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Lateral Plantar Nerve (Full)

nervus plantaris lateralis

The lateral plantar nerve is the smaller plantar nerve, supplying most of the intrinsic foot muscles and the lateral foot sensation — the foot equivalent of the ulnar nerve. Its deep branch to the intrinsics follows the deep plantar arch. The first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter's nerve) to the abductor digiti minimi is the most commonly compressed nerve in heel pain syndromes.

Region: Foot & Ankle

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Tibial nerve at the tarsal tunnel (smaller of the two plantar nerve divisions)

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Baxter's nerve (first branch of the lateral plantar nerve) compression between the abductor hallucis fascia and the medial calcaneal tuberosity produces heel pain mimicking plantar fasciitis — reproduced by palpation more posteriorly and medially than plantar fasciitis. EMG of the abductor digiti minimi confirms nerve entrapment. Targeted nerve block and abductor hallucis fascial release resolve most cases.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Baxter's Nerve Entrapment

First lateral plantar nerve branch compression producing heel pain mimicking plantar fasciitis — confirmed by EMG and managed with targeted injection and fascial release.