Nonsurgical treatments, including orthotics, braces or foot splints that fit inside the person’s shoe, can bring relief. If the problem is caused by an underlying illness, it is important to address that issue. From the patient’s perspective, the experience is the same as undergoing a regular MRI.ĭepending on the location and degree of the nerve damage, the doctor may prescribe different courses of therapy. MR neurography: An MRI that uses specific settings or sequences that provide enhanced images of nerves. The doctor may also order any of the following imaging techniques: Nerve conduction study, which measures the amount and speed of conduction of an electrical impulse through a nerve.

In order to locate and fully determine the extent of the nerve injury, the doctor may order tests to evaluate how the muscles and nerves are functioning, including:Įlectromyography, which measures ongoing muscle activity and response to a nerve’s stimulation of the muscle. When assessing a person who may have a peroneal nerve injury, the doctor will begin with a careful history and proceed with a comprehensive clinical and neurologic exam. Pain, weakness or numbness affecting the shin or the top of the footĪ distinctive gait where the knee is raised higher than normal to clear the foot from the ground when the leg swings forward (also called steppage or foot drop gait)Ī doctor needs to accurately diagnose the underlying cause of a peroneal nerve injury in order to prescribe the most appropriate therapy.

Inability to point the toes upward or lift the ankle up (dorsiflexion) Some neurologic conditions can cause symptoms similar to peroneal nerve injuries, including:Īmyotrophic lateral sclerosis (also known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease) The peroneal nerve can be injured by trauma and nerve compression, including:Ĭompression of the peroneal nerve in the legĬompression of the peroneal nerve by a nerve sheath tumor or nerve cystīecause other underlying medical conditions can cause the same symptoms as peroneal nerve injury, it is important to be evaluated by an expert who can diagnose your condition and offer appropriate treatment options.

Testing for nerve damage in legs