BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCommon peroneal nerve dysfunctionCommon fibular nerve dysfunction; Neuropathy - common peroneal nerve; Peroneal nerve injury; Peroneal nerve palsy; Fibular neuropathyCommon peroneal nerve dysfunction is due to damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg. This condition is also called common fibular nerve dysfunction. Causes The common peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve. It supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is a type of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage outside the brain or spinal cord). This condition can affect people of any age.Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common peroneal nerve is a type of mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy is nerve damage to a single nerve. Certain body-wide conditions can also cause single nerve injuries.MononeuropathyMononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to the nerve disrupts the myelin sheath that covers the axon (branch of the nerve cell). The axon can also be injured, which is a more severe injury that causes similar symptoms.MyelinMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common causes of damage to the common peroneal nerve include the following:Trauma or injury to the knee Fracture of the fibula (a bone of the lower leg) FractureIf more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of a tight plaster cast (or other long-term constriction) of the lower leg Crossing the legs regularly Regularly wearing high boots Pressure to the knee from positions during deep sleep or coma ComaDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Injury during knee surgery or from being placed in an awkward position during anesthesia Common peroneal nerve injury is often seen in people:Who are very thin (for example, from anorexia nervosa) Anorexia nervosaAnorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Who have certain autoimmune conditions, such as polyarteritis nodosa AutoimmuneAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Polyarteritis nodosaPolyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Who have nerve damage from other medical problems, such as diabetes, excess alcohol use, or inherited nerve disorders Symptoms When the nerve is injured and results in dysfunction, symptoms may include:Decreased sensation, numbness, or tingling in the top of the foot or the outer part of the upper or lower leg Decreased sensationNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foot that drops (unable to hold the foot up) Foot that dropsFoot drop is when you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot. This may cause you to drag your foot when you walk. Foot drop, also call...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article "Slapping" gait (walking pattern in which each step makes a slapping noise) Toes drag while walking Walking problems Weakness of the ankles or feet Loss of muscle mass because the nerves aren't stimulating the muscles Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may show:Loss of muscle control in the lower legs and feet Atrophy (thinning or loss) of the foot or foreleg muscles AtrophyMuscle atrophy is the wasting (thinning) or loss of muscle tissue.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty lifting up the foot and toes and making toe-out movements Tests of nerve activity include:Electromyography (EMG), a test of electrical activity in muscles) ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction tests (to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve) Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imagingA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve ultrasound Other tests may be done depending on the suspected cause of nerve dysfunction, and the person's symptoms and how they develop. Tests may include blood tests, x-rays and scans.x-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment aims to improve mobility and independence. Any illness or other cause of the neuropathy should be treated. Padding the knee may prevent further injury by crossing the legs, while also serving as a reminder to not cross your legs.In some cases, corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve.SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery may help reduce symptoms in some cases. It may be needed:To relieve pressure on the nerve if the disorder is caused by pressure on the nerve To remove tumors pressing on the nerveYou may need surgery if:The disorder does not go away You have problems with movement There is evidence that the nerve axon is damagedCONTROLLING SYMPTOMSYou may need over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to control pain. Other medicines that may be used to reduce pain include:Gabapentin Carbamazepine Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptylineIf your pain is severe, a pain specialist can help you explore all options for pain relief.Physical therapy exercises may help you maintain muscle strength.Orthopedic devices may improve your ability to walk and prevent contractures. These may include:ContracturesA contracture develops when the normally stretchy (elastic) tissues are replaced by nonstretchy (inelastic) fiber-like tissue. This tissue makes it ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Braces Splints SplintsA splint is a device used to hold a part of the body stable to decrease pain and prevent further injury.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Orthopedic shoes or other equipmentVocational counseling, occupational therapy, or similar programs may help you stay as mobile and independent as possible. Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome depends on the cause of the problem. Successfully treating the cause may relieve the dysfunction, but it may take several months for the nerve to improve.Severe nerve damage may cause permanent disability. The nerve pain may be very uncomfortable. This disorder does not usually shorten a person's expected lifespan. Nerve painNeuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve. Common neuralgias include:Posth...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications Problems that may develop with this condition include:Decreased ability to walk Permanent decrease in sensation in the legs or feet Decrease in sensationNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Permanent weakness or paralysis in the legs or feet WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Side effects of medicines When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of common peroneal nerve dysfunction. Prevention Avoid crossing your legs or putting long-term pressure on the back or side of the knee. Treat injuries to the leg or knee right away.If a cast, splint, dressing, or other pressure on the lower leg causes a tight feeling or numbness, call your provider.Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Toro DRD, Seslija D, King JC. Fibular (peroneal) neuropathy. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 75.AllVideoImagesTogCommon peroneal nerve dysfunction - illustration Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is a disorder characterized by loss of movement or sensation of the foot and leg caused by damage to the peroneal nerve.Common peroneal nerve dysfunctionillustrationCommon peroneal nerve dysfunction - illustration Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is a disorder characterized by loss of movement or sensation of the foot and leg caused by damage to the peroneal nerve.Common peroneal nerve dysfunctionillustration Tests for Common peroneal nerve dysfunction Nerve conduction velocityElectromyographyRelated Information Peripheral neuropathy(Condition)Mononeuropathy(Condition)Multiple mononeuropathy(Condition)Myelin(Special Topic)Broken bone(Injury)Decreased alertness(Symptoms)Anorexia(Condition)Diabetes and nerve damage(Condition)Polyarteritis nodosa(Condition)Numbness and tingling(Symptoms)Eating disorders - InDepth(In-Depth) Review Date: 8/28/2023 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team. The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.
Common peroneal nerve dysfunctionCommon fibular nerve dysfunction; Neuropathy - common peroneal nerve; Peroneal nerve injury; Peroneal nerve palsy; Fibular neuropathyCommon peroneal nerve dysfunction is due to damage to the peroneal nerve leading to loss of movement or sensation in the foot and leg. This condition is also called common fibular nerve dysfunction. Causes The common peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve. It supplies movement and sensation to the lower leg, foot and toes. Common peroneal nerve dysfunction is a type of peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage outside the brain or spinal cord). This condition can affect people of any age.Peripheral neuropathyPeripheral nerves carry information to and from the brain. They also carry signals to and from the spinal cord to the rest of the body. Peripheral n...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common peroneal nerve is a type of mononeuropathy. Mononeuropathy is nerve damage to a single nerve. Certain body-wide conditions can also cause single nerve injuries.MononeuropathyMononeuropathy is damage to a single nerve, which results in loss of movement, sensation, or other function of that nerve.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Damage to the nerve disrupts the myelin sheath that covers the axon (branch of the nerve cell). The axon can also be injured, which is a more severe injury that causes similar symptoms.MyelinMyelin is an insulating layer, or sheath that forms around nerves, including those in the brain and spinal cord. It is made up of protein and fatty ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Common causes of damage to the common peroneal nerve include the following:Trauma or injury to the knee Fracture of the fibula (a bone of the lower leg) FractureIf more pressure is put on a bone than it can stand, it will split or break. A break of any size is called a fracture. If the broken bone punctures...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Use of a tight plaster cast (or other long-term constriction) of the lower leg Crossing the legs regularly Regularly wearing high boots Pressure to the knee from positions during deep sleep or coma ComaDecreased alertness is a state of reduced awareness and is often a serious condition. A coma is the most severe state of decreased alertness from whi...Read Article Now Book Mark Article Injury during knee surgery or from being placed in an awkward position during anesthesia Common peroneal nerve injury is often seen in people:Who are very thin (for example, from anorexia nervosa) Anorexia nervosaAnorexia is an eating disorder that causes people to weigh less than is considered healthy for their age and height, usually by excessive weight loss...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Who have certain autoimmune conditions, such as polyarteritis nodosa AutoimmuneAn autoimmune disorder occurs when the body's immune system attacks and destroys healthy body tissue by mistake. There are more than 80 autoimmune d...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Polyarteritis nodosaPolyarteritis nodosa is a serious inflammatory blood vessel disease. The small and medium-sized arteries become swollen and damaged.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Who have nerve damage from other medical problems, such as diabetes, excess alcohol use, or inherited nerve disorders Symptoms When the nerve is injured and results in dysfunction, symptoms may include:Decreased sensation, numbness, or tingling in the top of the foot or the outer part of the upper or lower leg Decreased sensationNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Foot that drops (unable to hold the foot up) Foot that dropsFoot drop is when you have difficulty lifting the front part of your foot. This may cause you to drag your foot when you walk. Foot drop, also call...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article "Slapping" gait (walking pattern in which each step makes a slapping noise) Toes drag while walking Walking problems Weakness of the ankles or feet Loss of muscle mass because the nerves aren't stimulating the muscles Exams and Tests Your health care provider will perform a physical exam, which may show:Loss of muscle control in the lower legs and feet Atrophy (thinning or loss) of the foot or foreleg muscles AtrophyMuscle atrophy is the wasting (thinning) or loss of muscle tissue.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Difficulty lifting up the foot and toes and making toe-out movements Tests of nerve activity include:Electromyography (EMG), a test of electrical activity in muscles) ElectromyographyElectromyography (EMG) is a test that checks the health of the muscles and the nerves that control the muscles.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve conduction tests (to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve) Nerve conduction testsNerve conduction velocity (NCV) is a test to see how fast electrical signals move through a nerve. This test is done along with electromyography (EM...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) Magnetic resonance imagingA magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan is an imaging test that uses powerful magnets and radio waves to create pictures of the body. It does not us...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Nerve ultrasound Other tests may be done depending on the suspected cause of nerve dysfunction, and the person's symptoms and how they develop. Tests may include blood tests, x-rays and scans.x-raysX-rays are a type of electromagnetic radiation, just like visible light. An x-ray machine sends individual x-ray waves through the body. The images...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Treatment Treatment aims to improve mobility and independence. Any illness or other cause of the neuropathy should be treated. Padding the knee may prevent further injury by crossing the legs, while also serving as a reminder to not cross your legs.In some cases, corticosteroids injected into the area may reduce swelling and pressure on the nerve.SwellingSwelling is the enlargement of organs, skin, or other body parts. It is caused by a buildup of fluid in the tissues. The extra fluid can lead to a ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Surgery may help reduce symptoms in some cases. It may be needed:To relieve pressure on the nerve if the disorder is caused by pressure on the nerve To remove tumors pressing on the nerveYou may need surgery if:The disorder does not go away You have problems with movement There is evidence that the nerve axon is damagedCONTROLLING SYMPTOMSYou may need over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to control pain. Other medicines that may be used to reduce pain include:Gabapentin Carbamazepine Tricyclic antidepressants, such as amitriptylineIf your pain is severe, a pain specialist can help you explore all options for pain relief.Physical therapy exercises may help you maintain muscle strength.Orthopedic devices may improve your ability to walk and prevent contractures. These may include:ContracturesA contracture develops when the normally stretchy (elastic) tissues are replaced by nonstretchy (inelastic) fiber-like tissue. This tissue makes it ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Braces Splints SplintsA splint is a device used to hold a part of the body stable to decrease pain and prevent further injury.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Orthopedic shoes or other equipmentVocational counseling, occupational therapy, or similar programs may help you stay as mobile and independent as possible. Outlook (Prognosis) The outcome depends on the cause of the problem. Successfully treating the cause may relieve the dysfunction, but it may take several months for the nerve to improve.Severe nerve damage may cause permanent disability. The nerve pain may be very uncomfortable. This disorder does not usually shorten a person's expected lifespan. Nerve painNeuralgia is a sharp, shocking pain that follows the path of a nerve and is due to irritation or damage to the nerve. Common neuralgias include:Posth...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Possible Complications Problems that may develop with this condition include:Decreased ability to walk Permanent decrease in sensation in the legs or feet Decrease in sensationNumbness and tingling are abnormal sensations that can occur anywhere in your body, but they are often felt in your fingers, hands, feet, arms, or le...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Permanent weakness or paralysis in the legs or feet WeaknessWeakness is reduced strength in one or more muscles.Read Article Now Book Mark Article ParalysisMuscle function loss is when a muscle does not work or move normally. The medical term for complete loss of muscle function is paralysis.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Side effects of medicines When to Contact a Medical Professional Contact your provider if you have symptoms of common peroneal nerve dysfunction. Prevention Avoid crossing your legs or putting long-term pressure on the back or side of the knee. Treat injuries to the leg or knee right away.If a cast, splint, dressing, or other pressure on the lower leg causes a tight feeling or numbness, call your provider.Open ReferencesReferencesKatirji B. Disorders of peripheral nerves. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 106.Toro DRD, Seslija D, King JC. Fibular (peroneal) neuropathy. In: Frontera WR, Silver JK, Rizzo TD Jr, eds. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 75.