Yvette (54) a journalist from Kent, started experiencing pain in her hip seven years ago in 2015. An ex-national gymnast who had been incredibly active and flexible her whole life, Yvette felt concerned about the growing discomfort impacting her quality of life, and so sought help from her GP.
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
- pain in the foot and/or leg
- pain in the Achilles heel
- numbness or tinging sensations in the affected area
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.
- 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.
Patient stories
Yvette's story: From back pain to hip replacement surgery
A new hip and straight back into the spin of things
David’s gym video shows him repeatedly pushing up to 100kg on a single leg press – not particularly unusual for this keen cyclist, former competitive squash player and all-round fitness enthusiast. What is unusual is that 52-year-old David had hip surgery just 12 weeks earlier.
Michael's MAKO hip surgery to treat his arthritis
73 year-old Michael, an avid walker and charity worker, was diagnosed with arthritis in January 2021. After facing long waiting times and increasing pain that was becoming more frequent, he started to look elsewhere for treatment.
This content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.