A small fibular nerve branches from the sciatic nerve into the popliteal fossa. It passes along the lateral part of the shin and divides into a deep and superficial branch. One of them is responsible for motor activity, and the other is responsible for the sensitivity of the foot and toes. If any of the branches or both of them are damaged or squeezed, the neuropathy of the peroneal nerve is observed. This is a very rare disease, typical, as a rule, to young girls. Its causes are often unknown, although the development of pathology contributes to various injuries and fractures, surgical interventions.
Symptoms of the neuropathy of the peroneal nerve
Classical signs of the described disease:
- muscle thinning on the front outer surface of the shin;
- hanging feet with slightly bent fingers;
- violation of the sensitivity of the back of the foot;
- standing, walking on heels are excluded;
- slight turn of the foot inside with difficulty of normalization of its position;
- impossibility of extension of fingers.
Also, the patient has a typical gait - a high leg raising, lowering it first to the toe, then to the outer edge of the foot and then to the entire sole.
Consequences of the neuropathy of the peroneal nerve
In the absence of adequate and timely therapy of this form of neuritis, an irreversible deformity of the leg with a damaged nerve can occur. Also the risk of changes in the head of the fibula, muscle atrophy is great.
Treatment of the neuropathy of the peroneal nerve
The restoration of the functionality of the nervous branches is carried out in a complex manner and corresponds to the severity and cause of the disease.
Post-traumatic neuropathy of the peroneal nerve can be physiotherapy well:
- electrostimulation;
- amplipulse ;
- ultrasound;
- magnetotherapy;
- electrophoresis;
- radio wave therapy.
In this case, the use of medication is optional.
The remaining forms of neuropathy are subject to complex treatment, which, in addition to physiotherapy, includes:
- reception of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesics and antioxidants;
- use of drugs to improve blood supply and nerve conduction;
- wearing special orthoses;
- performance of therapeutic physical exercises.
If the treatment is ineffective, a surgical procedure is recommended.