What symptom is often associated with deep peroneal nerve neuropathy?

Deep peroneal nerve neuropathy is primarily associated with sensory loss or pain in the areas it innervates. The deep peroneal nerve specifically provides sensation to the skin on the dorsum of the foot, particularly the first web space between the first and second toes. Therefore, pain or sensory disturbance over the dorsomedial aspect of the foot is a direct manifestation of dysfunction in this nerve.

When the deep peroneal nerve is compromised, patients frequently report discomfort or altered sensation in the region it supplies, which correlates with the anatomy of the nerve. This aspect highlights the importance of understanding the spatial relationship between nerve pathways and the areas of the body they affect. In this case, the dorsomedial portion of the foot reflects the specific area impacted by the sensory component of the deep peroneal nerve.

Furthermore, other options like pain over the dorsolateral aspect of the foot or loss of sensation in the heel involve different nerves, such as the superficial peroneal nerve which innervates more lateral parts of the foot, or the calcaneal branches of the tibial nerve which relate to the heel. Sensory loss in these areas would not align with the distribution pattern expected from deep peroneal nerve involvement.