Physical therapy management of entrapment of the superficial peroneal nerve in the lower leg: A case report

Abstract

This case report describes a 40-year-old male who presented with complaints of pain in the left lower lateral one-third of the leg. Tenderness was elicited 9.7 cm above the lateral malleoli with a positive Tinel's sign at the same site causing radiating pain into the foot (visual analog scale (VAS) score of 6.3 cm). Physical diagnosis for entrapment of the superficial peroneal nerve at the site of the peroneal tunnel was entertained based on clinical examination and three positive provocation tests. Conventionally, treatment for this type of entrapment has been surgical decompression by splitting the crural fascia, with successful outcomes. This is potentially a first-time report describing physical therapy management of entrapment mechanical interface with pain modalities, soft tissue mobilization, and neural mobilization. Reduction of pain was noted in this patient (VAS score of 0 cm by the sixth session) with complete pain resolution maintained at a six-month follow-up.