Deep Peroneal Nerve
Deep Peroneal Nerve
The deep peroneal nerve is a key nerve in the lower leg and ankle. It is a branch of the common peroneal nerve, which comes from the sciatic nerve in the thigh. This nerve runs down the front of the leg, near the shinbone, and provides movement and sensation to parts of the lower leg and foot. It helps control muscles that lift the foot, like the tibialis anterior, and provides feeling between the first and second toes. Injuries to this nerve can cause foot drop, where a person cannot lift their foot properly. Conditions like fractures or tight footwear can sometimes put pressure on the deep peroneal nerve, leading to pain or weakness.
Read below to learn more about the causes of pain, potential treatments, and how to find care for the deep peroneal nerve.
Read below to learn more about the causes of pain, potential treatments, and how to find care for the deep peroneal nerve.
Dr. Shari Moore discusses the deep peroneal nerve and how it can cause pain in the foot and ankle.
Causes of Pain – Deep Peroneal Nerve
Traction
−Chronic prolonged stretching of deep peroneal nerve with extreme downward bending. Examples include: dancing, soccer, diving, gymnastics, prayer positions.
−Chronic prolonged stretching of deep peroneal nerve with extreme downward bending. Examples include: dancing, soccer, diving, gymnastics, prayer positions.
Compression
− Pressure from the shoe.
− Pressure applied from a bandage from a previous injury or surgery over midfoot.
− Pressure from bone spurs and accessory bones at midfoot and ankle.
Trauma
− Direct injury to the deep peroneal nerve.
− Prior fracture or surgery in area that could have damaged the nerve.
− Repetitive motion of the foot.
Entrapment
There are multiple places in the foot and ankle where the deep peroneal nerve can be trapped. These include:
− The ligament at ankle
− Small tendon to great toe at midfoot
− Space occupying soft tissue masses – cyst/bone spurs
Biomechanics
− Features of the foot and its function, chronic ankle instability, high arched foot
− Pressure from the shoe.
− Pressure applied from a bandage from a previous injury or surgery over midfoot.
− Pressure from bone spurs and accessory bones at midfoot and ankle.
Trauma
− Direct injury to the deep peroneal nerve.
− Prior fracture or surgery in area that could have damaged the nerve.
− Repetitive motion of the foot.
Entrapment
There are multiple places in the foot and ankle where the deep peroneal nerve can be trapped. These include:
− The ligament at ankle
− Small tendon to great toe at midfoot
− Space occupying soft tissue masses – cyst/bone spurs
Biomechanics
− Features of the foot and its function, chronic ankle instability, high arched foot
Treatment of the Deep Peroneal Nerve
Non-surgical Treatments
There are several non-surgical treatments that could alleviate the discomfort caused by a Morton’s Neuroma, including:
- Shoe modifications-wide top box, stiff soled shoe
- Ice to reduce inflammation and swelling
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Orthotics
- Metatarsal pads
- Activity modifications
- Cortisone injections
Surgical Treatments
Nerve resection
−Traditional treatment
Decompression surgery
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Finding Care
Dr. Kent DiNucci describes how to find care for a nerve problem and how to prepare for visiting your doctor.
If you think you might have a nerve injury, find care as quickly as possible. The quicker patients can consult with a doctor to treat injuries or nerve problems, the better outcomes they have.
Not sure how to find care, or questions you should ask when visiting a doctor? Listen to Dr. Kent DiNucci explain how to find care and questions you can ask your doctor when visiting for the first time.
Not sure how to find care, or questions you should ask when visiting a doctor? Listen to Dr. Kent DiNucci explain how to find care and questions you can ask your doctor when visiting for the first time.
If you are suffering from compression symptoms, be sure to consult a nerve specialist
PAGE CONTRIBUTORS
PAGE CONTRIBUTORS
Shari Moore, DPM
Podiatrist
Allina Health
Minnesota
Allina Health
Minnesota
Kent DiNucci, DPM
Podiatrist
Ankle and Foot Clinic
Nebraska
Kevin Powers, DPM
Podiatrist
The Center for Lower Extremity Nerve Surgery
Indiana
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