What are other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Common Peroneal Nerve Neuropathy
• Fibular Neuropathy
• Peroneal Nerve Palsy

What is Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction? (Definition/Background Information)

• Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction is the loss of feeling or control of the leg or foot due to nerve damage, particularly involving the common peroneal nerve present in the lower leg. The condition is a form of isolated nerve dysfunction (IND), and is also known as Fibular Neuropathy
• The risk factors of Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction are any activities that can lead to knee injury or compression. Any damage to the peroneal nerve results in loss of control of the nerve resulting in a set of associated signs and symptoms
• The treatment for Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction includes stretching, strengthening, use of cold compression, and medication to alleviate the pain. The prognosis is generally good for mild to moderate cases with suitable treatment; severe cases may cause irreversible nerve damage and associated complications

Who gets Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction may be seen in individuals of any age group
• Both male and female genders are affected
• Worldwide, there is no racial or ethnic group preference observed

What are the Risk Factors for Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction? (Predisposing Factors)

The risk factors for Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction include activities that cause knee compression or those that lead to knee injuries such as:

• Sitting cross-legged on the floor
• Playing or running on uneven ground
• Wearing plaster casts, boots, or straps that are too tight
• The condition is seen more often in individuals who are:
  • Abnormally thin (those with anorexia)
  • Have certain autoimmune conditions
  • Have nerve damage from other conditions
• Obesity

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others. 

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction? (Etiology)

Any damage to the common peroneal nerve in the lower leg can lead to the condition called Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction.

• The damage may be in the form of scarring, inflammation, or loss of the cells surrounding the nerve (myelin sheath)
• The damage may be caused by excessive compression of the knee, damage to the fibula (calf bone), or other knee trauma

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction?

The most significant presentation of Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction is the individual losing control of the affected leg. The other signs and symptoms may include:

• Dull or sharp pain
• Numbness in the affected leg
• Decreased feeling in the leg
• Difficulty walking that results in the toes or leg being dragged; the condition can result in “foot drop”
• Loss of reflexes
• Pins and needles sensation
• Loss of muscle in the involved leg
• Muscle twitching and cramping

These signs and symptoms can affect the entire foot and leg as well.

How is Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction Diagnosed?

The diagnosis of Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction by a healthcare professional may involve:

• Complete physical examination and medical history evaluation
• Nerve conduction velocity studies
• Electromyography (EMG): A diagnostic procedure to help detect neuromuscular abnormalities
• Some possible tests for sensation such as temperature, touch, and vibration, to assess how well an individual feels or responds to stimuli
• Radiological imaging studies, such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT, and MRI scans of the affected region, as necessary
• Lumbar puncture or spinal tap test
• Tests and procedures to diagnose an underlying condition/disorder, if any present
• Biopsy of the nerve, if needed: A tissue biopsy of the affected nerve is performed and sent to a laboratory for a pathological examination. A pathologist examines the biopsy under a microscope. After putting together clinical findings, special studies on tissues (if needed) and with microscope findings, the pathologist arrives at a definitive diagnosis

Many clinical conditions can have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications with Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction?

Many of the complications with Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction occur due to the lack of motor control in the leg with nerve damage. These may include:

• Debilitating pain
• A difficulty in walking can cause individuals to fall leading to further injuries 
• Prolonged damaged to the peroneal nerve can result in a permanent loss of sensation in the leg or even paralysis, if the damage is severe enough
• Paralysis of the limb
• Inability to participate in athletics and sports activities (which can be temporary)
• Decreased quality of life

How is Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction Treated?

The treatment options for Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction vary depending on the extent of the damage to the peroneal nerve.

• Mild cases of the nerve dysfunction may be treated using cold compressions, anti-inflammatory agents, physical therapy, stretching exercises to return mobility to the leg, and braces or other forms of leg support, as needed
• Severe cases of nerve dysfunction may be treated with surgery based on the cause. Typically, the surgery will be performed for releasing of the nerve pressure
• Image-guided nerve block procedure, if necessary
• Limiting activities to prevent injury from a loss of sensation

In some individuals, the condition may heal spontaneously even in the absence of any treatment.

How can Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction be Prevented?

The prevention of Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction may involve:

• Avoiding sitting cross-legged for prolonged periods
• Avoiding the use of tight-fitting shoes or footwear
• Wearing proper shoes while walking/running on uneven surfaces
• Undertaking appropriate treatment for any underlying condition that places one at risk for Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction
• Avoiding obesity through proper diet control and sufficient physical exercise

What is the Prognosis of Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

The prognosis for Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction is normally dependent on the cause and extent of the nerve damage.

• If the damage is very severe, there may be permanent nerve damage leading to some form of paralysis in the leg or impaired mobility
• However, if the damage is not too severe, then with proper treatment, the condition should resolve within a few months

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Common Peroneal Nerve Dysfunction:

Any injury to the nerves can lead to long term damage if not treated immediately and properly.