Which factor worsens symptoms in common peroneal neuropathy?

• A. Rest
• B. Ice
• C. Pressure to outside of knee/fibular head
• D. Elevation

Answer: (C)

External pressure over the outside of the knee where the fibular head is located worsens symptoms because the common peroneal (fibular) nerve runs superficially around the fibular neck and is highly susceptible to compression there. When the nerve is compressed at that spot, conduction slows or blocks, leading to worsening weakness in ankle dorsiflexion and toe extension (foot drop) and sensory changes over the dorsum of the foot and lateral shin.

Rest, ice, and elevation tend to reduce irritation and edema and can improve symptoms, since they lessen inflammatory or mechanical stress on the nerve. The key idea is that direct external compression at the fibular head aggravates the neuropathy, whereas removing pressure and supportive measures help.