GENERAL INFORMATION
The flexor digitorum brevis is a muscle located in the foot that plays a crucial role in flexing the toes and maintaining the foot arches. It is part of the first layer of muscles in the foot.
ORIGIN
It originates from specific points within the foot. The origins of the flexor digitorum brevis are as follows:
- Medial tubercle of the calcaneus (heel bone)
- Plantar aponeurosis
INSERTION POINT
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle inserts at the following points:
- The medial side of the middle phalanges of the four lesser toes (second to fifth toes)
MAJOR ARTERIES
This 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 this muscle.
NEURAL INNERVATION
It is innervated by the medial 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 this muscle due to various factors such as overuse, muscle imbalances or trauma. These trigger points can cause pain and discomfort in the foot, often called flexor digitorum brevis trigger point pain.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle functions concentrically when it contracts to actively flex the toes, curling them downward towards the sole.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
It also functions eccentrically to control the movement and decelerate forces acting on the foot during toe extension, lifting the toes away from the ground.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric muscle contractions occur when the muscle generates force without changing its length. The flexor digitorum brevis muscle helps stabilise the foot during weight-bearing activities.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Musculus flexor digitorum brevis
ANTAGONIST
- Extensor digitorum longus: The extensor digitorum longus muscle is an antagonist to the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. It functions to extend the toes and lift them away from the sole.
COMMON INJURIES
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching or tearing the muscle due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
EXERCISES
- Toe curls: Sit on a chair and place a towel on the floor. Use your toes to scrunch and pull the towel toward you, emphasising the flexor digitorum brevis muscle activation.
- Resistance band toe flexion: Sit on a chair and loop a resistance band around your toes. Flex your toes against the band’s resistance, focusing on activating the muscle.
- Toe taps: Stand with one foot slightly in front of the other. Lift your toes off the ground and tap them back down, working on the coordination and strength of the muscle.
STRETCHES
- Toe extension stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Gently pull your toes back towards your shin, 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.