Lateral Plantar Nerve Compression (Baxter’s Nerve)

 

Causes

  • Compression of the first branch of the lateral plantar nerve, also known as Baxter nerve(branch to the abductor digiti quinti)
  • Common in the running athlete or anyone who has had prior surgery on the heel
  • To be more specific, this tiny nerve becomes compressed between fascia of abductor hallucis longus and medial side of quadratus plantae

Treatment

  • Usually operative
    • Surgery  to cut a layer of soft tissue called the “abductor hallucis fascia”