GENERAL INFORMATION
The flexor digiti minimi brevis is a muscle located in the foot that controls the movement of the fifth toe (little toe). It is part of the third layer of muscles in the foot.
ORIGIN
The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle originates from specific points within the foot. The origin of the flexor digiti minimi brevis is as follows:
- The base of the fifth metatarsal bone
INSERTION POINT
The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle inserts at the following point:
- The base of the proximal phalanx (toe bone) of the fifth toe
MAJOR ARTERIES
The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle receives its blood supply from various arteries, including:
- Plantar arteries: These arteries branch from the posterior tibial artery and provide blood supply to the plantar aspect of the foot, including the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle is innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, a tibial nerve branch.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points or localised areas of muscle tension and sensitivity, can develop in the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle due to various factors such as overuse, muscle imbalances or trauma. These trigger points can cause pain and discomfort in the foot.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle functions concentrically when it contracts to actively flex the fifth toe, curling it downward towards the sole.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle also functions eccentrically to control the movement and decelerate forces acting on the foot during toe extension, which is lifting the fifth toe up away from the ground.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric flexor digiti minimi brevis 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 flexor digiti minimi brevis include:
- Flexor digiti minimi brevis: Musculus flexor digiti minimi brevis
ANTAGONIST
The antagonist muscle to the flexor digiti minimi brevis is:
- Extensor digiti minimi: The extensor digiti minimi muscle is an antagonist to the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle. It extends the fifth toe and lifts it away from the sole of the foot.
COMMON INJURIES
Joint injuries or conditions associated with the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle include:
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching or tearing of the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon of the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
EXERCISES
Exercises that target the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle include:
- Toe curls: Sit on a chair and place a towel on the floor. Use your fifth toe to scrunch and pull the towel toward you, emphasising the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle activation.
- Resistance band toe flexion: Sit on a chair and loop a resistance band around your fifth toe. Flex your fifth toe against the band’s resistance, focusing on activating the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle.
- Single-leg balance with toe flexion: Stand on one leg and maintain balance while engaging the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle to flex the fifth toe downward.
STRETCHES
Stretches that can help stretch the flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle include:
- Toe extension stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Pull your fifth toe back toward your shin, stretching the flexor digiti minimi brevis 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 flexor digiti minimi brevis muscle.