Nerve entrapment, neuropathy, and nerve dysfunction in athletes.

Nerve entrapment, neuropathy, and nerve dysfunction in the legs, ankles, and feet of athletes are not uncommon conditions. Frequently, the conditions are overlooked as the more obvious musculoskeletal injury draws the physician's attention. Typically, with conservative treatment, including an occasional injection of local anesthetic with and without corticosteroid, resolution is achieved. Rarely, symptoms are severe and diffuse enough to require administration of a tricyclic antidepressant medication to decrease the nerve irritability. In cases that fail to respond to conservative treatment and have well-localized neurologic findings, surgery may be indicated. During surgery, the nerve should be minimally manipulated. The surrounding veins, arteries, and fat should be relatively undisturbed. Critical to understanding and treating these problems is a thorough knowledge of the peripheral neuroanatomy.