GENERAL INFORMATION
The flexor hallucis brevis 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 origins of the flexor hallucis brevis are as follows:
- Medial cuneiform bone
- The proximal part of the lateral cuneiform bone
- Adjacent part of the cuboid bone
INSERTION POINT
The flexor hallucis brevis 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 flexor hallucis brevis muscle.
NEURAL INNERVATION
This muscle is innervated by the medial plantar nerve, which is a branch of the tibial nerve.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points, as well as 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 flexor hallucis brevis muscle functions concentrically when it contracts to actively flex the great toe, curling it downward towards the sole.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The flexor hallucis brevis muscle also functions eccentrically to control the movement as well as decelerate forces acting on the foot during toe extension, which is the movement of lifting the great toe away from the ground.
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 flexor hallucis brevis include:
- Musculus flexor hallucis brevis
ANTAGONIST
The antagonist muscle to the flexor hallucis brevis is:
- Extensor hallucis longus: The extensor hallucis longus muscle acts as an antagonist to the muscle. It functions to extend the great toe as well as lift it away from the sole.
COMMON INJURIES
Common injuries as well as conditions associated with this muscle include:
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching or tearing of the flexor hallucis brevis muscle due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the muscle’s tendon, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
EXERCISES
Exercises that target the flexor hallucis brevis muscle include:
- Toe curls: Sit on a chair and place a towel on the floor. Use your great toe to scrunch and pull the towel toward you, emphasising the activation of the muscle.
- Resistance band toe flexion: Sit on a chair and loop a resistance band around your great toe. Flex your great toe against the band’s resistance, focusing on activating the muscle.
- Single-leg balance: Stand on one leg and focus on maintaining balance while engaging the muscle to stabilise the foot.
STRETCHES
Stretches that can help stretch the muscle include:
- Toe extension stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Gently pull your great toe back toward 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.
