Foot Drop & Peroneal Nerve Compression: How We Can Treat It

If you have trouble lifting your foot when you walk, tingling in your feet, or difficulty straightening your toes, you may have a condition called common peroneal nerve compression. This condition, more commonly referred to as foot drop, can interfere with your mobility and quality of life. 

At Anthony Echo M.D., with two offices in Houston, Texas, our board-certified surgeon diagnoses and repairs foot drop caused by common peroneal nerve compression. Here’s a closer look at the condition and how we can help. 

The common peroneal nerve and foot drop

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve you have. It’s created by the coming together of five nerves in your lower spine. The common peroneal nerve, sometimes called the common fibular nerve, begins at your sciatic nerve and runs down your leg into your foot.   

The common peroneal nerve plays an important role in the sensations you experience in your lower leg, feet, and toes. It’s also in charge of controlling the muscles that make your ankle lift and your toes straighten.  

Many things can cause compression of the nerve, including but not limited to surgery (hip or knee replacement), injury during sports or exercise, childbirth, wearing a leg cast for long periods, or sitting with your knees crossed for long periods of time. 

Symptoms associated with foot drop

When this nerve is compressed, it can cause difficulties with lifting the front part of the foot, making your toes drag as you walk. Other symptoms of foot drop include;

• Walking with your knees higher than normal to lift the foot
• Muscle weakness in the affected leg
• Tingling or numbness in your foot or leg
• Curling of your toes

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, don’t wait to seek medical help. Waiting to begin treatment for foot drop can make the condition more difficult to treat. 

Treatment options for foot drop

Before recommending any treatment protocol, Dr. Echo first performs a clinical exam to verify that your symptoms are caused by compression of the common peroneal nerve. He may order additional tests, such as an MRI or electromyography (EMG) to confirm the diagnosis. 

Based on your symptoms and the severity of your condition, Dr. Echo creates a customized treatment plan. In most cases, he begins with the least invasive treatments, including:

• Electrical nerve stimulation 
• Physical therapy and specific exercises
• Ankle/leg orthotics and/or orthotic shoe inserts

If your foot drop doesn’t respond to these less invasive therapies, Dr. Echo may recommend common peroneal nerve compression surgery to alleviate your symptoms. The surgery to treat common peroneal nerve compression involves a small incision on the outside of your knee and a release of the thickened tissues that create pressure on the nerve. 

With the pressure removed from the common peroneal nerve, it can begin to heal. Over time, you can expect to regain function in the affected muscles and an improved gait. It’s important to note, however, that patients who’ve been suffering from foot drop for a long time or whose condition results from a severe injury may have different degrees of recovery.  

If you’re struggling with foot drop, contact the Anthony Echo, M.D. office in Houston, Texas, nearest you. You can also request a consultation with Dr. Echo online.