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”