GENERAL INFORMATION
The dorsal interossei are a group of muscles located in the foot that play a role in controlling the movement of the toes. They are part of the fourth layer of muscles in the foot.
ORIGIN
They originate from specific points within the foot. The origins of the dorsal interossei are as follows:
- Medial three dorsal interossei: Adjacent sides of the metatarsal bones of the foot
- Lateral two dorsal interossei: Lateral sides of the metatarsal bones of the foot
INSERTION POINT
The foot dorsal interossei muscles are inserted at the following point:
- Proximal phalanges (toe bones) of the toes, except for the first (great) toe
MAJOR ARTERIES
The foot dorsal interossei muscles receive their blood supply from various arteries, including:
- Dorsal metatarsal arteries: These arteries branch from the dorsalis pedis artery as well as provide blood supply to the dorsal aspect of the foot, including them.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The foot dorsal interossei muscles are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, which is a branch of the tibial nerve.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points and localised areas of muscle tension and sensitivity can develop in the dorsal interossei muscles due to various factors such as overuse, muscle imbalances, as well as trauma. These trigger points can cause pain and discomfort in the foot.
CONCENTRIC FUNCTION
The foot dorsal interossei muscles function concentrically when they contract to actively adduct the toes, bringing them closer together toward the midline of the foot.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The foot dorsal interossei muscles also function eccentrically to control the movement as well as decelerate forces acting on the foot during toe abduction, which is the movement of spreading the toes away from the midline of the foot.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric contractions of the foot dorsal interossei muscles occur when the muscles generate force without changing their length. These contractions help provide stability to the foot during weight-bearing activities.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
Other muscles related to the dorsal interossei include:
- Dorsal interossei: Musculi interossei dorsales
ANTAGONIST
The antagonist muscles to the dorsal interossei are:
- Plantar interossei: The plantar interossei muscles act as antagonists to the dorsal interossei muscles. They function to abduct the toes, moving them away from the midline of the foot.
COMMON INJURIES
Common injuries or conditions associated with the foot dorsal interossei muscles include:
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching as well as tearing of the dorsal interossei muscles due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons associated with the dorsal interossei muscles, also caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
EXERCISES
Exercises that target the foot dorsal interossei muscles include:
- Toe adduction exercises: Sit on a chair and place a small ball as well as a towel between your toes. Squeeze your toes together, targeting the dorsal interossei muscles.
- Resistance band toe adduction: Sit on a chair as well as loop a resistance band around your toes. Pull your toes together against the resistance, targeting the dorsal interossei muscles.
- Single-leg balance with toe adduction: Stand on one leg as well as focus on maintaining balance while engaging these muscles to adduct the toes toward the midline of the foot.
STRETCHES
Stretches that can help stretch the dorsal interossei muscles include:
- Toe abduction stretch: Sit on a chair as well as cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Gently pull your toes apart, stretching the dorsal interossei muscles.
- Toe adduction stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Gently pull your toes together, stretching the dorsal interossei muscles.