Heel pain is a common issue that can interfere with daily activities, exercise, and overall quality of life. Two conditions that frequently cause heel pain are plantar fasciitis and Baxter’s neuropathy (Baxter's nerve entrapment). Because they have similar symptoms, they are often confused, leading to misdiagnosis and ineffective treatment. Understanding the differences between these conditions is key to choosing the right treatment and ensuring long-term relief.
Plantar Fasciitis vs. Baxter’s Neuropathy: What’s the Difference?
Plantar Fasciitis
Plantar fasciitis is caused by inflammation and microtears in the plantar fascia, a thick band of tissue that runs along the bottom of your foot and supports your arch. It is typically caused by repetitive stress, such as running, prolonged standing, or wearing unsupportive shoes.
Symptoms of Plantar Fasciitis:
Sharp, stabbing heel pain, especially in the morning or after periods of rest.
Pain that improves with movement but worsens with prolonged activity.
Tenderness along the bottom of the foot, near the heel.
Baxter’s Neuropathy
Baxter’s nerve runs along the inside of your heel and supplies sensation to the bottom of your foot. Baxter’s neuropathy, or Baxter's nerve entrapment, occurs when this nerve becomes compressed or irritated, leading to pain and discomfort.
Symptoms of Baxter’s Neuropathy:
Burning pain or numbness in the heel, sometimes radiating to the arch.
Pain that worsens with prolonged standing, walking, or running.
Weakness in the little toe (though often unnoticed).
Pain that does not improve with plantar fasciitis treatments, such as stretching.
Key Differences:
Pain Type: Plantar fasciitis pain is often sharp and improves with movement, while Baxter’s neuropathy is more likely to cause burning or numbness.
Response to Treatment: Plantar fasciitis often improves with stretching and orthotics, while Baxter’s neuropathy may persist without nerve-specific treatments.
Location of Pain: Plantar fasciitis pain is usually focused on the bottom of the heel, while Baxter’s neuropathy can radiate into the arch.
How to Fix Heel Pain: Effective Treatment Options
At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we offer specialized treatments that can effectively relieve both plantar fasciitis and Baxter’s neuropathy by addressing the root cause of pain.
Shockwave Therapy for Heel Pain
Shockwave therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses high-energy sound waves to stimulate healing and reduce pain.
For Plantar Fasciitis: Shockwave therapy helps break down scar tissue in the plantar fascia and increases blood flow, promoting faster healing.
For Baxter’s Neuropathy: Shockwave therapy can help reduce nerve irritation by improving circulation and decreasing inflammation around the compressed nerve.
Laser Therapy for Nerve and Soft Tissue Healing
Laser therapy uses light energy to accelerate cellular repair and reduce inflammation.
For Plantar Fasciitis: Laser therapy speeds up healing of the plantar fascia and decreases inflammation.
For Baxter’s Neuropathy: Laser therapy can help heal nerve damage and reduce nerve compression symptoms.
Physical Therapy to Strengthen and Restore Function
Physical therapy plays a crucial role in addressing both conditions by strengthening the foot and improving biomechanics.
For Plantar Fasciitis: Specific exercises focus on stretching the plantar fascia and strengthening the foot and calf muscles to prevent further strain.
For Baxter’s Neuropathy: Therapy focuses on improving foot strength, mobility, and nerve gliding exercises to relieve compression.
Get Relief from Heel Pain at Boulder Sports Chiropractic
If you’re struggling with persistent heel pain, it’s essential to get the right diagnosis and treatment plan. At Boulder Sports Chiropractic, we specialize in advanced therapies like shockwave therapy, laser therapy, and physical therapy to help you recover quickly and get back to the activities you love.
Don’t let heel pain hold you back. Schedule an appointment today and take the first step toward lasting relief!