GENERAL INFORMATION
The foot plantar 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
The muscles originate from specific points within the foot. The origins of the plantar interossei are as follows:
- Medial three plantar interossei: Medial sides of the metatarsal bones of the foot
- Lateral two plantar interossei: Lateral sides of the metatarsal bones of the foot
INSERTION POINT
The foot plantar interossei muscles are inserted at the following points:
- Proximal phalanges (toe bones) of the toes, except for the first (great) toe
MAJOR ARTERIES
The foot plantar interossei muscles receive their blood supply from various arteries, including:
- Plantar metatarsal arteries: These arteries branch from the lateral and medial plantar arteries as well as provide blood supply to the plantar aspect of the foot, including the plantar interossei muscles.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The foot plantar interossei muscles are innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, which is a branch of the tibial nerve.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points, as well as localized areas of muscle tension as well as sensitivity, can develop in the plantar interossei muscles 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 foot plantar interossei muscles function concentrically when they contract to actively adduct the toes, bringing them closer together toward the midline of the foot.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
These 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 these 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 foot plantar interossei include:
- Plantar interossei: Musculi interossei plantares
ANTAGONIST
The antagonist muscles to the foot plantar interossei are:
- Dorsal interossei: The dorsal interossei muscles act as antagonists to the plantar 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 plantar interossei muscles include:
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching or tearing of the plantar interossei muscles due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendons associated with the plantar interossei muscles, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
EXERCISES
Exercises that target the plantar interossei muscles include:
- Toe adduction exercises: Sit on a chair and place a small ball or towel between your toes. Squeeze your toes together, targeting the plantar interossei muscles.
- Resistance band toe adduction: Sit on a chair and loop a resistance band around your toes. Pull your toes together against the resistance, targeting the plantar interossei muscles.
- Single-leg balance with toe adduction: Stand on one leg and focus on maintaining balance while engaging the plantar interossei muscles to adduct the toes toward the midline of the foot.
STRETCHES
Stretches that can help stretch the plantar interossei muscles include:
- Toe abduction stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Gently pull your toes apart, stretching the plantar interossei muscles.
- Toe adduction stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Gently pull your toes together, stretching the plantar interossei muscles.