Physiotherapy

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NERVE PARALYSIS

External popliteal sciatic nerve paralysis

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Paralysis of the external popliteal sciatic nerve affects the lower limb, particularly the foot.

This paralysis may be secondary to certain pathologies, such as diabetic neuropathy or herniated discs.

Fracture of the fibular head (or its compression) may also be responsible for this paralysis.

The passage of the external popliteal sciatic nerve near the head of the fibula may also be responsible for this paralysis.

This paralysis leads to considerable difficulty in walking, with the foot inert and pointing downwards (equinus).

 

The role of the physiotherapist is to re-educate walking, in particular by fitting an orthosis that raises the toes and foot in severe cases.

The physiotherapist can also strengthen deficient muscles with manual resistance, adjusted according to remaining muscle strength.

Passive mobilization is also useful in combating joint stiffening.

Massages can also be used to combat muscle contractures.

The disorders resulting from neural paralysis are of course not limited to the external popliteal sciatic nerve, and can take a variety of forms.

Their rehabilitation follows a similar pattern to that described above, depending on which nerve is affected.

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