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Lateral Plantar Nerve

nervus plantaris lateralis

The lateral plantar nerve is the smaller plantar nerve analogous to the ulnar nerve in the hand, supplying the lateral sole and the majority of the intrinsic foot muscles through its superficial sensory and deep motor branches. The first branch of the lateral plantar nerve (Baxter nerve) to the abductor digiti minimi muscle is specifically implicated in chronic plantar heel pain from nerve entrapment, distinct from plantar fasciitis.

Region: Foot & Ankle

Anatomical Data

Origin, Insertion & Supply

Origin	Tibial nerve at the medial ankle within the tarsal tunnel

Clinical Relevance

Clinical Notes

Baxter nerve entrapment (first branch of the lateral plantar nerve to the abductor digiti minimi) produces chronic plantar heel pain identical to plantar fasciitis in location but worse with prolonged standing than with first-step pain, positive Tinel over the medial heel, and sometimes visible abductor digiti minimi wasting. It coexists with plantar fasciitis in up to 20 percent of chronic heel pain cases. Surgical decompression of Baxter nerve alongside plantar fasciotomy is performed for combined pathology.

Pathology

Common Injuries & Conditions

Baxter Nerve Entrapment

First lateral plantar branch compression producing chronic heel pain with ADM weakness, managed with targeted injection and surgical decompression of the nerve at the abductor canal.