The tibial nerve is a major peripheral nerve in the body that branches off from the sciatic nerve and extends down the back of the leg. It is one of the two terminal branches of the sciatic nerve, with the other being the common fibular (peroneal) nerve. The tibial nerve primarily innervates the posterior compartment of the leg, providing sensory and motor innervation to various muscles and skin structures in this region.
From an anatomical perspective, the tibial nerve courses through the deep part of the popliteal fossa, behind the knee joint. It then travels inferiorly along the back of the leg, crossing the popliteal space and running close to the posterior tibial artery. As it continues distally, the tibial nerve divides into several branches, namely the medial and lateral plantar nerves, which supply innervation to the sole of the foot.
Functionally, the tibial nerve plays a crucial role in muscle movement and sensation. It supplies motor fibers to numerous muscles in the posterior compartment of the leg, including the gastrocnemius, soleus, and plantaris muscles, which contribute to ankle plantarflexion and foot inversion. Sensory fibers of the tibial nerve provide feeling to the skin on the sole of the foot, the back of the leg, and the underside of the toes.
Damage or compression of the tibial nerve can result in various clinical manifestations, such as weakness or paralysis of the posterior compartment muscles, foot drop, numbness, tingling, or pain in the affected areas. Evaluation and management of tibial nerve abnormalities are typically performed by neurologists, orthopedic specialists, or physical therapists, through a combination of clinical examinations, imaging studies, and appropriate
