GENERAL INFORMATION
The extensor digitorum brevis is a muscle located on the foot’s top (dorsal) surface. It plays a role in extending the toes as well as assisting in dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upward).
ORIGIN
The extensor digitorum brevis muscle originates from:
- The calcaneus (heel bone)
- The superior and lateral aspects of the midfoot bones
INSERTION POINT
This muscle inserts into:
- The dorsal surfaces of the middle as well as distal phalanges (bones) of the second through fourth toes
MAJOR ARTERIES
The extensor digitorum brevis muscle receives its blood supply from:
- Branches of the dorsalis pedis artery
- Lateral tarsal arteries
NEURAL INNERVATION
This muscle is innervated by:
- The deep fibular nerve (also known as the deep peroneal nerve)
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points can develop in this muscle, causing localised pain as well as discomfort. These trigger points may be associated with muscle tension, overuse as well as injury.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle involves the shortening as well as contraction of the muscle. This function is primarily responsible for:
- Extending the toes
- Assisting in dorsiflexion of the foot
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of this muscle refers to the controlled lengthening of the muscle while resisting an external force. It is involved in:
- Controlled lowering of the toes
- Controlled lowering of the foot from a dorsiflexed position
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The isometric function of the extensor digitorum brevis muscle involves contracting the muscle without any change in length. Isometric contractions of the muscle occur during activities that require stability as well as maintaining the foot’s position.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Musculus extensor digitorum brevis
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
The antagonist muscles to the extensor digitorum brevis muscle are:
- Flexor digitorum brevis muscle
- Plantar flexor muscles of the foot, such as the gastrocnemius and soleus muscles
COMMON INJURIES
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the muscle’s tendons, often caused by overuse and repetitive stress.
- Sprains: Injuries to the foot’s ligaments can affect the muscle and its tendons.
- Stress fractures: Small cracks or breaks in the foot bones can be associated with excessive stress on the extensor digitorum brevis muscle.
EXERCISES
- Toe extension exercises: Activate the muscle by extending and flexing the toes.
- Resistance band exercises: Using a resistance band wrapped around the toes and performing toe extension against the resistance to strengthen the muscle.
- Towel scrunches: Placing a towel on the ground and using the toes to scrunch the towel toward the heel, engaging the muscle.
STRETCHES
- Toe flexion stretch: Gently pull the toes backwards to stretch the tendons as well as the extensor digitorum brevis muscle.
- Calf stretch: Lean against a wall with one leg extended behind as well as the heel on the ground to stretch the calf muscles and indirectly stretch the muscle.
- Dorsiflexion stretch: Gently pull the toes toward the shin to stretch the muscle as well as the muscles involved in dorsiflexion.