Deep peroneal nerve

It is an important nerve of the lower limb and is quite easily injured, when the problems are referred to as peroneal neuropathy

What does the deep peroneal nerve do?

The deep peroneal nerve supplies the extensor muscles of the front of the lower limb that allow the foot to lift up, and also supplies sensation to the ankle and the area of the web between the big toe and the second toe.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "...The deep peroneal nerve has both motor and sensory components. ..."

  Citation: Garrett A, Geiger Z. Anatomy, Bony Pelvis and Lower Limb: Calf Deep Peroneal Nerve (Deep Fibular Nerve) [Updated 2023 Aug 8]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-.

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What is peroneal neuropathy?

Because the nerve affects both motor (ie movement) and sensory (ie feeling) function, damage to the nerve may result in a variety of different symptoms.

This may follow after injury during surgery, or may be a result of poor footware, diabetes and other trauma.

• Quote from peer-reviewed paper:

  "....peroneal neuropathy, also known as fibular neuropathy, is a consideration for any differential diagnosis involving foot drop, the pain of the lower extremity, or numbness of the lower extremity"

  Citation: Fortier LM, Markel M, Thomas BG, Sherman WF, Thomas BH, Kaye AD. An Update on Peroneal Nerve Entrapment and Neuropathy. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2021 Jun 19;13(2):24937. doi: 10.52965/001c.24937. PMID: 34745471; PMCID: PMC8567814.

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Forum discussions

• Any Peroneal Nerve recovery stories?

  Large group of patients compare their foot drop stories.

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