Peroneal nerve palsy is a clinical condition that results from compression or stretching of the Peroneal nerve when it passes around the proximal head of the fibula. The clinical features of this condition include pain, numbness or tingling sensation of the anterior and lateral aspect of the leg, in severe cases, the patient present with foot drop and loss of eversion of the foot.
Diagnosis of the disease is usually clinical, confirmed by Neurophysiological studies and imaging in form of U/S and MRI scan.
The most common cause of this condition is habitual during cross legs, compression of the nerve may occur due to the positioning of the limb against other limbs as in habitual leg crossing or railing or hard mattress in infirm patients. Patients under anesthesia are prone to nerve compression, Casts or braces may cause external compression.
Management, conservative treatment is the first option in mild and moderate condition. The first treatment is to avoid actions that cause symptoms. Simple painkillers, NSAID and local steroid injections may help in improving symptoms. Physiotherapy exercises with foot splint are to help the patient mobility. Surgery may be considered depending on the underlying cause.