Peroneal Nerve Injury

Peroneal nerve contusion

A peroneal nerve injury, also known as peroneal neuropathy may be caused by direct trauma to the outer knee with symptoms of numbness, tingling or weakness in the foot.

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Medically reviewed by Dr Chaminda Goonetilleke, 21st Dec. 2021

Peroneal nerve injury symptoms

Symptoms of a peroneal nerve injury, also known as peroneal neuropathy include:

  • Numbness or tingling in the front and or side of the lower leg.
  • There will be decreased sensitivity when touching these areas.
  • Weakness in lifting the foot upwards and turning it outwards may be experienced in severe cases.
  • Foot drop will occur when the foot cannot be lifted up enough to clear the floor when walking.
  • A slapping gait may be seen as the foot slaps on the ground when walking.
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Anatomy

The Common Peroneal Nerve (also known as the common fibular nerve) has superficial and deep branches.

The superficial branch supplies the peroneal muscles which are plantarflexed (push foot downwards) and everts the foot.

Superficial peroneal nerve

The deep branch supplies the anterior compartment of the leg (TIbialis anterior). It helps to dorsiflex (pull the foot upwards) and invert (turn the foot inwards).

Deep peroneal nerve
Deep peroneal nerve

Causes of peroneal nerve injury

This nerve may be injured in a number of ways including injury to the outside of the knee. This is because the nerve is very close to the skin.

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Swelling, inflammation or infection can also injure the peroneal nerve as can repeated pressure on the outside of the knee. For instance, sitting with legs crossed in tight clothing.

Other injuries can result in nerve injury such as a fracture of the fibula or more seriously a dislocated knee. Damage can also occur during surgery.

Similar symptoms may be present due to compression of the nerve at a higher level, usually either at the nerve root in the lumbar spine (L4 & S2) or in the buttocks.

Treatment of peroneal nerve contusion

Treatment depends on the cause of your injury.

Peroneal nerve symptoms caused by an acute injury to the outer knee may resolve once your knee injury has healed and any swelling or pressure on the nerve has dispersed.

Repetitive compression

If your injury is caused by repetitive compression from training or work-related activities then this should be addressed.

Nerve damage

Symptoms caused by damage to the nerve itself (i.e. from a fracture or dislocation) are more difficult to treat, although, in all but the most severe cases. The damage will usually heal itself, although this can be a very slow process.

In the meantime, physical therapy may be beneficial in improving muscle strength and control. Exercises to stretch and strengthen the muscle of the lower leg may help improve the condition.

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