Pronounced: Purr–o-knee-al nerve injury
The peroneal nerve is found on the outside part of the lower knee. This nerve is responsible for transmitting impulses to and from the leg, foot, and toes. When damaged, the muscles may become weak. A condition called foot drop can occur. Foot drop is the inability to raise the foot upwards.
The sooner a peroneal nerve injury is treated, the better the outcome may be. If you suspect you have this condition, contact your doctor promptly.
A peroneal nerve injury is commonly caused by an injury to the leg. Other causes include:
These factors increase your chance of developing a peroneal nerve injury. Tell your doctor if you have any of these risk factors:
If you have any of these symptoms do not assume it is due to a peroneal nerve injury. These may be caused by other conditions. Tell your doctor if you have any of these:
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. An important part of your physical will be checking how well your nerves and muscles are working in certain parts of your leg. You will be asked to move your leg and foot in certain ways. Your doctor may want to watch you as you walk. You may be referred to a neurologist, a doctor who specializes in the nervous system.
Tests may include the following:
Talk with your doctor about the best plan for you. Options include the following:
A therapist will work with you to strengthen your leg and foot muscles.
An ankle and foot brace is used to treat foot drop.
In some cases, surgery is used to treat a peroneal nerve injury. Surgical options include repairing the nerve, taking pressure off the nerve (decompressive surgery), or grafting a new nerve into place.
RESOURCES:
American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
The Canadian Orthopaedic Association
http://www.coa-aco.org/
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
References:
Common peroneal nerve compression. DynaMed website. http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/what.php . Accessed November 9, 2008.
Common peroneal nerve dysfunction. University of Maryland Medical Center website. Available at: http://www.umm.edu/ency/article/000791.htm . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Mononeuropathy. Merck Manual website. Available at: http://www.merck.com/mmhe/sec06/ch095/ch095f.html . Accessed November 7, 2008.
NINDS Foot Drop Information page. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/foot_drop/foot_drop.htm . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Peroneal nerve injury and footdrop. NYU School of Medicine and Hospitals website. Available at: http://www.med.nyu.edu/neurosurgery/pns/conditions/injuries/peronneal.html . Accessed November 7, 2008.
Last reviewed November 2008 by Judy Chang, MD, FAASM
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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