Frequently Asked Questions About Peroneal Nerve Entrapment
In Which Situations Can Peroneal Nerve Damage Be Seen?
Since the peroneal nerve is superficial in the knee region, the probability of pressure and direct trauma especially in this area is quite high. As a result of knee surgeries, casts, leg orthoses, high boots, tight sock bands, socks, and sitting for a long time with legs crossed, the peroneal nerve may remain under pressure. Peroneal nerve damage may also develop due to diabetes, weight loss, tumors, or cysts.
What Are the Symptoms of Peroneal Nerve Damage?
The first complaint in nerve damage is weakness in the foot. While walking, it feels as if the foot is catching on the ground. Complaints that begin suddenly or gradually increase over time. In severe damage, foot drop may develop. In addition, numbness may be seen on the dorsum of the foot and the front outer side of the leg.
How Is Peroneal Nerve Damage Treated?
If the complaints are not advanced, the patient's complaints usually improve spontaneously within one month. If the patient has loss of strength in the foot and nerve damage has been detected on Electromyography (EMG), one should not wait and surgery should be considered immediately. After the surgery performed under local anesthesia without giving the patient general anesthesia, if it has not been delayed too much, the motor function in the nerve improves by 87%.
