Granular cell tumor of the posterior tibial nerve as a rare cause of heel pain: a case report

Abstract

Granular cell tumor of peripheral nerves is extremely rare. We present the case of a patient with a well-capsulated intraneural granular cell tumor involving the posterior tibial nerve, who presented with chronic heel pain mimicking plantar fasciitis. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed a well-defined intraneural soft-tissue mass within the substance of the posterior tibial nerve. Histopathologic examination showed a granular cell tumor, which is extremely rare in the peripheral nerves. Heel pain is one of the common conditions handled by physicians, podiatrists, and orthopedic surgeons. Posterior tibial nerve lesions at the leg should be kept in mind in the differential diagnosis of patients with persistent heel and foot pain. Magnetic resonance imaging is a useful method in the anatomical evaluation of focal intraneural lesions.