Peroneal Neuropathy: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

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.

Treatment

• According to Medline Plus, the goal of peroneal neuropathy treatment is to improve mobility and independence. Possible treatments include physical therapy, pain medications, corticosteroid injections and surgery.

Other Names

• Peroneal neuropathy is also called common peroneal nerve dysfunction.