let your doctor know right away if you are having numbness or tingling.