Prophylaxis
In order to avoid peroneal paresis, the patient should take care not to cross the legs permanently and in a strongly angled form, as this can lead to a constriction (compression) of the nerves. Furthermore, especially women should avoid boots with a too high shaft, which cut in the area below the knee. Of course, fractures in the leg area should also be avoided. The carrying of heavy loads should also be avoided, as this can lead to incorrect loading of the back and thus to herniated discs.
Healing of peroneal paresis
In general, a cure for peroneal paresis is almost always possible. This is especially true if the nerve was damaged only by pressure or by a short event. In this case, a complete healing of peroneal paresis is possible, but it is still necessary for the patient to attend regular physiotherapy sessions to support the healing process.
He must actively take care that the muscles are rebuilt and that the nerve is stimulated. If the nerve is irritated for a longer period of time, for example if a patient wears a lower leg cast that is too tight over a long period of time, it is possible that complete healing of peroneal paresis is no longer possible because the nerve has been damaged too much and cannot regenerate completely. Nevertheless, in most cases a complete healing of peroneal paresis is possible as long as the nerve is still intact and has not been severed. If the nerve has been severed, sufficient healing of peroneal paresis is usually no longer possible, so that the patient has to live with this paralysis permanently and should try to avoid further damage such as foot malpositions with the help of physiotherapy.
Prognosis
The prognosis for peroneal paresis is highly dependent on the cause of the nerve damage. If the nerve has been severed by surgery or a fracture, the prognosis for peroneal paresis is rather poor, since the nerve cannot usually be restored. From now on, the patient must try to avoid further consequential damage such as a pointed foot by means of physiotherapy and splinting of the lower leg.
However, if there is another cause, for example a plaster cast that is too tight, the prognosis for peroneal paresis is very good, since the patient can completely reverse the paralysis with the help of physiotherapy. The prognosis of peroneal paresis thus depends on the individual cause of the paralysis and the individual condition of the patient.