GENERAL INFORMATION
The extensor hallucis brevis is a small muscle located on the top (dorsal) surface of the foot. It plays a role in extending the big toe as well as assisting in dorsiflexion (lifting the foot upward).
ORIGIN
This muscle originates from:
- The calcaneus (heel bone)
- The adjacent tarsal bones
INSERTION POINT
The extensor hallucis brevis muscle inserts into:
- The dorsal surface of the base of the proximal phalanx (bone) of the big toe
MAJOR ARTERIES
It receives its blood supply from:
- Branches of the dorsalis pedis artery
- Lateral tarsal arteries
NEURAL INNERVATION
The extensor hallucis brevis muscle is innervated by:
- The deep fibular nerve (also known as the deep peroneal nerve)
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points can develop in the extensor hallucis brevis muscle, also causing localised pain and discomfort. These trigger points may be associated with muscle tension, overuse as well as injury.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The concentric function of this muscle involves the shortening as well as contraction of the muscle. This function is primarily responsible for:
- Extending the big toe
- Assisting in dorsiflexion of the foot
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The eccentric function of the extensor hallucis brevis muscle refers to the controlled lengthening of the muscle while resisting an external force. It is involved in:
- Controlled lowering of the big toe
- Controlled lowering of the foot from a dorsiflexed position
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
The isometric function of the 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 position of the foot.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Musculus extensor hallucis brevis
ANTAGONIST MUSCLES
The antagonist muscles to the extensor hallucis brevis muscle are:
- Flexor hallucis brevis muscle
- Plantar flexor muscles of the foot, such as the gastrocnemius as well as soleus muscles
COMMON INJURIES
- Tendonitis: Inflammation of the tendons of the extensor hallucis brevis muscle, often caused by overuse as well as repetitive stress.
- Sprains: Injuries to the ligaments of the foot, which can affect the muscle as well as its tendons.
- Stress fractures: Small cracks or breaks in the bones of the foot, which can be associated with excessive stress on the muscle.
EXERCISES
- Toe extension exercises: Activating the extensor hallucis brevis muscle by actively extending the big toe as well as flexing it back.
- Resistance band exercises: Using a resistance band wrapped around the toes as well as performing toe extension against the resistance to strengthen the muscle.
- Towel scrunches: Place a towel on the ground and use the big toe to scrunch the towel toward the heel, engaging the muscle.
STRETCHES
- Toe flexion stretch: Gently pull the big toe backwards to stretch the extensor tendons as well as extensor hallucis brevis muscle.
- Calf stretch: Leaning against a wall with one leg extended behind and 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 and the muscles involved in dorsiflexion.