GENERAL INFORMATION
The foot quadratus plantae is a muscle located in the foot that plays an important role in maintaining foot stability, controlling toe movements, and assisting in weight-bearing activities. It is part of the second layer of muscles in the foot.
ORIGIN
The foot quadratus plantae muscle originates from specific points within the foot. The origin of the quadratus plantae is as follows:
- Medial and lateral sides of the calcaneus (heel bone)
INSERTION POINT
The foot quadratus plantae muscle inserts at the following points:
- Flexor digitorum longus tendon (lies deep to it)
- Tendon of flexor digitorum brevis (medial part)
MAJOR ARTERIES
The quadratus plantae muscle 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, including the quadratus plantae muscle.
NEURAL INNERVATION
The foot quadratus plantae muscle is innervated by the lateral plantar nerve, which is a branch of the tibial nerve.
TRIGGER POINT
Trigger points, or localised areas of muscle tension as well as sensitivity, can develop in the quadratus plantae 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 foot quadratus plantae muscle functions concentrically when it contracts to actively assist in flexing the toes and stabilising the foot during weight-bearing activities.
ECCENTRIC FUNCTION
The quadratus plantae muscle also functions eccentrically to control the movement as well as decelerate forces acting on the foot during toe extension as well as foot pronation.
ISOMETRIC FUNCTION
Isometric contractions of the foot quadratus plantae muscle 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 quadratus plantae include:
- Quadratus plantae: Musculus quadratus plantae
ANTAGONIST
The antagonist muscle to the foot quadratus plantae is:
- Extensor digitorum longus: The extensor digitorum longus muscle acts as an antagonist to the quadratus plantae muscle. It functions to extend the toes as well as lift them up away from the sole of the foot.
COMMON INJURIES
Common injuries or conditions associated with the foot quadratus plantae muscle include:
- Strains or sprains: Overstretching or tearing of the quadratus plantae muscle due to excessive force or trauma.
- Tendinitis: Inflammation of the tendon of the quadratus plantae muscle, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain.
EXERCISES
Exercises that target the quadratus plantae muscle include:
- Toe flexion exercises: Sit on a chair and place a resistance band around your toes. Flex your toes against the resistance, activating the quadratus plantae muscle.
- Toe curls with a towel: Place a towel on the floor as well as use your toes to scrunch and pull the towel toward you, emphasising the activation of the quadratus plantae muscle.
- Single-leg balance: Stand on one leg and focus on maintaining balance while engaging the quadratus plantae muscle to stabilise the foot.
STRETCHES
Stretches that can help stretch the quadratus plantae muscle include:
- Toe extension stretch: Sit on a chair and cross one leg over the opposite thigh. Gently pull your toes back toward your shin, stretching the quadratus plantae muscle.
- Plantar fascia stretch: Sit on a chair as well as place the affected foot over the opposite thigh. Using your hand, pull your toes back, stretching the plantar fascia and indirectly stretching the quadratus plantae muscle.