Secondary Source Journal of Urology Source Reference: Roberts LH, Peters KM "Does cutaneous stimulation of the peroneal nerve treat overactive bladder?" J Urol 2023; DOI: 10.1097/JU.0000000000003203.

Nerve injury. Most commonly, foot drop is caused by an injury to the peroneal nerve. The peroneal nerve is a branch of the sciatic nerve that wraps from the back of the knee to the front of the shin.

It continues down the posterior (rear) compartment of the thigh, until it separates into the tibial nerve and the common peroneal nerve. The location of this division varies between people.

This is usually located 4-6 inches above the outside ankle bone (lateral malleolus). Chronic inflammation of the peroneal tendon could also cause persistent pain in the outer aspect of the lower leg.