Introduction: Compressive neuropathy of the peroneal nerve (CNPN) is the most common compressive neuropathy of the lower extremity. Its clinical importance also lies due to paresis of foot dorsiflexion, leading the patient to develop “foot drop.” Objective: To conduct a review on CNPN, emphasizing the epidemiological aspects, neuroanatomy, symptoms, and clinical signs and most relevant differential diagnoses. Discussion: The common peroneal nerve (CPN) originates from the sciatic nerve approximately in the distal third of the thigh. Among the risk factors are identified: trauma in the knee region, infectious diseases, orthopedic surgeries in the knee and tibia region, metabolic diseases, expansive lesions, and collagen diseases. The main differential diagnosis is radiculopathy that compromises the L5 spinal nerve. Among the sensory manifestations, hypoesthesia and pain in the anterolateral territory of the leg and back of the foot stand out, while among the motor symptoms, paresis stands out for performing dorsiflexion and eversion of the foot. The physical examination should also contemplate sensitivity, muscle trophism, and patellar and Achilles tendon reflexes. Conclusion: The CNPN is the most common mononeuropathy of the lower limb with multiple risk factors described in the medical literature.