If you’ve been treated for plantar fasciitis but your heel pain just won’t go away, there’s a chance something else could be going on. One possible culprit is Baxter’s nerve entrapment—a less well-known condition that can cause pain very similar to plantar fasciitis.

At Peak Podiatry, we often see patients who’ve been struggling for months with “plantar fasciitis” only to discover that nerve compression is actually to blame.

What is Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment?

Baxter’s nerve is a small branch of the lateral plantar nerve that runs along the inside of your heel. It can become compressed or irritated as it passes between muscles in the foot, especially the abductor hallucis muscle.

When this happens, the result is sharp, burning, or aching pain in the heel—often mistaken for plantar fasciitis.

Symptoms That Mimic Plantar Fasciitis

Baxter’s nerve entrapment and plantar fasciitis share many similarities:

• Pain in the inner heel, often worse with activity

• Morning stiffness or pain after sitting

• Tenderness near the heel bone

However, Baxter’s nerve entrapment can also cause:

• Tingling, numbness, or burning sensations

• Pain that worsens with certain foot movements or positions

• Little improvement with standard plantar fasciitis treatments

Common Causes of Baxter’s Nerve Entrapment

• Overuse or repetitive strain from running or standing for long periods

• Foot mechanics such as flat feet or high arches

• Muscle tightness, especially in the abductor hallucis

• Scar tissue from previous injuries or surgery

• Poorly fitted footwear that compresses the inner foot

How We Diagnose It

Because the symptoms can be so similar to plantar fasciitis, an accurate diagnosis is essential. At Peak Podiatry, we use:

• Detailed foot examination to pinpoint tenderness and nerve involvement

• Gait analysis to spot biomechanical issues

• Special tests to reproduce nerve symptoms

• Referral for imaging or nerve studies if needed

Treatment Options at Peak Podiatry

The good news is that Baxter’s nerve entrapment can often be treated without surgery. Our approach may include:

1. Footwear and orthotics to reduce pressure on the nerve

2. Targeted stretching and strengthening for the foot and calf

3. Manual therapy to release muscle tension and improve mobility

4. Laser therapy or shockwave therapy to aid healing and reduce inflammation

5. Activity modification to give the nerve time to recover

In rare, stubborn cases, surgical decompression may be considered.

Why Early Diagnosis Matters

The longer the nerve is compressed, the more damage can occur—leading to prolonged recovery times. If your heel pain hasn’t improved with typical plantar fasciitis treatment, it’s worth checking for Baxter’s nerve entrapment.

Not all heel pain is plantar fasciitis. If you’ve tried rest, stretching, and orthotics without success, there could be an underlying nerve issue.

At Peak Podiatry in Galway, we help identify the real cause of your pain and create a treatment plan to get you back to walking comfortably—without months of guessing.