Deep peroneal nerve

Written by Dr Sheila Strover on March 14, 2025

The deep peroneal nerve is the deep branch of the common peroneal nerve. Page updated June 2024 by Dr Sheila Strover (Clinical Editor)

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

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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.

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

Alexandrea Garrett et al

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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.

"....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"

Luc M Fortier et al

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Foot drop, Peroneal nerve

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Forum discussions

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