Extensor Hallucis Brevis

General information

Extensor hallucis brevis is a short muscle in the dorsum of the foot, and with the extensor digitorum brevis, it forms the dorsal foot muscles group.

Literal meaning

The short muscle that straightens the big toe.

Interesting information

Occasionally, the fibres of these two muscles come together and fuse, to make a single muscle which performs toe extension.

Origin

Superolateral surface of calcaneus bone.

Insertion

Proximal phalanx of great toe.

Function 

1st Metatarsophalangeal joint: Toe extension.

Nerve supply

Deep fibular/peroneal nerve (S1, S2).

Blood supply

Dorsal artery of foot.

Relevant research

Not applicable.

Extensor hallucis brevis exercises

Strengthening:

Big toe extension band

Place a resistance band around the big toe and pull your toe in an upwards direction.

Stretching:

Big toe stretch

Place the big toe over the edge of a step and lower the foot down to bend your big toe in the upwards direction and then hold the stretch.