GENERAL INFORMATION
The adductor hallucis is a muscle located in the foot that plays a crucial role in controlling the movement of the great toe (hallux). It is part of the third layer of muscles in the foot.
ORIGIN
This muscle originates from specific points within the foot. The origin of the adductor hallucis is as follows:
- Oblique head: Bases of the second to fourth metatarsal bones
- Transverse head: Transverse metatarsal ligament
INSERTION POINT
The adductor hallucis muscle inserts at the following point:
- The base of the proximal phalanx (toe bone) of the great toe
MAJOR ARTERIES
It receives its blood supply from various arteries, including:
- Plantar arteries: These arteries branch from the posterior tibial artery as well as provide blood supply to the plantar aspect of the foot, also including the adductor hallucis muscle.
NEURAL INNERVATION
This muscle is innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, which is a branch of the tibial nerve.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points or localised areas of muscle tension and sensitivity, can develop in the muscle due to various factors such as overuse, muscle imbalances or trauma. These trigger points can cause pain as well as discomfort in the foot.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The adductor hallucis muscle functions concentrically when it contracts to actively adduct the great toe, bringing it closer to the other toes.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The foot adductor hallucis muscle also functions eccentrically to control the movement as well as decelerate forces acting on the foot during toe abduction, which is the movement of spreading the great toe away from the other toes.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric muscle contractions occur when the muscle generates force without changing its length. These contractions help provide stability to the foot during weight-bearing activities.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
Other muscles related to the foot adductor hallucis include:
- Musculus adductor hallucis
ANTAGONIST
The antagonist muscle to the adductor hallucis is:
- Abductor hallucis: The abductor hallucis muscle acts as an antagonist to the muscle. It functions to abduct the great toe, moving it away from the other toes.
COMMON INJURIES
Joint injuries or conditions associated with the adductor hallucis muscle include:
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching as well as tearing of the adductor hallucis muscle due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon of the adductor hallucis muscle, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
EXERCISES
Exercises that target the adductor hallucis muscle include:
- Towel scrunches: Place a towel on the floor and use your great toe to scrunch as well as pull the towel toward you, activating the muscle.
- Resistance band toe adduction: Sit on a chair and place a resistance band around your great toe. Pull your great toe toward the other toes against the resistance, targeting the muscle.
- Single-leg balance with toe adduction: Stand on one leg and maintain balance while engaging this muscle to adduct the great toe toward the other toes.
STRETCHES
Stretches that can also help stretch the adductor hallucis muscle include:
- Toe abduction stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Pull your great toe away from the other toes, stretching the muscle.
- Plantar fascia stretch: Sit on a chair and place the affected foot over the opposite thigh. Pull your toes back using your hand, stretching the plantar fascia and indirectly stretching the muscle.
