Common peroneal nerve dysfunction: when to get help
Go through these in order and stop at the first one that applies. If you are reading this for someone else, answer for them.
1
Is any of this happening now?
Call 911
Emergency care is appropriate for:
Sudden leg weakness with signs of stroke, such as facial drooping or speech difficulty
New bladder or bowel control problems, numbness around the groin, or severe back pain
Rapidly increasing pain and swelling after an injury or under a cast
A foot that becomes cold, pale, blue, or difficult to move
A deep wound or major injury near the outside of the knee
Other emergency signs, for anyone
Someone who is struggling to breathe, gasping, choking, or cannot get words out
Someone who has chest pain, tightness or pressure lasting more than a few minutes
Someone who has sudden weakness or drooping on one side of the face or body, slurred speech, or sudden confusion
Someone who is unconscious, or cannot be woken
Someone who is bleeding heavily and it will not stop with firm pressure
Someone who has had a seizure that will not stop, or does not wake up afterwards
Someone who has lips or skin that look pale, blue, grey or blotchy
Someone who you believe has taken an overdose or swallowed something poisonous
2
Is any of this happening?
Be seen today
Seek prompt medical advice for new foot drop, worsening weakness, spreading numbness, repeated falls, or increasing pain.
Contact the treating team if a cast or brace causes pressure sores, skin discoloration, marked swelling, or increased numbness.
3
Does any of this apply?
Book an appointment
Routine follow-up is used to monitor strength, sensation, walking, brace fit, skin condition, and ankle flexibility.
A clinician may adjust therapy or recommend additional testing if recovery is slower than expected.
The article also says
People with reduced foot sensation should inspect the skin regularly.
Areas under a brace and around the toes, heel, and outer edge of the foot deserve particular attention.
New wounds or signs of infection should be assessed rather than ignored.
Every sign above is quoted from the sofidex article on Common peroneal nerve dysfunction. If you are not sure, err upward — it is always reasonable to be checked.