Peroneal Nerve Injury

Causes

The nerve may get injured due to:

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

Peroneal Nerve Damage After Ankle Injury and Repair

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Too much pressure on the nerve can also cause this problem. This can happen due to:

• Sitting position
• A leg cast that is too tight
• Blood clots, tumors, or other masses

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of this problem are:

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

Symptoms

A person with a peroneal nerve injury may have:

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

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about symptoms and health history. A physical exam that focuses on the leg will be done.

Pictures of the leg may be taken. This can be done with:

• X-rays
• MRI scan

The nerves and muscles may be tested. This can be done with electromyography (EMG) or other nerve conduction tests.

Treatment

Treatment depends on what has caused the injury. Options are:

• Therapy to build leg and foot muscles
• A supportive device, such as an ankle or foot brace to ease symptoms

People who are not helped by other methods may need surgery to take pressure off the nerve.

Prevention

People may be able to lower the risk of a peroneal nerve injury by:

• Not crossing their legs.
• Not putting pressure on the back or side of the knee.
• Getting treated for leg injuries right away.
• Getting treated for any numbness or tingling from wearing a cast.