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
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle 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:
- Medial side of the middle phalanges of the four lesser toes (second to fifth toes)
MAJOR ARTERIES
The flexor digitorum 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 digitorum brevis muscle.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle 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 the flexor digitorum brevis muscle due to various factors such as overuse, muscle imbalances, or trauma. These trigger points can cause pain and discomfort in the foot, often referred to as 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 of the foot.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The flexor digitorum brevis muscle also functions eccentrically to control the movement and decelerate forces acting on the foot during toe extension, which is the movement of lifting the toes up away from the ground.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric contractions of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle occur when the muscle generates force without changing its length. The flexor digitorum brevis muscle helps provide stability to the foot during weight-bearing activities.
RELATED MUSCLE SCIENTIFIC NAMES
- Flexor digitorum brevis: Musculus flexor digitorum brevis
ANTAGONIST
- Extensor digitorum longus: The extensor digitorum longus muscle acts as an antagonist to the flexor digitorum brevis muscle. It functions to extend the toes and lift them up away from the sole of the foot.
COMMON INJURIES
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching or tearing of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle, 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 activation of the flexor digitorum brevis muscle.
- Resistance band toe flexion: Sit on a chair and loop a resistance band around your toes. Flex your toes against the resistance of the band, focusing on activating the flexor digitorum brevis 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 flexor digitorum brevis 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 flexor digitorum brevis muscle.
- Plantar fascia stretch: Sit on a chair and place the affected foot over the opposite thigh. Using your hand, pull your toes back, stretching the plantar fascia and indirectly stretching the flexor digitorum brevis muscle.