Sural nerve entrapment

The sural nerve provides sensation to your foot and its entrapment can lead to pain in the leg or foot area

About

The sural nerve is located in your lower leg. It lies very close to the short saphenous vein, which is a major vein located in your calf. It sends sensory information from the calf and foot to your brain. Entrapment is when the nerve gets pulled and trapped in scar tissue, usually following surgery.

Need to know

Symptoms of sural nerve entrapment

pain in the foot and/or leg
pain in the Achilles heel
numbness or tinging sensations in the affected area

Diagnosis

Your consultant will speak to you about your symptoms and perform a physical examination of the affected part of your body. They may also perform the Tinel's test, which involves lightly tapping at the site of the nerve. If this causes tingling, pins and electric shocks, the test is positive.

Potential treatment options

Self-care measures such as not putting pressure on the affected area, elevating the foot and putting ice on it.
Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and inflammation.
Steroid injections to reduce inflammation and stress on the nerve.
Surgery to release the entrapped nerve.