Throughout your body, some nerves are responsible for collecting sensory information, while others are responsible for initiating and controlling physical movement. When nerve problems develop, such as damage to the peroneal nerve, you may need treatment at Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists.

Peroneal Nerve Damage

This condition is considered a dysfunction of a single nerve (mononeuropathy). That simply means there is only one area of the body being affected. However, certain body-wide conditions can lead to mononeuropathy.

The branch of a nerve cell is known as an axon, and this is covered by the myelin sheath. Typically, an issue develops when the peroneal nerve’s myelin sheath has been damaged, but the axon can also be injured (which leads to severe symptoms).

man walking across the street

Some of the more common causes of damage to the peroneal nerve include:

  • Injury or trauma to a knee
  • Crossing the legs regularly
  • Wearing high boots on a regular basis
  • Excess pressure on the knee from various positions during deep sleep or coma
  • An excessively-tight plaster cast (or other long-term constriction) on a lower leg
  • Fracture of the fibula (a bone of the lower leg)
  • Injury sustained during knee surgery (including being in an awkward position during anesthesia)

Some of the nerve dysfunction symptoms to be aware of include:

  • Tingling, decreased sensation, or even complete numbness in the outer part of the lower (or upper) leg or on the top of the foot
  • Walking problems – including toes dragging while walking and a “slapping” gait (each step makes a slapping noise)
  • Weakness of the ankles or feet, including from loss of muscle mass (when nerves do not stimulate muscles)
  • Inability to fully lift the foot for each step

Foot Drop

This condition typically causes the toes of one foot to drag along the ground when walking. There are, however, instances where both feet are affected and display this symptom. To compensate, a patient may lift his or her knee higher so the foot can clear the floor. This creates an abnormal gait, with the affected foot slapping down against the ground with every step. In certain cases, numbness is also experienced along the top of the foot and toes.

The root cause of foot drop is weakness or paralysis of the muscles responsible for lifting the front of the foot. This can happen when an issue affects the muscles themselves directly or the entire nervous system. A number of different conditions can have this effect, including nerve damage.

The problem is most frequently caused by compression on or injury to the peroneal nerve. This nerve runs from the back of the knee and down to the front of the shin. There are several ways the nerve might be damaged, including those listed above.

Treatment Options

Controlling the symptoms is a big part of treatment for peroneal nerve damage. This can include the use of either over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers to help manage painful symptoms. Some other medications we may recommend or prescribe include carbamazepine, gabapentin, and tricyclic antidepressants.

Physical therapy exercises, like those recommended at Three Lakes Physical Therapy & Wellness Center, help patients to maintain muscles strength in the lower limbs. At the same time, the orthopedic devices we can prescribe may lead to improved ability to walk and prevent contractures (shortened or hardened soft tissues leading to rigidity and deformity).

Our main goal for treatment is to correct the source behind the neuropathic condition, thereby improving mobility and patient independence. Depending on the case, we may need to use corticosteroid injections to relieve the pressure and swelling which is constricting a nerve. We may also need to consider using surgery if the disorder does respond to conservative care or go away on its own; it is causing problems with movement; or there is sufficient evidence to indicate the nerve axon is damaged.

Are You Looking for a Foot Drop Specialist in Austin, TX?

If you are looking for foot drop care, you should reach out to an experienced podiatrist. Austin Foot and Ankle Specialists can help. Our office provides a wide variety of advanced, effective treatment options for all kinds of painful conditions. Ready to schedule an appointment? Contact us online or call our Austin office at 512.328.8900.