What are the main differences between the medial and lateral plantar nerves?

The medial plantar nerve is the larger pre-axial branch of the tibial nerve, supplying the medial sole and toes, and corresponds to the median nerve in the hand. The lateral plantar nerve is the smaller post-axial branch, supplying the lateral sole and toes, and corresponds to the ulnar nerve in the hand.

Which muscles does the medial plantar nerve innervate?

The medial plantar nerve provides muscular branches to four muscles: abductor hallucis, flexor digitorum brevis, flexor hallucis brevis, and the first lumbrical.

What is medial plantar nerve entrapment (Jogger's Foot)?

Medial plantar nerve entrapment, known as Jogger's Foot, is caused by compression of the nerve deep to the flexor retinaculum or abductor hallucis due to repetitive foot eversion. Symptoms include burning, tingling, and numbness over the medial sole and navicular region, often affecting athletes such as runners.

How does the lateral plantar nerve divide and what does it supply?

The lateral plantar nerve divides into superficial and deep branches at the base of the fifth metatarsal. The superficial branch supplies muscles like flexor digiti minimi brevis and skin of the lateral sole, while the deep branch innervates lumbricals and interossei muscles.

What is the origin of the plantar nerves?

Both the medial and lateral plantar nerves are terminal branches of the tibial nerve, originating deep to the flexor retinaculum in the foot.

What areas of skin do the plantar nerves supply?

The medial plantar nerve provides cutaneous branches to the medial 3½ toes and adjacent dorsum of the terminal phalanges. The lateral plantar nerve supplies skin on the lateral sole and the lateral side of the little toe.

Plantar Nerves – Medial & Lateral Supply