Nerve compression of the nerve on top of the foot
Do you have nerve pain in your foot? A nerve can become pinched – what can we do to help you?
What is it?
The superficial peroneal nerve is a nerve that runs from the outer side of the lower leg to the top of the foot. The nerve can become pinched around the ankle or be subjected to excessive tension, which can cause pain. Irritation may be caused by an abnormal position or movement of the foot, by unsuitable footwear or, in some cases, by fluid retention in the foot; however, it often occurs following an injury (e.g. a sprain).
If you have symptoms – often chronic following a sprain – it is advisable to see a podiatrist. This often involves a burning, superficial, and sometimes very sharp pain on the outside of the lower leg and ankle, extending towards the top of the foot and sometimes as far as the toes. This is often accompanied by a prickling or tingling sensation, and sometimes a numb feeling. Sometimes there is also a feeling of instability or reduced strength in the ankle.
A treatment
Treatment usually consists of corrective podiatric insoles to reduce the pressure on the nerve.
The expected outcome is good, depending on the extent of the damage to the nerve tissue, although long-term residual symptoms may still occur. If the outcome is unsatisfactory, surgical intervention may be considered.
