Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction

Introduction

Peroneal nerve dysfunction takes place when there is certain damage to the peroneal nerve that further leads to loss of sensation in the foot and leg, leading to restricted movement and giving rise to a condition called fibular nerve dysfunction. Any sort of injury to the peroneal nerve leads to damage to the peroneal nerve, which basically runs along the front of the legs to the feet and toes. People who suffer from these injuries suffer from foot drop, which is basically a pattern of walking where the foot cannot be flexed properly to move forward, and one knee has to be lifted higher than the other while walking.

What Is a Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction?

As talked about before, this is basically any sort of dysfunction of the peroneal nerve. This is basically the nerve that lets a person feel sensations in the legs and lifts the toes and ankles. This now extends from the sciatic nerve, which is present at the top of the hip, and goes down along the back of the thigh to the knee, where it gets wrapped around the front of the leg, finally moving to the toes. This also causes pin and needle sensations and foot drops that are responsible for restricted movement, especially upwards at the ankle.

What Is the Basic Difference Between the Superficial and Deep Peroneal Nerves?

In the case of the deep peroneal nerve, it runs along the inside of the leg and over the ankle bone, finally allowing the functioning of the inside of the foot, including the big and second toes, while the superficial peroneal nerve runs on the outside of the leg and allows sensation in the top of the foot for controlling the movement of all the other toes.

Who Is Prone to Get This Injury?

Anyone of any age can suffer from this injury, but people who are more likely to be affected by it are :

• People who suffer from anorexia nervosa, which is basically an eating disorder causing fear of weight gain.

• People who suffer from inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

• People with a low BMI (body mass index).

• Type 2 diabetic patients.

• People who have recently suffered from a knee or ankle injury.

• Anyone who is suffering from Charcot Mary Tooth disease, which is actually a disorder leading to damaged peripheral nerves.

What Causes Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction?

There are several reasons that are behind this injury besides trauma to the legs or ankles, like :

• Ankle fractures.

• Fractured fibula.

• Dislocated knee.

• Fractured knee.

It is very common for people with dislocated knees to develop a dysfunctional peroneal nerve. Some of these injuries can get so intense that they might require knee replacement or hip replacement surgery. A compressed peroneal nerve can also lead to this injury when the pressure increases due to a blood clot, tight leg cast, or tumor.

What Are the Symptoms of Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction?

The most common sign that one gets to see when they suffer from the injury is a developed foot drop. This is defined as a very distinct pattern of walking that does not allow the ankle to be flexed and move forward. Some other symptoms are :

• The person becomes unable to move their foot forward.

• Accept the inability when it comes to flexing the toes and ankles upward.

• Intense pain in the foot and lower leg.

• Completely losing sensation in the shin or the top of the foot.

How Can This Be Diagnosed?

For a proper diagnosis, one needs to consult a healthcare provider who will further examine the leg. The healthcare provider or the podiatrist will also carry out some tests for diagnosis, like :

• Imaging tests like CT scans, ultrasounds, and MRIs.

• Magnetic resonance neurography, which is basically a specialized form of MRI, helps us get a better look at the nerves.

• Nerve conduction studies help in understanding and measuring how electric impulses run through the nerves.

• An electromyogram is another examination that doctors perform to see how the muscles are reacting to nerve stimulation.

How Can This Be Treated?

The treatment of this condition is based on how severe the damage is. Based on its severity, the doctor will decide if they have to start with a nonsurgical measure or a surgical one. Some nonsurgical options for treatment are:

• Using shoe inserts like braces, orthotics, or splints help in walking with a proper gait. Orthotics come highly recommended by doctors for individuals for the treatment. One should buy orthotics to reduce the pain.

• Physiotherapy has also proven to be effective in providing intense strength and range of motion to a great extent.

• Another nonsurgical way is gait training, which basically helps someone learn how to walk without a foot drop.

If the doctor opts for surgery, then the doctor will relieve the pressure on the nerve, further repairing the nerve and using the donut issue as a substitute for the severely deteriorated nerve.

The pain caused by common peroneal nerve dysfunction can also be kept under control using pain relievers. The medicines that are used for reducing pain are Carbamazepine, Gabapentin, and tricyclic antidepressants like Amitriptyline.

There are many orthopedic devices that help prevent contractures and help the patient walk normally. The devices like braces, splints, and other orthopedic shoes and equipment are what help the person stay active. People also opt for vocational counseling, occupational therapy, and other programs that boost confidence in the person and help them stay as active and independent as possible.

How Can This Injury Be Prevented?

Completely avoiding this injury is nearly impossible, but one can definitely lower their risk of getting affected by:

• Not sitting with legs crossed.

• Getting proper treatment for leg numbness and leg injuries.

• Not going for activities that would put considerable pressure on the knee or the side or back side of the knee.

What Is the Approximate Recovery Time After the Surgery Has Been Done?

Recovery time is different for different people. Some people start recovering within the very first six weeks of the surgery, while for others, it may take a little longer, but full recovery takes place in approximately three to four months.

Conclusion

People suffering from this condition should seek medical intervention as soon as possible because this is something that cannot be cured at home. One should never forget to ask the doctor the reason for the injury and how to prevent it from getting worse after the treatment has been done. In the case of both surgical and nonsurgical treatments, proper rest is what is going to cure this condition, so following everything that the doctor says, along with proper rest, will only help.