Jogger’s foot is a medial plantar neuropraxia invloving a chronic entrapment syndrome of the medial plantar nerve in the foot.
Jogger’s foot, medically referred to as medial plantar neuropraxia, is a chronic entrapment syndrome of the medial plantar nerve—a condition commonly encountered in individuals who engage in repetitive, high-impact foot activity, such as long-distance runners. As its name suggests, it is particularly prevalent among joggers and athletes, often misdiagnosed due to its symptom overlap with more common foot conditions like plantar fasciitis.
To understand the nature of Jogger’s foot, it’s essential to examine the relevant anatomy. The medial plantar nerve is a branch of the tibial nerve, which itself descends from the sciatic nerve. After passing through the tarsal tunnel, the tibial nerve bifurcates into the medial and lateral plantar nerves. The medial plantar nerve travels under the abductor hallucis muscle, a known site of potential compression. This nerve provides sensory innervation to the medial aspect of the sole and the first three toes, as well as motor innervation to several intrinsic foot muscles, including the abductor hallucis and flexor digitorum brevis.
Chronic compression or entrapment of the medial plantar nerve—often caused by biomechanical stress—leads to Jogger’s foot. Contributing factors include excessive pronation, tight or unsupportive footwear, running on hard surfaces, and foot arch abnormalities like pes planus (flat feet). These elements increase the mechanical load on the medial side of the foot, causing repeated microtrauma and eventual irritation or compression of the nerve.
Clinically, Jogger’s foot manifests with burning, tingling, or numbness in the medial arch of the foot, occasionally extending into the first three toes. Unlike plantar fasciitis, which causes sharp heel pain typically worst in the morning, the pain associated with medial plantar neuropathy often worsens with activity and is relieved by rest. In more severe or prolonged cases, patients may also exhibit motor deficits, such as difficulty flexing the toes.
Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on a combination of patient history and physical examination. A positive Tinel’s sign—where tapping over the nerve in the arch reproduces symptoms—can support the diagnosis. Advanced imaging like MRI may be used to rule out other structural causes, and electrodiagnostic studies (EMG/NCS) can sometimes confirm nerve involvement, although findings may be subtle or even absent in mild cases.
Treatment is generally conservative and aimed at relieving pressure on the medial plantar nerve. This includes activity modification, proper footwear, and custom orthotics to control abnormal foot mechanics, especially pronation. Physical therapy focusing on stretching the calf and strengthening intrinsic foot muscles can help redistribute pressure. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to manage pain and inflammation, and in persistent cases, corticosteroid injections may offer temporary relief. Surgical intervention, involving nerve decompression, is rare but may be indicated for patients who do not respond to conservative treatment.