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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    What are non invasive treatments for Baxter's nerve entrapment?

    Related Topic
    Foot Conditions
    I am looking for Non invasive treatments for Baxter's nerve entrapment. I have been diagnosed with a right foot Baxters Nerve Entrapment (first branch of the lateral plantar nerve). Ouside of having an operation to release the nerve, would anyone have any recommendations on non-invasive treatments? I have orthotics which are not helping and taking Lyrica to reduce the number of spasms. Would anyone recommend radial shockwave therapy or acpuncture as alternates for this condition?
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    Anthony Short

    Podiatrist (General)

    Anthony Short BAppSc(Pod) MPod hold both Bachelor and Master level degrees in podiatry, and works in private practice, hospital and educational positions within Brisbane. His … View Profile

    It is always best to explore all conservative options for heel pain before looking at surgery.

    Acupuncture may be of some assistance, but it is usually of temporary benefit.

    I would suggest immobilisation of the foot and ankle in a removable cast walker for 6-8 weeks to allow the nerve to settle. Alternatively, a local anaesthetic +/- corticosteroid injection to bathe the nerve may assist in breakdinw the pain cycle.

    Surgical release is usually the best long term solution if all other conservative options have failed.

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    Katie Weston

    HealthShare Member

    I am also having the same problem. Have entrapment of Baxters Nerve on my right heel. I was advised to try wearing general orthodics for 6 weeks to see if symptons decline but they haven't at all. The next step my podiatrist suggested would be to get the sterioid anathetic injection. I hate injections. The next step if that doesn't work would be surgery. So I'm interested to look further in shockwave therepy. Is this a treatment that is easily accessable? I'm in Melbourne. 

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    Dr Andrew Knox

    Podiatric Surgeon, Podiatrist (General)

    Dr. Andrew Knox is one of the most-highly qualified foot specialists in Australia, holding both a Bachelor of Podiatric Medicine and a Doctorate of Clinical … View Profile

    I agree that it is important to exhaust conservative treatment options prior to having surgery for this condition, and most people with Baxter's nerve entrapment improve with orthotics, guided-steroid injection and stretching as it is often associated with plantar fasciitis. It can take some time for your condition to improve following these treatments though, and I would usually have a patient trial conservative treatment for a minimum of 6 months prior to giving further consideration of surgery. If you have an MRI which is equivocal of your diagnosis, I think a guided-cortisone injection would be the next step in your management. Kind regards

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    Dr Simon Zilko

    Orthopaedic Surgeon

    Dr Simon Zilko - Foot & Ankle Orthopaedic Surgeon Dr Simon Zilko is a locally and internationally trained consultant orthopaedic surgeon who specialises in all … View Profile

    I would recommend caution when it comes to shockwave therapy for nerve entrapments. This has traditionally been regarded as a contra-indication for the use of shockwave, and there is no strong evidence to support it in the treatment of a Baxter's nerve entrapment.

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