Nerve Entrapment Syndromes
of the Leg
at Foot Foundation

Nerve-related pain in the legs and feet can feel sharp, burning, or numb, often disrupting daily activity and mobility. Because these symptoms overlap with other conditions, the right diagnosis is crucial.

At Foot Foundation, we identify whether pain is due to nerve compression, biomechanics, or circulation, then provide tailored treatment using orthotics, footwear strategies, and rehabilitation—ensuring relief and long-term recovery.

What are Nerve Entrapment Syndromes?

Nerve entrapment syndromes occur when a peripheral nerve in the leg is compressed, stretched, or irritated. This can lead to pain, tingling, numbness, weakness, or burning sensations.

The most common nerve entrapments affecting the lower leg include:

Common Peroneal Nerve Entrapment: compression around the fibular head, causing weakness of foot dorsiflexion (“foot drop”) and numbness along the shin/top of the foot.
Deep Peroneal Nerve Entrapment: often seen in the anterior ankle (“anterior tarsal tunnel”), causing burning pain on the top of the foot or between the first and second toes.
Superficial Peroneal Nerve Entrapment: compression of the nerve as it exits the fascia, leading to lateral leg and dorsum foot pain.
Sciatic Nerve–Related Symptoms: referred pain or entrapment higher up in the buttock/hamstring region causing leg symptoms.
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome (ankle/foot): compression of the tibial nerve at the ankle, causing burning and tingling in the arch/sole of the foot.

At Foot Foundation, we specialise in identifying whether symptoms are due to nerve entrapment, musculoskeletal causes, or vascular conditions, ensuring accurate treatment and referral when necessary.

Causes & Risk Factors

Peripheral arterial disease (PAD):
- Atherosclerosis (cholesterol plaques) narrowing leg arteries
- Smoking, diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol
Venous disease:
- Valve dysfunction in leg veins causing varicose veins or swelling
- Prolonged standing, sedentary lifestyle, obesity
- Family history of venous insufficiency
Diabetes: increased risk of poor circulation and ulceration
Blood clotting disorders: increasing risk of DVT
Ageing: progressive decline in circulation
Previous injury or surgery: damage to vascular structures

Treatment at Foot Foundation

Footwear & lacing adjustments – avoiding direct pressure points
Custom orthotics – offloading biomechanical contributors (e.g., excessive pronation, cavus foot)
Physiotherapy & rehab – neural mobility (“nerve gliding”), strengthening weak muscles, reducing tension
Manual therapy – soft tissue release, fascial decompression
Activity modification – reducing aggravating movements, graded return to sport/work
Shockwave therapy – sometimes helpful in chronic fascial compressions
Referral pathways – neurology or orthopaedic review for severe or progressive entrapment (surgical decompression if required)

Symptoms

Pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in specific nerve distribution
Weakness or foot drop in peroneal nerve involvement
Shooting or electric pain with activity or at rest
Symptoms worsened by activity or specific positions (e.g., squatting, tight laces)
Sensory loss on the top, side, or sole of the foot depending on the nerve involved
Muscle wasting in chronic cases

Diagnosis

At Foot Foundation, diagnosis includes:

Clinical examination – neurological testing (sensation, reflexes, strength)
Tinel’s test – tapping over nerve to reproduce symptoms
Biomechanical assessment – gait and footwear contribution
Differentiation from vascular or musculoskeletal pain – ruling out PAD or tendinopathy
Referral for investigations:
- Nerve conduction studies/EMG for localisation and severity
- MRI/Ultrasound for masses, scar tissue, or fascial entrapment

Nerve Entrapment Syndromes – FAQs

What are the signs of a nerve entrapment in the leg?

Common signs include burning, tingling, numbness, weakness, or sharp shooting pain along the shin, ankle, or foot.

What’s the difference between nerve pain and muscle pain?

Nerve pain often feels like burning, tingling, or electric shocks, while muscle pain is usually dull, aching, and activity-related.

Can podiatrists diagnose nerve entrapments?

Yes. Podiatrists assess nerve function, biomechanics, footwear, and activity factors, and arrange further testing or referral if required.

Can orthotics help with nerve entrapment?

Yes. Orthotics can reduce biomechanical pressure on nerves, particularly in pronation or cavus-related entrapments.

Can nerve entrapment cause foot drop?

Yes. Common peroneal nerve entrapment can cause weakness in foot dorsiflexion, leading to foot drop.

How is nerve entrapment treated?

Treatment includes biomechanical correction, footwear changes, physiotherapy, and neural mobility exercises. Severe cases may need surgical decompression.

Can nerve entrapment mimic shin splints or calf strain?

Yes. Nerve pain can be misdiagnosed as muscle/tendon injury, which is why accurate assessment is essential.

Do nerve entrapments heal on their own?

Mild cases may improve with rest and footwear changes, but persistent or progressive cases require podiatry or medical treatment.

When should I see a podiatrist?

If you have persistent burning, tingling, weakness, or numbness in your leg or foot, podiatry assessment is recommended.

Why Choose Foot Foundation?

Foot Foundation provides specialist assessment and management of nerve entrapments in the leg, combining podiatry, physiotherapy, orthotic intervention, and collaboration with neurology or orthopaedics when needed. Our goal is to restore comfort, strength, and full function.

With clinics in Rosedale, Takapuna, Remuera, Botany, Hamilton, and Tauranga, expert nerve pain care is available across New Zealand.